Bed rest is not ideal, you guys. I've found that even working from home and being on a computer all day is something that's not really allowed for an extended period of time so it's been interesting working through all my last clients before I start my official maternity leave! It has given me the opportunity to check and recheck my hospital list so I wanted to share everything I've packed along with some splurges to make the experience a little more calming and peaceful!

  • INSURANCE CARD
  • IDENTIFICATION
  • HOSPITAL REGISTRATION
  • BIRTH PLAN
  • CAR SEAT
  • BABY "COMING HOME" OUTFIT
  • DIAPER BAG
  • COMFY CLOTHES
-leggings
-tank tops
-oversized cardigan
-robe
....whatever will make you comfortable and easy to nurse in
  • PAJAMAS
-button up would be good for nursing
  • PANTIES (4-5 pair and ones you don't mind ruining)
  • NURSING BRAS (I am bringing one and 2 bralettes)
  • SOCKS (2-3 pair)
  • SLIPPERS
  • NIPPLE CREAM
  • MAXI PADS
  • BOPPY PILLOW
  • TOILETRIES
-tooth brush & paste
-face wash
-shampoo & conditioner
-hair brush & ties
-contacts/glasses
-deodorant
-body lotion
-chapstick
  • PHONES & CHARGERS
  • CAMERA & CHARGER
These are the basics, obviously! Something I recommend having no matter what because either you'll really need them or the hospital might supply them but they aren't ideal. When it comes to an extended stay away from home, I want to be as comfortable as possible so if that means you bringing your own goodies, do so! You know what will make you happy and less stressed so take the time to think through if any and all of these items are something you'll require as every person is different.

*** Don't forget your honey will need all their goodies as well so pack one bag together or one for each of you. Andrew and I always share a bag and I went ahead and made him a little "daddy survival kit" with his favorite snacks and things to keep him busy if labor is long and uneventful.


  • CALMING PILLOW MIST
  • ESSENTIAL OIL
-I'm bringing peppermint for my migraines & for nausea
  • BUMP NEST PILLOW
  • IPAD & CHARGER
  • MAGAZINES
  • LABOR PLAYLIST
-I loved creating this and will share soon!
  • GUEST BOOK
-This only applies if you'll have visitors which Andrew and I don't plan to have anyone but family so I thought when they did come by, they could sign a "guest book" and leave a little love letter to Emery.
  • MAKEUP
-bb cream
-bronzer
-mascara (waterproof)
-chapstick

Now these items come down to what will make your stay more peaceful and like home. Again, labor could be something very easy and quick or it can be an experience that is chaotic, long and hard so I want to be prepared for either scenario. That being said, these items just seem like a good buffer for if there's a lot of down time and I need to get my mind off contractions or simply making me more comfortable while staying away from home.

On the same note with splurging, I decided to get a new bag for our time there to lug everything in. I wanted to have a little treat and something to get excited about when we were whisked (haha- I'm sure it'll be quite dramatic) away about to welcome our angel baby so I chose to get a fabulous black leather duffle bag and a new toiletry carrier from Hudson and Bleecker. With all these little items I was packing, I knew I needed something simple yet functional so I wasn't going through ziploc after ziploc looking for deodorant. That being said, my new case from Hudson and Bleecker is perfection. First off, it's a lovely snake print which I'm obsessed over and carries two clear storage bags inside and one smaller printed zipper pouch. I was able to contain all my toiletries, along with some of my splurge items into this little unit with room to spare. Talk about perfect for packing! Once I'm done using it for the hospital stay, I plan to use the clear bags for our diaper bag and the smaller pouch for a card/key holder for my personal things to also throw in Emery's diaper bag.

I know being a first time mom, this could be an outrageous list but I was really trying to be prepared and feel this is what will work for Andrew and I. If I missed something, please let me know and I'll make sure to pack it away for our delivery day!