The truth is, you really don't need much of anything for your baby at the hospital, but you definitely need things for yourself as you begin the recovery process. Everything for baby is provided except a going home outfit. I packed so many pointless things for Meriwether, and I genuinely thought I was being a minimal packer. I'll walk you through each item I packed and used, and they will be in necessary order.

*Also, keep in mind I ended up having a natural (very, very long) delivery. Needs may vary depending on your own delivery scenario (if you have a c-section, for example)

No. 1

This weekender bag is the perfect size for all your hospital needs. It comes in tons of colors and has all the best features.

No. 2

You will be so happy you have this Peri bottle. Fill this sucker up with warm water and your stitches will thank you. I would use this bottle multiple times a day (starting during my hospital stay) and then for a few weeks during the healing process. LIFE. SAVER. It cleans your stitches so well and provides much needed relief.

No. 3

I know. I know. Clearly not the most pleasant of items, but I'm telling you...get them. I loved this style because they felt much less "diaper-y" and much more like comfy underwear, which was so great. I wore them during my stay at the hospital and once I got home.

No. 4 & 5

At the hospital where I delivered Meriwether, the nurses would bring me water filled, frozen newborn diapers to use as long, soft ice packs for down there. I cannot tell you the relief I felt when I first started using them. They were AMAZING.

What I would do, is first, I'd use my peri bottle with warm water to cleanse the area. Next, I would spray Earth Mama generously. Then, I would get a fresh adult diaper and place the frozen water filled newborn diaper in my adult diaper (lol). Then, I would line up witch hazel pads on top of it to create a soothing, cooling situation. (think of the witch hazel pads like you're lining a sub sandwich with salami). This was the absolute best combination I came up with. Highly, highly recommended. You will be so happy.

No. 6

I bought this lightweight robe and nursing nightgown set to wear in the hospital, and to this day I still wear it. I love this set and have gotten so much use out of it. I tucked the nursing nightgown away after I was done breastfeeding/pumping, but as I said, I still enjoy the robe. It was the perfect thing to wear at the hospital and I really liked that it wasn't a thick, hot robe.

No. 7

I got these slippers as a stocking stuffer one year from my mother-in-law and wow they've been amazing. Not only did I wear them during my hospital stay when I had Meriwether, but I recently took them with me on my trip to Paris. I wore them during long flights. They are heaven. I love that you can wash them like socks, which is ideal after walking around in public places like a hospital or airplane.

Other Important Items I Packed . . .

1. A camera - I bought extra Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film for my white Instax camera and I really cherish the polaroids I took while we were in the hospital
2. Baby's going home outfit // Cute swaddle for photos
3. Comfortable outfit for you to go home in
4. Toiletries: some makeup, travel shampoo/body wash, a razor, hair dryer/hair brush
5. Your own pillow from home

This was literally it. