Pretty Little Details
  • Blog
  • Hello!
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Style
    • Fashion Hair & Beauty Luxury Handbags Shopping
      How to wear a smocked top // Summer fashion trends 2021

      Summer Fashion Trend 2021: Smocking

      How to wear white in winter: three tips to master wearing winter whites

      How to Wear White in Winter

      How to wear snakeskin this fall // 2020 fall fashion trend

      Snakeskin Print // Fall Fashion Trend 2020

      Pretty Pastels in Havana, Cuba

      Caudalie Premier Cru the rich cream review

      Beauty Review: Caudalie Premier Cru the Rich Cream

      The prettiest silk scarves to wear in your hair // hair scarf styles // scarf hairstyles // silk scarves for hair

      The prettiest silk scarves to wear in your hair

      Pixi Beauty Liquid Fairy Lights & Glow-y Gossamer Duo review and swatches.

      Beauty Details // Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights & Glow-y Highlighter

      The best skincare products for dry winter skin.

      Winter Skincare // The best beauty products for dry skin!

      GG Marmont matelassé leather super mini bag review

      GG Marmont matelassé leather super mini bag review

      Beige pink large Prada Galleria bag.

      Prada Galleria Handbag Review

      Gucci GG Marmont Small matelassé shoulder bag review

      Gucci GG Marmont Small Shoulder Bag Review

      How to choose your first designer bag // Flatlay image with red Chloe Drew bag and sparkly accessories

      How to choose your first designer bag

      Gift idea for your sister: Trinny London makeup stack and a white Instax camera

      Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

      Beige pink large Prada Galleria bag.

      Prada Galleria Handbag Review

      The best places to shop for mommy and me outfits.

      Where to Buy Mommy and Me Outfits

      Gucci GG Marmont Small matelassé shoulder bag review

      Gucci GG Marmont Small Shoulder Bag Review

  • Travel
    • All Travel Destination: America Destination: Asia Destination: Europe
      Hiking at Mont Tremblant is the best way to see fall colours in Quebec

      Where to see the best fall colours in Quebec

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Where to stay in Paris, France

      Winnipeg Summer Staycation

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Cherry Blossoms in Paris // Spring Photo Diary

      Hiking at Mont Tremblant is the best way to see fall colours in Quebec

      Where to see the best fall colours in Quebec

      Pretty Pastels in Havana, Cuba

      Rainbow buildings in Havana - how to spend 48 hours in Havana, Cuba

      How to spend 48 hours in Havana, Cuba

      Where to eat, sleep, shop and explore in Scottsdale, Arizona.

      The Pretty Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona

      A blogger's guide to Seminyak Bali. Where to eat, sleep and play.

      The Pretty Guide to Seminyak, Bali

      Thailand Travel Inspiration

      Our trip to Thailand // A cinematic journey through Bangkok, Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai

      Tips for visiting Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple in Chiang Rai Thailand

      Visiting the White Temple in Chiang Rai // Thailand travel diary – part 1

      Ubud’s Rice Terraces & Waterfalls // Bali Travel Diary – Part 1

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Where to stay in Paris, France

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Cherry Blossoms in Paris // Spring Photo Diary

      The most charming city in Europe: Brugge, Belgium

      Traveling to Europe with a baby. Mom and baby girl in front of Eiffel tower.

      Traveling Europe with a Baby // My Experience & Tips

  • Decor
    • Design Inspiration My Home Tour Parties & Entertaining
      Flocked pink and white christmas tree.

      The best flocked Christmas trees

      Neutral desert inspired home office inspiration photos | One room challenge spring 2020

      Home Office Refresh: The Inspiration

      The best pink coffee table books for decorating.

      The Best Pink Coffee Table Books

      Little girl swan nursery inspiration. White and gold baby room.

      Baby Girl Nursery Inspiration

      Feminine Boho Office and Guest Bedroom // One Room Challenge makeover reveal

      Feminine Boho Office and Guest Room – The Reveal!

      A bright modern living room with a blush pink sofa. Inside the home of Canadian decor blogger Jennifer Ashley of Pretty Little Details.

