Whats In My Hospital Bag? Tips from an experienced mommy!

It's finally here..
The long awaited hospital bag post!
It just so happens that our little guy is finally here too, so I'm writing this post today as "an experienced mommy;" having dredged through the depths of the maternity ward and back ;) 

So without further ado, here's "What's in My Hospital Bag", and a few tips on what I learned while spending 3 long days in the hospital :) 

I literally agonized for weeks over what to pack in my hospital bag. I researched, I asked friends, I added things and took things out. In the end, I didn't use a lot of what I packed. So I've consolidated this post down to what I actually used while in the hospital :) 

 My absolute MUST HAVE clothing items included a soft and stylish birthing gown (This was so much more comfortable than the smock they give you in the hospital, and much cuter!) and comfy maternity/nursing pajamas for recovery. (I could live in these Bela Bum Bum pjs from Cloud Nine Pajamas! they are butter soft and so convenient for nursing)
I packed my toiletries and makeup in a separate pouch.. and can I just say how thankful I am that I packed my own shampoo/conditioner and soap?! It's the little things ;) 

CLOTHING

1. Bella Blu Maternity BG Birthing Gown in Blueberry Pie (One Size Fits Most)
2. Cloud Nine Pajamas Bela Bum Bum Ikat Nursing Cami & Pant Set (Size M) 
3. Medela Nursing Sleep Bra, Adore Me Nadya Contour Nursing Bra
4. Regular Hanes/Fruit of the Loom Underwear (No thongs, or bikini style!) 
5. Going Home Outfit: Maternity Leggings, Top and Cardigan from Ross 
6. Slippers, Cozy Socks & Flip Flops

TOILETRIES

1. Up & Up Overnight Absorbency Pads
2. Deodorant
3. Ban Refresh Cooling Body Cloths
4. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
5. Antibacterial hand sanitizer
6. Dove Sensitive Skin Soap
7. Travel Size Shampoo & Conditioner
8. Altoids/Breath Mints
9. Toothpaste & Toothbrush
10. Hair Brush
11. Body Spray
12. Sock Bun, Hair Ties

NOT PICTURED -  Makeup: Foundation, concealer, powder, blush, mascara, highlighter, chapstick

I actually gave birth in full makeup haha (yes, I was that crazy pregnant lady running around applying foundation and lipstick while having contractions 3 min apart). My recovery was pretty rough though, and honestly, I didn't worry about applying makeup again for the next 3 days in the hospital. 

Baby's bag should be small and simple, as the hospital will provide the majority of necessities for him/her. For Colton I packed a going home outfit, swaddle blanket, cozy fleece blanket, burp cloths, and Boppy pillow for nursing. Don't bother lugging diapers, wipes, multiple outfits, pacifiers or bottles for your little one, the hospital will provide you with these items.

1. Boppy Nursing Pillow
2. Blanket
3. Going Home Outfit (newborn size onesie, hat) 
4. Burp Cloths
5. Swaddle Blanket

The most important miscellaneous items that I packed were SNACKS! Every hospital is different, but our hospital has to win honors for absolute worst food ever... no seriously. So I was very thankful for little snacks like granola bars, crackers and candy.

• Crackers, granola bars, sugar free hard candy, any other snacks
• Phone Charger
• Camera w/ battery and extra memory card
• Pillow & Blanket from home