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TORI O'CONNELL
Tori O'Connell
Hey Mama Darling

I'm Tori and a proud wife to my college sweetheart & mama of two beautiful girls. We live in the Midwest with our pup, Charlotte. I created Hey Mama Darling to journal the journey of motherhood with its rewarding highs and challenging lows. I'm equally passionate about all things home decor and fashion. My hope is that Hey Mama Darling sparks joy in your life in some way today!

sincerely, tori

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What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

We are un-complicating what to pack in a labor & delivery hospital bag. We are taking it back to the essentials, adding new must-have products, and talking relaxation and confidence in the delivery room.


Did she just use "relax" and "delivery room" in the same sentence?!


Unpopular opinion, but, yes, yes I did!

I've had two successful natural & unmediated births myself, and while that DOES NOT make me an expert, I do feel confident in saying:

  1. Educating yourself on what delivery generally looks like for you

  2. Practicing a certain mindset and calming techniques prior to delivery

  3. Feeling prepared and successfully packed

..DOES contribute to the positive birthing experience you are wanting, unmedicated or not.


This will help you relax during delivery and be confident in the choices you are making during and after labor.

**NOTE: There are so many books I love that go into the nitty gritty of the anatomy of delivery: physically, mentally, and medically. I'll be sharing those and more labor prep resources in the future! Subscribe to be the first to know when that post and all new posts are released.



The 10 essentials to pack in your hospital bag:

#10 - Cheap Nursing Bra (Qty:1)

Whether you choose a vaginal birth, water birth, or c-section for your birth plan, be prepared for delivery day with this seamless nursing bralette. It's very likely that whatever you wear (if you choose to wear anything) during labor and delivery will get wet or messy. Don't wear your nice bra.


Whether you plan to breastfeed your baby or not, I would say buy a nursing bra and wear it on d-day. Delivery is such a magical, life-changing experience and you may change your feelings about nursing your baby even if you previously decided not to breastfeed. As a breastfeeding advocate, I would say just try it out. If you hate it, then that's perfectly fine. You tried it. However, you may also find something magical in it.






#9 - Warm Cozy Robe

You can go the mom & baby matching route instead of a warm robe except it's not realistic in my opinion. I would not say a matching robe set would be "essential," but it would be cute for pictures after delivery! You'll definitely want a warm robe for labor because (as I've stated above) you likely won't be wearing much for clothes to keep you warm. Bringing a thin robe will not be suffice especially if you plan to labor partially in the tub. Your body is not able to equilibrate your body temperature as well as it normally would.






#8 - Non-Slip Socks or Slippers (Qty: 2-3)

So you don't fall. BOMBAS are reliable and worth every penny to keep you safe.





#7 - Going Home Outfit

You can still be cute and realistic on what you'll wear home. These exact Blanqi Postpartum Leggings will provide you support where you need it. Consider sizing up as these are (rightly so) snug.




Personally, I like to wear underwear over the hospital underwear when going home. It makes me feel more human I guess! These bamboo underwear are so incredible soft and gentle and low v-cut would be great for those who may experience a c-section, however, the design is made to accommodate pregnancy as well.


CODE: TORI20

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#6 - Belly Wrap

The reality is that pregnancy creates a temporary gap between our abdominal walls, and when baby is out, your abs will be retrieving muscle memory and your internal organs will be repositioning themselves. You need support. Period. You can continue to wear it daily and slowly wean off until you feel recovered strength in your abdominals. You'll also find less back pain when using this method from the extra support.





#5 - Nursing Bras (Qty: 2)

After delivery and in the recovery room, invest in the best nursing bras! When looking for a nursing bra, you need to be sure it's not restricting (if you're a big chested lady like me it's hard to not go with really tight & supportive bras, but trust me on this one because it will help prevent mastitis and clogged milk ducts), be sure it's safe material for baby, be sure it's comfortable, and be sure it's easy to use. Kindred Bravely by far has the best nursing bras - hands down.



CODE: TORI20

for 20% off



#4 - Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow

I put this down for mom's hospital bag because it's more of a convenience to you than baby. This is a much safer option than using hospital pillows to prop up baby. Stores small. Great for travel.





#3 - Nipple Care & "Down There" Care

The hospital should supply you generic nipple cream - you don't need to pack it - but I highly recommend asking for the prescribed nipple cream (also called medicated nipple cream). They won't always offer it, but I would recommend asking for it. You'll thank yourself later on week 2 of breastfeeding! That being said, you may also want to consider bringing these little gems: Lansinoh Soothies for sore breastfeeding nipples. My runners can relate to this I think.. it's kind of like "second skin" used to protect foot blisters.. you know what I mean? PRO TIP: place in the refrigerator for extra soothing comfort.




Likewise, almost all of your down-there care will be provided by the hospital. They should have vaginal ice packs for you. This is something you'll want to ask your provider before d-day. If they don't, buy Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pad . You'll also want to bring extra Frida Mom Perineal Witch Hazel Wipes . Witch hazel is great for healing tears or episiotomy. Lastly, if you want to upgrade your peri bottle to an "upside down" versions, bring the Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle . PRO TIP: combine a tablespoon or two of liquid witch hazel and warm water to your peri bottle, shake and use.


Click images to shop:



#2 - Breast Pump

Insurance usually covers a new breast pump per pregnancy. I personally love Spectra, but there are many great options out there. Please, do yourself a favor and bring your pump with you. This is the best time to ask questions about how to use it.


#1 - Cotton Button-up PJs (Qty: 2)

If you walk away with anything today, it's these button up pajamas! They are the #1 essential hospital bag item. You'll be living in PJs in recovery! Choose button-ups for easy nursing. You'll be tired, so this will be a huge treat to yourself with how easy nursing will be. Choose cotton because it's a safe & soft quality material. The softest button-up PJs on a budget are Stars Above from Target. Choose a dark color just in case you bleed through your hospital underwear.




Honorable Mentions:

  • Protein bars

  • Water bottle

  • Phone charger

  • Makeup/toiletries


Husband or S/O Essentials:

  • Pillow and blanket (the couches are not comfortable to sleep on)

  • Water bottle

  • Snacks (usually more meals will be included for you, not him)

  • A positive & helpful attitude

What to Pack for Baby:


Final Words:

Preparation does contribute to your overall experience. My wish for you is you found this blog un-complicated and helpful when preparing for your labor & delivery. Ask your provider what products they offer so you don't have to haul it in and add it to your birth plan. Start to get comfortable saying "no" "I don't understand" or "can you tell me more about."


And remember, this experience is YOURS, so never apologize for following your intuition, asking questions, or saying no.

Hospital Bag Essentials

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2 Comments


siouxlandfamiliesblog
Apr 26, 2022

Great ideas! I personally couldn't handle any kind of waistband the first week or two after my c section, so I suggest moms who know they'll be going that route, consider substituting a nursing nightgown, and a comfy, nursing-friendly maxi dress to wear home, for the leggings and button front pajamas. But I have heard even a lot of fellow c-section moms are less sensitive to that than me! I think a lot of it just has to do with where the seams end up hitting.

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heymamadarling
heymamadarling
Apr 26, 2022
Replying to

Thank you so much for sharing your insights! This is really helpful information.


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sincerely, Tori

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