      Statement Furniture: My New Blush Pink Sofa

      A cozy and glamorous white, black and blush pink bedroom.

      My Cozy Glam Bedroom (+ How to Add Hygge to your Home)

      Little girl nursery reveal. White and gold kids bedroom with dusty blush pink accents and subtle swan theme.

      Emilia’s Nursery Reveal

      How to host an afternoon tea

      How to Host an Afternoon Tea

      Unicorn themed girls first birthday party.

      Emilia’s Unicorn Themed First Birthday Party

      Holiday bar cart inspiration. A whimsical woodland tea and dessert station.

      Holiday Bar Cart Inspiration

      Sweet summer brunch party filled with peonies, lemons and pretty dresses.

      Sweet summer brunch // with local boutique Mad About Style

  • Are you on the list? Get inspiration straight to your inbox!

Pretty Little Details

  • Blog
  • Hello!
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Style
    • Fashion Hair & Beauty Luxury Handbags Shopping
      How to wear a smocked top // Summer fashion trends 2021

      Summer Fashion Trend 2021: Smocking

      How to wear white in winter: three tips to master wearing winter whites

      How to Wear White in Winter

      How to wear snakeskin this fall // 2020 fall fashion trend

      Snakeskin Print // Fall Fashion Trend 2020

      Pretty Pastels in Havana, Cuba

      Caudalie Premier Cru the rich cream review

      Beauty Review: Caudalie Premier Cru the Rich Cream

      The prettiest silk scarves to wear in your hair // hair scarf styles // scarf hairstyles // silk scarves for hair

      The prettiest silk scarves to wear in your hair

      Pixi Beauty Liquid Fairy Lights & Glow-y Gossamer Duo review and swatches.

      Beauty Details // Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights & Glow-y Highlighter

      The best skincare products for dry winter skin.

      Winter Skincare // The best beauty products for dry skin!

      GG Marmont matelassé leather super mini bag review

      GG Marmont matelassé leather super mini bag review

      Beige pink large Prada Galleria bag.

      Prada Galleria Handbag Review

      Gucci GG Marmont Small matelassé shoulder bag review

      Gucci GG Marmont Small Shoulder Bag Review

      How to choose your first designer bag // Flatlay image with red Chloe Drew bag and sparkly accessories

      How to choose your first designer bag

      Gift idea for your sister: Trinny London makeup stack and a white Instax camera

      Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

      Beige pink large Prada Galleria bag.

      Prada Galleria Handbag Review

      The best places to shop for mommy and me outfits.

      Where to Buy Mommy and Me Outfits

      Gucci GG Marmont Small matelassé shoulder bag review

      Gucci GG Marmont Small Shoulder Bag Review

  • Travel
    • All Travel Destination: America Destination: Asia Destination: Europe
      Hiking at Mont Tremblant is the best way to see fall colours in Quebec

      Where to see the best fall colours in Quebec

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Where to stay in Paris, France

      Winnipeg Summer Staycation

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Cherry Blossoms in Paris // Spring Photo Diary

      Hiking at Mont Tremblant is the best way to see fall colours in Quebec

      Where to see the best fall colours in Quebec

      Pretty Pastels in Havana, Cuba

      Rainbow buildings in Havana - how to spend 48 hours in Havana, Cuba

      How to spend 48 hours in Havana, Cuba

      Where to eat, sleep, shop and explore in Scottsdale, Arizona.

      The Pretty Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona

      A blogger's guide to Seminyak Bali. Where to eat, sleep and play.

      The Pretty Guide to Seminyak, Bali

      Thailand Travel Inspiration

      Our trip to Thailand // A cinematic journey through Bangkok, Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai

      Tips for visiting Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple in Chiang Rai Thailand

      Visiting the White Temple in Chiang Rai // Thailand travel diary – part 1

      Ubud’s Rice Terraces & Waterfalls // Bali Travel Diary – Part 1

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Where to stay in Paris, France

      Cherry blossoms in Paris. Photos of the springtime sakura bloom in France.

