The second time around… you pack a little differently. With my first, I packed everything I thought I’d need.
This time, I’m packing what I know I’ll actually use. Comfort. Ease. And those little things that make you feel more like yourself in the middle of it all.
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This is one of those things that doesn’t seem like a big deal… until you’re there.
After birth, your body has just done something incredible—and it’s also sore, swollen, and healing. The last thing you want is anything tight, scratchy, or restrictive.
You’ll likely have nurses coming in often, you may be feeding around the clock, and you’re just… not in the mood to fuss with uncomfortable clothing.
That’s why a soft, breathable, button-down set makes such a difference. It’s easy for feeding, easy for check-ins, and honestly just makes you feel a little more put together during a time that can feel anything but.
I lived in this set the first time—and it also ended up being the perfect “going home” outfit. Comfortable, loose in all the right places, and still cute enough to feel like yourself when you’re walking out with your baby for the first time.
I’ll be packing multiple this time. No question.
Here's the exact set I purchased (plus, SO many colors)!
The hospital gives you the basics… but there’s just something about using your own products.
After everything your body has just gone through, that first shower and moment to yourself feels like a reset. It’s one of the first times you get to pause, breathe, and take care of you again.
And having your normal shampoo, body wash, and skincare there? It makes everything feel a little more grounding—like a small piece of your everyday routine in a very unfamiliar moment.
These are my go-to Pacifica products, and I genuinely love them. They’re gentle, clean, and just feel really good on your skin—which is exactly what you want after labor and delivery.
Whether it’s Pacifica or something else you already love, I highly recommend bringing your own. It’s one of those little things that ends up meaning a lot more than you expect.
I know this one sounds a little extra… but I brought my own gown the first time and I’m doing it again.
Hospital gowns are functional, sure—but they’re not exactly comfortable (or flattering 😅). And depending on your labor experience, you may have some downtime before things really get going.
Our first pregnancy, I was induced, which meant I had time to walk around, get settled, and just exist for a bit—and being in something that felt like me made a bigger difference than I expected.
It’s softer, more comfortable, and honestly just helps you feel a little more like yourself in a moment that can feel very clinical.
Just make sure if you’re planning on an epidural, it has easy access in the back!
And while we’re talking about comfort and making things easier… having everything organized in one place is a game changer.
I used a hanging toiletry bag, and it was perfect—especially in a small hospital bathroom. I kept all my daily essentials in there, plus my postpartum care items so I wasn’t digging through bags trying to find what I needed.
The Frida Mom products were a lifesaver for me, and I’ll absolutely be packing them again this time.
(You can read more about my postpartum vaginal delivery essentials here.)
These next few might seem small… but they made a bigger difference than I expected.
That first shower after birth is everything. And the hospital towels? They’re basically the size of a hand towel 😅
Bringing my own soft, oversized towel made it feel so much more comforting.
Same goes for cozy socks or slippers. Hospital floors are cold, and when you’re already not feeling your best, those little touches of comfort go a long way—especially when you’re up and moving around.
And okay… hear me out on this one. If you’re going to be there for a few days, you might as well make it feel a little more like home. We brought our Roku the first time and honestly? No regrets.
Having our shows on in the background during downtime made everything feel a little less clinical… and a little more like us.
At the end of the day, none of this is necessary—but it all made a difference for me.
These are the things that helped me feel more comfortable, more grounded, and a little more like myself in those first hours and days after birth.
And that’s really what this list comes down to.
