My Must Haves For The Hospital {Before + After Childbirth}

*Mommy's Obsessions has featured each of these brands on the blog previously, however we have not been compensated by any of the brands mentioned for this specific post. This post may include affiliate links.*

As many of you may be aware, our precious little man arrived on October 18th. He is an absolute joy, breastfeeding like a champion and sleeping like a baby (pun intended). I was so anxious for his arrival that I will admit that I packed my hospital bag way earlier than necessary, especially since this little guy only came one day early, but I found that the items I had packed worked out absolutely perfectly. I was a little worried that some of them wouldn't have been used and I would have found them unnecessary during our 24-48 stay, but much to my surprise I used every single thing that I packed!

I tend to be a bit of an over packer but if I had to do it over again, there are a handful of items that I would not want to be without!

1. A Comfortable Nightgown

I purchased two nightgowns (or long tee shirts essentially) ahead of time at Target because I knew I would want to be as comfortable as possible not only during my hospital stay after baby, but during labor as well. Why spend a ton of money on a birthing gown that you'll only wear once or wear the scratchy uncomfortable ones that the hospital loans you, when you could get a fairly inexpensive nightgown from Target or another similar store? I think I paid about $12 for each nightgown and I was extremely comfortable during labor and after my little guy was here!

2. Milkin' Cookies Lactation Cookies

If you're planning on breastfeeding, I highly recommend Milkin' Cookies. I had supply issues with my first son so I made sure that a few of my Milkin' Cookies were packed in my hospital bag when we headed out. I brought one for each day I thought we would be there and I can't even tell you how helpful they were. Although my milk took about 5 days to come in, when it finally arrived it was plentiful which is more than I can say with my first son. I ate a delicious cookie daily for about 10 days and my supply has been perfect! 

3. A Cozy Blanket
Bring your favorite blanket from home or go splurge on a new one because there is nothing quite like a soft and cozy blanket to comfort you while you're in a "foreign" place. I brought my favorite blanket with me and cuddled with it as I labored, and I was so grateful to have it after we were transferred to the maternity ward. Not only did it keep me and baby snuggly, but it was a familiar and comfortable piece of home to have while we were away.

4. Bamboobies Brahhh
This bra is my favorite nursing bra so far, hands down. It's comfortable, easy to pull to the side to nurse in, and was super comfortable to wear even before baby was here. I wore this bra under my nightgown the whole time I labored and when it came time for delivery, I took off my night gown and only wore my Bamboobies Brahhh. It allowed me to move freely and when it came time for skin to skin, it was perfect. Since having my little guy I have pretty much lived in the two Bamboobies Brahhh's that I have!

5. Undercover Mama Nursing Tanks
Hands down, best nursing tank top ever. I was lucky enough to receive a couple via the blog, but I also placed an order for two more tanks as well! They're extremely comfortable and I love that they can be worn with whatever nursing bra I choose to pair it with. While in the hospital they allowed me to be comfortable and easily nurse my little guy when it was time. Not to mention they're super cute (I'm very partial to the lace!).

6. Bamboobies Boob Ease Organic Nipple Balm
One word. Lifesaver. Breastfeeding is hard and the first couple of weeks hurt like crazy. I would have probably of given up on breastfeeding if it wasn't for this nipple balm. It coats your nipples giving them a protective barrier during the time that you're not nursing, and when it comes time to feed baby you don't have to worry about washing it off because the ingredients are all natural and organic. My favorite part about the Bamboobies Organic Nipple Balm - you can read and know what every single ingredient is!

7. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
With my first son, I had a nursing pillow and I absolutely hated it. When I decided to bring the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow with me to the hospital I was skeptical on if I would actually use it but in reality, I fell in love with it. It's fully adjustable, has a large area for baby and your arm to lay, and the extra pocket is super convenient for storing your nipple balm, a snack, or whatever else you may need!

8. Pink Lemonade Shop Postpartum Pads*
As many of you may know I am very pro-cloth, but one of the biggest things I was the most grateful for during my hospital stay was my Pink Lemonade Shop Postpartum pads. The first overnight stay I wore the giant (scratchy, uncomfortable, papery) disposable pads and absolutely hated them. The next morning I changed into my Pink Lemonade Shop pad and it was a world of difference. I was more comfortable and seemed to be less irritable despite my lack of sleep. Having the soft, more fitting to your body pad down there instead of the horribly huge disposable was a night and day experience. Even if you aren't a cloth pad "person", cloth postpartum pads is a must for a comfortable recovery!

*Mommy's Obsessions has featured each of these brands on the blog previously, however we have not been compensated by any of the brands mentioned for this specific post. Links that have an asterisk next to them are affiliate links and a portion of sales are given back to Mommy's Obsessions. 

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