Vimol Mok

Preparing for the arrival of your little one is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey. One crucial step in this adventure is packing your hospital bag, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free experience during labor and delivery. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, having a comprehensive hospital bag checklist can make all the difference in easing your mind and helping you feel prepared for the big day. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the must-have essentials and a few extra goodies to ensure you’re ready to welcome your bundle of joy into the world with confidence.

Mom

• Pillows
• Comfortable clothes
• Slippers
• Personal care (shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, deodorant)
• Towel
• Water bottle
• Relaxing music playlist
• Going home outfits
• Nutrients-rich snacks
• Stress balls
• Journal
• Camera

Baby 

• Car seat
• Blankets (thick & thin)
• Swaddles
• Newborn diapers, wipes, & diaper cream
• Newborn outfits
• Hats & socks
• Newborn pacifiers
• Newborn formula
• Sterilized Bottles & nipples
• Sound machine
• Body wash, shampoo, and lotions
• Diaper bag

As you pack your hospital bag, remember to include the essentials and a few personal touches. This will help you feel prepared and focused on welcoming your new baby. Every birth experience is unique, so customize your bag to fit your needs. Take a deep breath, trust your preparations, and get ready for this exciting journey.

Why Breastfeeding Is Best?

For both my baby and me, breastfeeding is truly invaluable. Here’s why:

Enhanced Immunity: By providing a boost to my baby’s immune system, breastfeeding sets the foundation for a healthier future.

Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Breast milk boasts over 200 essential ingredients, making it the healthiest nourishment for my little one.

Defense Against Infections: A natural shield, it safeguards my baby from infections and supports wholesome growth and development.

Ultimate Convenience: Direct breastfeeding means no hassle with bottle prep or cleaning—less to carry, always at the perfect temperature, and ready whenever needed.

Cost-Free Blessing: Beyond its health benefits, it’s a budget-friendly choice, adding to the joy of motherhood. You not only reduce the cost of purchasing formula, but also reduce the baby gears needed such as baby bottles and nipples.

Bonding: Breastfeeding fosters a beautiful bond between my baby and me, creating precious moments of connection.

What Do You Need?

1. Lactation Support for Mom

Lactation support is crucial for a successful breastfeeding journey. It’s essential to prioritize nutrition to ensure both the health of the newborn and the well-being of the mother. Proper nutrition during the first few weeks is vital for quick recovery, restoring energy, and supporting lactation. Your body is undergoing significant changes, so fueling it with nutrient-rich food is imperative.

Food: Incorporate nourishing foods such as soups, sweet potatoes, green vegetables, and bone broth to promote a healthy mother and baby. To make it more enjoyable, consider alternatives like homemade lactation cookies. Ingredients that are particularly beneficial include oatmeal and nuts.

Drink: Support your breastfeeding journey with essential items such as lactation tea, homemade lactation cookies, and a nutritious diet. These items provide the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy milk supply and keep you energized.

2. Nursing Pillow

It may sound simple and some people (like me) may neglect it at first, but it did help a lot. I personally wanted to stay as minimalist as possible with fewer gears. I didn’t want to invest in one or even include it in my baby shower registry, as I thought I might be able to get away with using a regular pillow. While learning and exploring ways to sit properly in a comfortable position at home on a regular couch or bed, and using a regular pillow instead of a well-designed, ergonomically correct nursing pillow, the struggle was real. I suffered from back pain, neck pain, in addition to carpal tunnel syndrome.

I finally borrowed one from my cousin (which ended up with me). It made a huge difference. The one that I used had a flat surface with a little bump to support the baby’s head and neck, and it had a clip around the waist to prevent it from sliding off. It ended up being one of the most used items throughout my breastfeeding journey until my baby grew out of it.

3. Nursing Chair

The nursing chair was also one of the items that I neglected at first but found to be one of the most used items as a breastfeeding mom. Since you will be spending a significant amount of time in it, opt for an ergonomic nursing chair to support comfortable breastfeeding sessions for both mom and baby. In addition, be sure to elevate your feet to a comfortable position so you are not slouching down for long periods of time. The proper position is to be able to relax and bring the baby to the ideal position for breastfeeding instead of leaning forward.

A rocking chair is also a great addition as it helps the baby sleep. You may find yourself sitting a lot during each breastfeeding session, so a little movement can bring comfort not just during breastfeeding sessions but also for relaxing. And of course, a rocking chair is very versatile as it is not only for breastfeeding but also for reading or any relaxing moments as an addition to the bedroom or living room.

4. Nursing Cover

A nursing cover can be optional. It is meant to protect your privacy, and there are many styles to choose from. Explore online options for nursing covers that suit your needs and comfort. Some have a string attached to the neck, resembling an apron but with a curved opening so you can see your baby’s face, while others are stretchy. Personally, I tried a few different styles I got online; however, my favorite is a regular Muslin blanket. They are very light and breathable. Because they are regular blankets, they are very versatile as I can use them as a blanket, stroller cover on a sunny day, or even to dry off any spilled liquid.

5. Sleep

Getting enough sleep is vital for breastfeeding moms as it aids in physical recovery post-childbirth, supports milk production, and boosts energy levels. Adequate rest helps regulate hormones necessary for a healthy milk supply and maintains cognitive functions like memory and concentration, which are crucial for caring for a newborn.

Additionally, proper sleep positively impacts emotional health, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. It enhances mood stability and overall well-being, enabling mothers to better cope with the demands of new motherhood. Prioritizing sleep ultimately benefits both the mother and her baby, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable breastfeeding journey.

6. Breast Pump

In addition to breastfeeding directly, a breast pump offers alternative solutions for many reasons:

• Give your body a break: Your nipples can be sore (especially at the beginning or when not done properly). In the beginning, both you and your baby are learning the way to breastfeed, which may result in accidents like bites. Whenever you need a break, a breast pump is a great option, ensuring your baby gets the nutrients from milk even when not breastfeeding directly.
• Could help milk production: For those who have challenges at the beginning, it is always good to keep up. Regular pumping can help your body produce milk when you struggle at the start. However, please be sure to consult your lactation specialist for more details that suit your situation and needs.
• Save for later: You can store the milk for later use. It can last up to 4 days in the fridge or 6-12 months in the freezer if stored properly. Be sure to write down the date on the bottles and breast milk freezing bags, and always check the quality before feeding.
• You can get support on feeding: Breastfeeding takes a lot of time, and babies may wake up more often than formula-fed babies. This is not always a bad thing, as babies digest breast milk faster than formula (which means their bodies absorb more nutrients), but it is more work for moms. Therefore, whenever support is available, be sure to get help and take breaks if circumstances allow. Let fathers or other supporters take over feeding sometimes when you need rest.

7. Emergency Formula

You might wonder why formula is included in the list. Sometimes, unexpected situations can arise. Personally, I experienced a lack of milk in the first few days, which can be scary and worrisome, especially for new moms. Our bodies are different—some may produce more milk than others, while some may need extra support. I was fortunate to have stored emergency formula both at the hospital and at home. The ready-to-drink milk samples that we had were a lifesaver. Knowing my baby was getting the necessary nutrients allowed me to sleep peacefully as my body adjusted, recovered, and produced milk.

Even if your baby is exclusively breastfed, having emergency formula on hand is essential as a backup. Lactation can present challenges, and having formula available can provide much-needed support in unexpected situations. Consulting a lactation specialist is always an option, but sometimes taking a break and relying on emergency formula can help you get through those tough moments.