What was in my hospital bag!?

I had read so many lists before going into the hospital and asked everyone what was helpful for them. After all of my research, and personal experience, this is what worked for me. Two bags, organized as best as possible. One bag was for mommy and one for baby. Baby’s stuff was in the diaper bag backpack that I still use now. The other bag for me was a small trolley/carry on luggage that rolled. The backpack slid right into the trolley handle which made it really easy for me to move from one room to another, which does happen. Being organized was extremely helpful, so here is what worked for me:

• 5 Onesies
  • I had premie (46cm) and newborn (50cm)
• The first outfit labeled and ready for daddy to grab
  • This was so fun and so useful. I placed 2 onesies (one of each size, and of course I explained to Mr. Z which one to use depending on how small Noah was), a pair of socks, a hat, and a pair of pants in an Ikea ziplock baggie. I decorated the front of the bag with a little note saying ‘Primo Cambio di Noah Z. Thank you, Daddy.’
  • This is also different than the US. In Italy, you are not given any clothing for the baby. You will be given the bassinet with a blanket and sheets, but bring your own if you want. I didn’t.
• Outfits for the baby for 5 days.
  • I just had little pants to go over the onesies because it was summer.
• Baby hats
  • I brought 2 (one was in the first outfit baggie)
• Socks
• A swaddle blanket
  • I really only used this for going home, but it was needed when that time came. I did not swaddle, as it’s not really a technique that they use very much here in Italy, but the blankets came in handy for many other reasons.
• Lotion/Soap for baby
  • They gave us some in the hospital, but it’s nice to have your own to try out what you’ll be using at home

• Pijamas
  • Big loose shorts and easily opened top, comfy (and pretty) cotton nightgowns that have buttons and/or a very deep neck for breastfeeding/pumping
• Comfortable, Loose, Short Dress – for the big moment
  • Some people actually choose to wear nothing during labor. I, on the other hand, was very very happy to be wearing a loose black cotton spaghetti strap dress.
  • Unlike in the US, you are not given a hospital gown.
• A beautiful robe.
  • Nothing made me feel better than putting on something pretty in the hospital. I didn’t have a private room so this was so useful to quickly cover myself up during visiting hours, or when I had to walk over to the nursery to visit Noah that first morning. This was probably my favorite thing in my bag and my favorite thing to gift to a soon-to-be mommy!
• Those big net shorts/underwear
  • I’ve seen someone who had them in black too! They looked wonderful – but I had the Medela ones
• If you already have a breast pump, bring yours!
  • I used the one that the hospital gave me because breastfeeding wasn’t happening at the time and I was set on giving Noah my milk. The transition from hospital to home would have been a little easier had I already been using/had a pump of my own. I brought my Haaka, but didn’t sanitize/wash it before going to the hospital – so, that is something to remember.
• A hanging toiletries bag
  • Everyone was envious of mine. It was, and always is, the absolute best. After the baby is born it’s great for traveling and for showers at the gym.
• Towel/Robe
  • For taking a shower/bidet
• Comfy nursing bras
  • A few girls in the hospital actually asked where I got mine. They were wonderful!
• Slippers
• Nonslip Socks
  • I got mine from my bump box. To be honest, I didn’t use them because it was pretty hot in August. However, if it was any other time of the year I probably would have lived in them.
• FlipFlops to take a shower
• Makeup
  • Make yourself feel better before going home! I didn’t actually put on makeup before labor. I was scared of having it running all over my face. I will say though, I have never seen a picture of a woman who just gave birth where they weren’t absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite photos of myself is without makeup, holding my baby for the first time. This will be a whole blog on its own.
• Intimate Soap
  • The bidet is your best friend after having a baby… and, let’s face it, always!
• Snacks/Drinks
  • I ate pretty well in the hospital, but I was really happy to have the extra bottles of water and snacks for all hours of the day/night.

So, these were the most important things for me! What am I missing? What did you find most useful?!