Hospital & Postpartum Must haves

The hospital and postpartum items I'm so glad I had and the ones I could've done without.

Keep in mind, what I liked for my experience may not be what you need for yours! This is simply to help give you some ideas.

I did A TON of research pre-birth on items. Like, A TON. There are so many Pinterest lists and blogs that dive into all the products you'll need for the hospital and postpartum, it's a bit overwhelming and personally, I didn't need half of them. Below find the breakdown of my favorites and least used.
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What was in my hospital bag that I'm so glad I brought? (I did pack for at least 4 days - with a c-section you typically will be in the hospital 3-4 days)

1. Portable Fan: Originally this was purchased for Gray's stroller but worked great for when I was sweating in recovery and the first few hours we were in our actual room. I just wrapped around the hospital bed and it was a lifesaver.
2. Nightgown: I brought 2, really only needed 1 but I am so glad I had these. There was no better feeling than "getting dressed" and out of that hospital gown on Wednesday. Nightgown was ideal so there wasn't a waistband on the incision.
3. Extra-long phone chargers: there was literally one plug in, behind my bed. The extra-long cord was clutch and this one works great.
4. Blankets & Pillows: I packed both Kylie and I our own blankets and pillows. So much better than the hospital ones! 
5. Sports bra: This is just necessary. I brought my favorite sports bras from Target.
6. For Gray: We did bring a few of our own swaddles, onesies, his "picture" outfit, and going home outfit. Very glad we had a few of his own items as he kept wriggling out of the blanket swaddle and the little shirt they gave us he peed on immediately. 
7. Slippers: Must have for getting up and walking around the floor. These are so comfy.
8. Skin care/Deodorant/Dry Shampoo/Toothbrush: Loved being able to wash my face, put some lotion on, and feel a little more like myself. Don't forget the hair ties!
9. Cardigan: I didn't initially pack this but was 100% necessary. Our hospital room was cold and I wanted something to feel cozy in. This one from Amazon is amazing - I wear all the time.
10. Compression Socks: I wasn't sure if I'd use these but post-surgery I was retaining a lot of fluid in my feet and ankles. These helped a ton!
11. My going home outfit: flowy maxi-dress for the win! Target always has the best! 

What was in my hospital bag we didn't use?

1. Roku: saw tons of lists/blogs share this and our TV didn't work with one
2. Any postpartum items: my hospital (and most) have everything you need
3. Belly band: I couldn't even imagine putting this on in the hospital. No thanks. I even tried wearing it a few times once I got home and it irritated my incision more than it helped my belly.
4. Underwear: Didn't change out of the "diapers" until I got home.
5. Make-up: Honestly, I was far too exhausted to care and take the time to do this.

Postpartum Items I Loved

1. FridaMom Boy Briefs: I LOVED these for those first few days out of the hospital. So comfy, came way over my incision, and honestly just like wearing a pair of shorts around the house. They actually came in the postpartum kit but you can buy just the briefs separately.
2. FridaMom Peri Bottle: If you didn't know, you do still bleed after a c-section. The Peri Bottle makes life so much easier.
3. Rael Pads: I don't think this needs an explanation but, these are my favorite Organic pads. They have a ton to fit as your bleeding decreases.
4. Wedge Pillow: This was incredibly helpful the first 2 weeks as my abdomen was healing. 
5. High-waisted underwear: Loved these when I was ready to move on from the Boy Briefs but still needed to be careful of my incision.
6. A few new outfits to feel good in as your belly shrinks back down! Here were my favorite pieces:
   oversized graphic tee
   biker shorts - Lulu Align dupe 
   athletic dress 
   peplum top
   cotton romper - I ended up buying 4 colors 
   jumpsuit - there a tons of flowy jumpsuits on Amazon perfect for that postpartum "bump"

Postpartum Passes

1. FridaMom PostPartum Kit: This is truly built for those mom's having a vaginal delivery. Literally only used the briefs out of it. Peri-Bottle is purchased separate.
2. ScarAway: I kept seeing this on posts that mentioned c-sections. I may start to use these now but my doctor didn't want anything on my incision as it healed so definitely didn't need to purchase right away. 

Next time, I'll only be bringing the essentials from my favorites above. I hope this helps any of you ladies out there expecting! 

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