Hospital bag: what I packed, what I actually used.
Notes on the embracing soft outfits, the pain gap and gaining control through the items we wear.
A warm, milky welcome to you all, especially the new subscribers. Apologies it’s been slightly more than a hot minute between posts. I just had my second child, Lando, whose preference is to be on me at all times (you can take a peek at him on IG here, but warning, your ovaries may burst at his very sight). He is a dream, and we are both home and well. Now, this edit isn't just for those giving birth (although some items like postpartum nappies may be very niche); it is also for those undergoing surgery, or who just crave soft fashion aka, styles that do not cling to the body.
When I started writing this, I had not yet had my beautiful son. This time around, I opted for a planned c-section due to trauma with my first birth. I felt calm and in-control heading into hospital knowing exactly when and what was happening. This eased my anxiety about childbirth.
I thought I had planned for everything but even the most well-thought-out plans can go pear-shaped. Emotionally, I am still working through what happened following the c-section. Why the doctor on duty dismissed my pain instead of escalating it – then the complications that occurred because of this. I guess this is what they call the pain gap. While I am undoubtedly showing my privilege here, being unheard was something I never thought I would experience in Sydney, Australia, a first-world country with one of the best healthcare systems. And if it can happen to me; white, middle-class, educated, second-time mother – it can happen to anyone. I just want to say I'm sorry to anyone who has felt unheard by the people we put our trust and our lives in their hands. When I am ready, I will speak up on this topic as it may selfishly help me to heal as much as I think it will help others feel less alone. But for now, my delicious newborn and good fashion are welcomed distractions, so let's get on with it...
WHAT I PACKED –
If you are a first-time mother-to-be and currently so dazed and confused as to wtf you actually wear in and home from the hospital, and you can only relax if you wear things that feel and look like you, then this edit will be spot on. If I have learnt anything from both my births, it is that things do not always go as planned. Even if it does, you may still feel out of control in many ways, but one of the simplest things we can do is to thoughtfully fill our hospital bags with comfort items that help us hold onto some form of self and agency over a body that is pure magic, but one you may not recognise.
THE NOT-SO-PRETTY NECESSITIES.
Anything with an * I used.
Postpartum panties* and pads* – for obvious reasons.
Puremama Nipple Butter* (this was gifted but I really like it) – that doubles as a lip balm.
Silverette – which are silver domes that sits over the nipple to soothe and repair damage. Everyone swears by their healing benefits for sore, cracked nipples so I’m trying them for the first time.
Frozen colostrum in a cooler with ice-pack* – I didn’t bother last time but I did regret it. My first son was born at 40+2 and was wide awake, screaming and starving when he came into the world. My milk didn’t come in until day 4 or 5 and I wish I had had some colostrum on hand as a buffer. My midwife gave me some 1ml syringes but you can also buy them cheaply at any chemist.
Water Bottle*, Hydramama*, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding probiotic – a water-bottle is obvious but a water bottle with a hydramama sachet is elite. This was created by an Aussie mum who suffers from HG, and let me tell you when breastfeeding (or in labour) you are incredibly thirsty. These delicious single sachets taste delicious, add back in electrolytes, along with magnesium and vitamin C (which is great if you need to take iron tablets like me) – it’s also endorsed by the Australian midwives association. I’ve been a paying customer since the first trimester. Also pop in a probiotic (I’m using this one) which can help with mastitis too.
Compression socks* (these look great and are on sale!) – normally the hospital provides these, and I have a spare pair from my nose surgery last year that I will bring too. They are heinous but wear them, trust me.
CeraVe* Foam Oil Cleanser – Nothing fancy but a great cleanser that cleanses but won’t strip your skin. I used this on my face and body. I like that it is a fragrance-free wash so your baby can smell you not perfume.
Franjo’s Kitchen* – Lactation cookies that were also a great snack.
Weleda Nursing Tea* – I used this tea last time and had plenty of milk. I don’t know what the research is but regardless the tea tastes delicious, placebo effect or not.
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump – Like a manual pump but I used this with my first child as a milk collector.
BEAUTY.
Anything with an * I used.
Emma Lewisham Skincare* – I kept it simple with the reset serum, Supernatural Face Oil, Supernatural Face Crème Riche. I have used EL throughout pregnancy and have found it so good for keeping my skin plump and hydrated, as well as keeping my pigmentation under control. I didn’t realise just how much it helped my pigmentation until I looked back on my previous pregnancy (of course hormones change but I would have thought the second time around my melasma would have been far worse). I’m especially obsessed with the oil. It feels so luxurious, absorbs and does not leave a greasy film. I massage into my face, neck and dec, when my skin needs a little more TLC.
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Multi-Protection – This has an SPF15 (blue light protection) which I thought may come in handy as I wouldn’t really be seeing direct sunlight for a few days but you can never be too careful when it comes to sunscreen (and pigmentation!).