      Cherry Blossoms in Paris // Spring Photo Diary

      The most charming city in Europe: Brugge, Belgium

      Traveling to Europe with a baby. Mom and baby girl in front of Eiffel tower.

      Traveling Europe with a Baby // My Experience & Tips

  • Decor
    • Design Inspiration My Home Tour Parties & Entertaining
      Flocked pink and white christmas tree.

      The best flocked Christmas trees

      Neutral desert inspired home office inspiration photos | One room challenge spring 2020

      Home Office Refresh: The Inspiration

      The best pink coffee table books for decorating.

      The Best Pink Coffee Table Books

      Little girl swan nursery inspiration. White and gold baby room.

      Baby Girl Nursery Inspiration

      Feminine Boho Office and Guest Bedroom // One Room Challenge makeover reveal

      Feminine Boho Office and Guest Room – The Reveal!

      A bright modern living room with a blush pink sofa. Inside the home of Canadian decor blogger Jennifer Ashley of Pretty Little Details.

      Statement Furniture: My New Blush Pink Sofa

      A cozy and glamorous white, black and blush pink bedroom.

      My Cozy Glam Bedroom (+ How to Add Hygge to your Home)

      Little girl nursery reveal. White and gold kids bedroom with dusty blush pink accents and subtle swan theme.

      Emilia’s Nursery Reveal

      How to host an afternoon tea

      How to Host an Afternoon Tea

      Unicorn themed girls first birthday party.

      Emilia’s Unicorn Themed First Birthday Party

      Holiday bar cart inspiration. A whimsical woodland tea and dessert station.

      Holiday Bar Cart Inspiration

      Sweet summer brunch party filled with peonies, lemons and pretty dresses.

      Sweet summer brunch // with local boutique Mad About Style

Motherhood

What to Pack in your Hospital Bag // 10 Do’s and Don’ts

June 1, 2018

As a first-time mom, I spent a lot of time researching what exactly I needed to bring along with me to the hospital. Truthfully, I ended up overpacking a bit but I’ve always been one to rather be over prepared than under prepared. Now that I’ve given birth, I have a much better idea of what you actually need to bring to the hospital and what is just a waste of space in your bag. Today I’m passing that knowledge onto you and sharing some do’s and don’ts when it comes to packing your own hospital bag.

10 Do’s and Don’ts for packing your hospital birth bag

Hospital bag packing list. What to bring for labour and birth.

DO: A labour gown

I brought my own labour gown to the hospital and it was seriously one of my best decisions. The fabric is so much softer and more comfortable than the rough hospital gowns.  Also, it was so nice to be able to walk around the hospital without my entire backside exposed like in a typical hospital gown. The labour gown I chose to wear was the butterfly gown from Pretty Pushers.  I loved the simple but pretty design and the practical back zipper (that is perfect if you want to get an epidural!).  My only wish was that I had brought two of the gowns along with me.  Mine ended up getting very dirty during delivery, and it would have been perfect to have a second one for nursing at the hospital.

DON’T: A birth plan

I printed out copies of my birth plan to share with hospital staff but I honestly never even took the plan out of my suitcase.  That being said, I did feel that creating the birth plan itself was a good exercise to get to know my options during labour.  It was also great for creating discussion with my husband (who was my labour support person) so that we were both on the same page when we got to the hospital.

Hospital bag packing list. What to bring for labour and birth.

DO: Flip flops

Hospital floors are dirty and a pair of inexpensive flip flops are the best thing to wear when you are in labour. They are also super easy to slip on and off which is important when you are forty weeks pregnant and can’t see your feet.

DON’T: Slippers or grippy socks

I’ve heard people suggest bringing grippy socks to the hospital but I personally wouldn’t recommend it.  Let’s just say birth can get a little messy and wet socks definitely wouldn’t be very comfortable.  Even after giving brith I didn’t find my packed slippers useful at all.  Truthfully, I was recovering in bed most of the time I was in the hospital with the exception of the occasional trip to the bathroom.  But even then, I would prefer to wear sandals instead slippers or socks into the bathroom.

