By request, I'm sharing what's in my hospital bag in today's video.
I shot this video over Labor Day weekend before I delivered the baby. Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I gave birth three weeks early to our sweet baby boy! I sure am glad I had my hospital bag packed and ready :)
This is my fourth labor and delivery and I have found that you really do not need to bring much to the hospital. A special outfit for the baby, plus a few comfortable onesies (some prefer to bring a tee shirt for the baby, instead of a onesie, to not irritate the umbilical chord/ belly button), socks, pants, and a hat are nice to have. I also bring swaddling cloths as well. You can also bring newborn diapers, although they have always provided them for us in the hospital.
As for mama, I like to bring reading materials, presentable pajamas, and two outfits to wear. Additionally I pack minimal toiletries, socks, undergarments (nursing bra and suitable underwear), and a small bag of makeup. Although, I always add a bit of eccentricity to things, so I'm also bringing an Amish cookbook and a shirt for my husband, who doesn't like to pack bags. :)
For your reference, I am listing and linking (where I can) everything that I am bringing below. I would love to know, if you had hospital births, what you found helpful to bring in your hospital bag. Please let us know in the comment section so other future mothers can benefit from your advice.
(Please note: I wrote this post before delivering the baby, which explains the tenses used :) )
Kindle I have always had a lot of downtime during my hospital stays so I like to come equipped with lots of reading material, which is conveniently stored on my kindle.
Aden + Anais swaddle cloths I have a lot of these and I find them to be essential. The ones I show in the video are years old and I can't find the exact pattern, but I have linked the newest ones they have.
Navy dot dress This is one of the new dresses I featured in my recent ten-item wardrobe prep video.
Hello Miz nursing top was purchased from zulily and fold-over black knit skirt This combination is comfortable, nursing-friendly and presentable.
nursing nightgown 2-pack with built-in bras These nightgowns are fantastic for their built-in nursing bra. I will cover them with the dressing gown (listed below) or oversized sweater robe. *Update* these were fantastic in the hospital. I only stayed one night, so I wore the black one. It was perfect for what I needed.
navy dressing gown (robe) with lace trim This is a great dressing gown. Very simple and presentable with a lace trim.
nursing coverup with wire I've had this nursing coverup since my first child was born and find it necessary for when visitors are around while nursing. They no longer make the exact pattern I have, but I have linked the most similar one.
Schmidt's deodorant 2-pack on Amazon (I purchased my deodorant on Grove) This is a great natural deodorant that I have reviewed on a past Natural Home with Jennifer.
Pellu skincare I love this natural skincare line. I have reviewed it in the past (it used to be called Nudu, they changed their name to Pellu). I plan to bring the cream cleanser and day moisturizer.
Bend Soap coconut goat milk lotion (if you order from them, enter code DC10 at checkout for 10% off). I suffer from dry skin and I love this goat milk lotion and recently reviewed it. The coconut scent is so nice. *Please note: I also packed a travel size goat milk soap from Bend. I forgot to pack it before shooting this video. Bringing soap is essential. The hospital soap is very lacking.
For links to the bare Minerals makeup, visit my bare minerals haul blog
Chanel Les Beiges stick (no. 21) I'm bringing this blush because it doesn't require a brush applicator and is easy to apply.
bare Minerals Gen Nude eyeshadow primer in low key and basic These primer/ eyeshadows are easy to apply without a brush too. This helps with my minimal packing goal.
**Update** I didn't wear much makeup in the hospital this time, just concealer and lip balm, but in past hospital trips I did apply makeup. I attribute that to the condition of my skin. I barely had any melasma this time around so I didn't feel the need to cover it up. For all my past pregnancies, my melasma had been very heavy.
Lansinoh nursing pads (a must!) These nursing pads are an absolute must. I find I use them everyday for at least the first four months after postpartum, to prevent leaks. You might not need these in the hospital as it takes a few days for your milk supply to come in. But it's better to be prepared by bringing a few and having them ready at home.
honey belle lip balm When I forget to pack lip balm, I am miserable as my lips can get really dry. This Eucalyptus lip balm is so nice and natural.
I'm also bringing baby clothes, one outfit for returning home from the hospital, and two onesies with two footed pants. For more on the baby and delivery, stay tuned for my delivery story, which I will do in a future post.
On my nails: Londontown Jane Austen. This color has bumped Essie Mademoiselle aside. I absolutely love this opaque neutral. Londontown always give my readers a discount. Use code JenniferS for 25% off your order.
I hope you enjoy today's video. Plus, Mr. Connoisseur's appearance. :)
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I'll be going on maternity leave soon. If you will miss the blog, consider taking one of my eCourses, Create Your Own Ten-Item Wardrobe and Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living. Packed with hours of video instruction, accompanying text, quizzes, and a lively comment section, you have a wonderful community of support with other fellow connoisseurs.
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On my author guestbook, Maggie T. writes, "Dear Jennifer, I am writing you to tell you that you are truly a light to the world, and especially to me! I love listening to you speak, and also I greatly enjoy watching your videos. Thanks to you, I have greatly condensed my wardrobe, and even though I have always strived to dress up, you have given me even more reason to continue in doing so! I have read all three of your “Madame Chic” books, and I am always going back to them for continual enjoyment! I have purchased your “10 Item Wardrobe” course, and that, as well, gives me so much to think about and also to take action even more!
Thank you again for just being you."
Maggie, thank you so much for writing on my guestbook and for leaving such an encouraging comment. I sometimes focus on the negative comments I receive too much, so I really do appreciate your kind words. Thank you! Come back and let us know how you enjoyed the eCourse!
I would love to know your tips on preparing for birth and packing a hospital bag. Please let us know in the comment section below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.
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, which both have wonderful maternity selections. 