Biodance Mask – yes the inexpensive Amazon sensation all the influencers swear by. I decided I wanted to give it a try… in hope it helps me look 1/100th as good and glowy as
Grow.Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Trio* – I have been using this on and off for many years and if you have coloured hair this helps with growth, repair, and frizz.
Mermaid Hair Interchangeable Blow Dry Brush* – I have lots of hair and love a salon blow dry because quite frankly I hate doing my own hair but this device is quick and easy to use, making it palatable to do my own hair at home or in this case, the hospital. Plus I really rate it for the price.
FASHION.
(Literally what I wore.)
What I wore to hospital…
If you are having a planned c-section then you have the time and freedom to choose what you wear to hospital. With my first, I went into labour naturally and wore a black cotton dress (I would recommend a dress as trying to get pants off in-between contractions is not ideal).
Deiji Studios Dress (similar) / Lié Studio Earrings (similar) /Dragon Diffusion Tote (plus I had a suitcase) / Saint Silk Scrunchie / Hourglass Skin Veil / Alias Mae Slippers (sold out but these look fab and are coming soon) / Prada Sunglasses / Assembly The Label Knit.
What I mainly wore…
As I mentioned I had some complications which meant I had a catheter in most of the time which made it difficult to put pants on (leave your dignity at the door with childbirth ha). I lived in this waffle robe, pyjama shirt (sans pants).
H&M 100% Cotton Pyjamas (I packed two pairs and have been living in them since being home too) / Biodance mask which I’m sad to say I didn’t use / PP Panties / Pure Mama Nipple Balm I used on my lips too / Jasmine & Will Waffle Robe (easy to wash and can be thrown in the dryer too!) / Silverette IYKYK.
When I had visitors and walks down to the cafe…
This oversized trench was a last minute item and wow am I glad I did pack it. I wrapped it around me and trotted down to the cafe (catheter strapped to my leg) for a real coffee and felt very normal, very ‘me’. Mumma Milla leakproof breastfeeding bras* for when my milk comes in – I was gifted the day and night bras which both offer good support for any size and this bandeau bralette (below) which I love as it feels a little more luxurious but in my opinion probably best for a smaller bust as there is less support.
The Frankie Shop Trench (I removed the shoulder pads) also like this one from Camilla & Marc and it’s on sale too) / Mumma Milla Leakproof Bralette / Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Oil (my skin was lapping this up in hospital) / Jasmine & Will Pants which are technically pj’s but I’ll be running them with a tank and and shirt in the summer too / Book (this was wishful thinking… I think I read two sentences in hospital ha) / Slippers (same as above).
What I wore home…
This is actually what I wore home. It was unseasonably hot for August so this light-weight silk dress was the perfect choice. The elastic bodice meant I could just slip over my head. I felt a little battered and bruised from hospital so this soft outfit felt like a the gentle hug my body needed.
Zara Cardigan (I sized up) / Earrings as above / Vibi Slippers (size up) / Matteau Dress / Artipoppe Carrier / Mermaid Hair Blow Dry Brush.
Another gentle outfit to consider…
When it comes to items that feel like a warm hug, you truly can’t go past a cashmere knit. This one is under $300 and such beautiful quality. I’ve been wearing this fit since I’ve been home with a leakproof bra underneath. Perfect for newborn snuggles.
My favourite pants (I bought the size up in pregnancy and have been wearing them postpartum) / Mumma Milla Bra / Assembly The Label Cashmere Knit / Artipoppe Carrier / Vibi Slippers.
AND I SHOULD PROBABLY MENTION BABY THINGS…
I’m not usually drawn to “baby bags” but I do think it’s a good idea to have a set bag that is always stocked and on hand to grab-n-go. I’m a sucker for embroidery and this canvas bag was too charming to pass up. A bonus is that it fits like an insert into into a large tote bag which is how I will most likely use it once out and about.
What I packed for Lando…
Anything with an * I used.
Huggies newborn nappies* – Basic supermarket nappies but they are great especially for boys as they seem to be the most absorbent and not leak like other brands I had tried with my first son.
Water wipes*– I used water wipes with my first. They don’t irritate or dry out the skin and great for nappy rash/teething rash/sensitive skin.
2 x Pure baby grow suits* – he stayed in the hospital singlets and blanket for the first couple of days.
2 x Bonds singlets*
Beanie* – I think I put this on him once.
Stretchy wraps – large, stretch jersey I find the easiest to wrap a newborn in. I bought two white wraps but this print is cute too.
Muslin Burp cloths* – definitely came in handy.
Let me know if I missed anything?
Jade x
Congratulations Jade- Lando is gorgeous. I’m due early Jan and will definitely be using some of these recs! Who makes the floral toiletry bags? Love them
My sister is the creator / owner of Hydramama and everytime I see a rec for her products out in the wild I feel like such a proud sister. Love this xx