DO: Shower cap

Taking a nice hot shower is a great coping mechanism when your contractions start to get strong but dealing with wet hair afterwards is not so great. The last thing I wanted to worry about was blow drying my hair while I was in labour so a shower cap was the perfect solution. I had been wanting to buy one of these pretty shower caps from Shhhowercap for a while and labour was the perfect excuse.  They are a little expensive, but they work much better (and are so much more chic!) than the cheap plastic throwaway ones.

Hospital bag packing list. What to bring for labour and birth.

DON’T: Blowdryer & hot tools

I packed both my curling iron and straightener in my hospital bag but didn’t end up using either.  Honestly, I was so exhausted from my 48 hour labour that doing my hair was the last thing on my mind.  Instead I rocked a messy bun or simple ponytail for the duration of my hospital stay.

DO: A cute going home outfit

Before labour, I wasn’t sure what an ideal post-delivery outfit would be so I asked for advice on my Instagram.  I ended up with tons of comments from moms who gave their advice on what would be best to wear over top of those stylish post-partum mesh panties.  The consensus was that a dark coloured maxi dress is the perfect garment for leaving the hospital in.  Not only does it hide bulky hospital pads but it won’t put pressure on a C-section incision (if you end up having one).

DON’T: Toilet paper

I had heard that hospital toilet paper is awful and it was worth bringing a roll of the soft stuff from home (who wants scratchy paper on your tender nether regions after giving birth?!) But honestly things are so sensitive down there that you won’t be wiping anyways.  Instead the hospital issued peri bottle might just become your new best friend.

Hospital bag packing list. What to bring for labour and birth.

DO: Baby wipes

The hospital I delivered at (St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg) only provided wash cloths for diaper changes so I’d highly recommend bringing your own baby wipes along.  The wash clothes provided by the hospital weren’t very soft for using on a newborn and baby wipes were much more convenient.  Also, our room had a shared bathroom, meaning if someone else was using the toilet we didn’t have access to water to use with the wash cloths.

DON’T: Diapers

Don’t bother bringing along your own diapers.  My OB provided me with a handout saying you need to bring your own but we were provided with enough to use during our stay at the hospital.  I’ve even heard rumours of some moms stocking up on hospital provided diapers to bring home.

I hope this list of do’s and don’ts helps you to pack your hospital bag for delivery!  And for those of you who have given brith before, I’d love to know if you agree with my recommendations! Was there anything you regretted packing or wished you brought along?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

What to Pack in your Hospital Bag // 10 Do’s and Don’ts was last modified: June 2nd, 2018 by Jennifer Ashley
0 comment
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
previous post
April Diary
next post
Emilia’s Nursery Reveal

You may also like

The best places to shop for mommy and me outfits.

Where to Buy Mommy and Me Outfits

Lagom christmas gifts for children - heirloom quality gift ideas for toddlers.

Timeless toys for Children // Lagom Kids Gift Guide

The prettiest children's books for little girls.

The Prettiest Children’s Books for Little Girls

Traveling to Europe with a baby. Mom and baby girl in front of Eiffel tower.

Traveling Europe with a Baby // My Experience & Tips

Unicorn themed girls first birthday party.

Emilia’s Unicorn Themed First Birthday Party

Doc A Tot Deluxe Review.

Naptime Confessions // My Dock A Tot experience

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Meet Jennifer Ashley

Blogger, stylist and mom.
Lover of travel and all things pretty.
Get to know her here.

Facebook

Find us on Pinterest!

Chewy Gooey Flourless Chocolate Cookies recipe from RecipeGirl.com #chocolate #cookies #recipe
@pldetails

Subscribe to one or all of our newsletters!





Facebook Twitter Google + Instagram Pinterest Tumblr Youtube Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Youtube
  • Bloglovin

All content and photos are property of Pretty Little Details unless otherwise noted. We love having our content shared, but please link back and ask permission before using photos. Please note this website does contain some affiliate links.

Copyright 2015 Pretty Little Details // About // Contact // Privacy Policy


Back To Top