Mia has been an L&D nurse for over 7 years, receiving her BSN at Arkansas Tech University in 2014. ATU is where she met her husband, Cody, and they have been happily married for 6 years now. They have called Texarkana home since 2018 and welcomed their son, Fletcher, in September 2021. They also have two labradors, Chief and Champ, that keep them on their toes!

The Details on Your “Go-bag”

Hi fellow fit mamas! I am so honored to be on the blog this month and share all of my “go-bag” tips from the perspective of a mom and L&D nurse! I get it - what in the world do you pack for a hospital stay? What’s too much or too little? When should you pack?! From the items you need that didn’t even cross your mind, to the items the hospital provides for you - I am here to make your packing process a breeze! Let’s check this one off your to-do list, mama!

The hospital is going to provide so many items for you! You’ll get charged for them so use them!! Some items that you can leave at home for later - diapers, wipes, formula, pacifier, newborn brush, newborn soap, nipple shield, breast pump (!!!), mesh panties, large pads, peri wash bottle, witch hazel pads, Dermoplast, abdominal binder (c-section mamas), water jug, etc.! Obviously bring your own if that’s what makes you comfortable, but use these items! What you don’t use take home. You are paying for them either way and could donate them to a fellow mama if you don’t want/need them!

Now to the list - here we go!

For Mama:

• Pillow from home! Hospital pillows are possibly the worst and this is a nice comfort for you. Bring an old one that you aren’t sad to part with if it needs to be tossed after delivery.

• Sleep bra - It’s comfy and easy for breastfeeding! Even if you plan on formula feeding you want the comfort of this “bra”.

• Toothbrush/paste - Oral hygiene is still 10/10 here!!!

• Hair tools/makeup - This is very optional! Personally I felt more human after delivery with some light makeup and blow drying my hair after the first shower.

• Face/Body/Hair wash - These will just make you feel brand new!

• LOOFAH - Truly cannot express how much I loved having this in my bag. Not everyone takes a shower at the hospital and that’s totally fine! I had a c-section and had an extended hospital stay, so scrubbing with a loofah in the hospital shower gave me life!! Just toss it when you’re discharged home.

• Towel - Hospital towels are notoriously rough and small.

• Stroller fan - If you don’t have this on your baby registry this is your sign to add it now!! You can get this on Amazon and it is multifunctional! I kept mine wrapped around my hospital bed railing during/post delivery for a little extra air. Then you have it for your baby stroller after you welcome your little one! This is personally a MUST have for me.

• Heating pad - Hospital beds are not cozy and labor is not comfortable. Bring a large heating pad for those back aches!

• Slippers/Shower shoes - Please just don’t walk around a hospital barefoot, okay?

• Cozy/loose fitting PJs and robe - You want something that makes you feel comfortable and is easy to move around in! Pro tip - dark colors in case of stains or a pad leak.

• Roku/Firestick/ IPad - More than likely you are in for a long day/night and may want the distraction! Our Roku plugged right into the hospital TV in our room and we watched Netflix our entire stay. 10/10 recommend this!

• Snacks - Maybe the most important thing on your list because for real hospital vending machines are a ripoff and never have what you want. Pack a bag with some of your favorite snacks for postpartum! Most hospital cafeterias have strange hours and you’re guaranteed to crave some food in the middle of the night. Bring ALL the snacks!!

• Tripod and Bluetooth speaker - These two items are last and together because they are not a necessity by any means, but some people are grateful to have them! Tripod for those sweet first family photos if you want to capture them on your own. You can get one on Amazon with a Bluetooth remote that holds your iPhone! Bluetooth speaker can also be nice for some background noise.

For Dad:

• Pillow

• Slippers/Shower shoes

• Toothbrush

• Blanket

• Lounge pants/shirt

• Charger/Extension cord

• Towel

• Glasses/contacts (if needed)

For Baby:

• Swaddle

• Going home outfit

• Newborn hat/bow - This will be provided to you if you do not want to bring your own!

• First photo outfit

• Pacifier - Totally optional! Most hospitals can provide this to you on request, however every baby is different and may want a different type. You may not even want one for your little babe and that’s cool, too!

Okay, looking at this list can be a tiny bit overwhelming. But there it is all laid out for you! Last two tips - pack your bag with packing cubes and bring a goodie basket for your nurses. Packing cubes can be found on Amazon and help to keep everyone’s items organized (ex: cube for mom, cube for dad, etc.)! The goodie basket can be as simple as a dozen donuts or cookie tray from the grocery store. The appreciation felt by the nurses when we receive a thank you is more than enough, too!

Follow these tips and you’re packed for your labor and delivery experience! Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy delivery, mama, and baby!

With love,

Mia Ray, BSN, RN