So, I managed to pack our hospital bags just in time for my delivery and I was thrilled to have several of the items for my labor and delivery. I did a pretty good job of not over- or under-packing. However, there were a few specific items that I ended up being VERY grateful to have during my postpartum hospital stay. Here's my must-haves:
1. Lansinoh Hpa Lanolin For Breastfeeding Mothers – Part of my struggle with breastfeeding was Melly's latch – which ended up creating open sores on my nipples. AND THEY HURT. One of the lactation consultants gave me a sample of this nipple cream and it was amazing! It not only healed my sores but soothed them, too.
2. Starbucks 16 Ounce Tumbler – This was on my labor and delivery list and it was SO GREAT that it's on my postpartum hospital stay list, too. I drank water like a maniac after giving birth and this kept the water ice cold. Also, since it was clear, the nurses could see when it was getting low and always offered to fill it for me. The lazy ass in me LOVED not having to schlep down the hall every time I wanted it filled.
3. Maternity Yoga Pants – After you give birth, your belly looks… well, still really pregnant. So pack some maternity yoga pants. I paired mine with a nursing tank while in the hospital and a wrap top for when I was going home. Very comfortable and bloated, flabby belly forgiving.
4. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm – My lips were SUPER dry after giving birth. I have sworn by Burt's Bees for over a decade now and it didn't fail me.
5. Boppy Pillow – I didn't bring this to the hospital and had to make an emergency plea to my mother-in-law to bring it to me. See, SAMMC had loads of pillows for me but they were all very, very soft and feathery AND total bitch to try and nurse on. Enter le Boppy Pillow.
6. Nursing Bra Basic Tank – I seriously wore one without a bra the whole time I was in the hospital. Since Melanie and I struggled with breastfeeding, the last I needed to do was mess with a bra AND a top. These nursing tanks were easy to open and close and very comfortable.
7. Le Crappy Blue Blanket (or your chosen security item) – Listen, don't judge me but I have a security balnket. It is blue. It is nasty. It is mine. I have had this blanket mailed to me after leaving it in a hotel room. I have refused to spend the night away from my home because I did not have it. I love it unabashedly and unashamed. I was SO happy to have it with me during my hospital stay. I removed every other blanket off my bed and only used this one.
What were your hospital stay must haves?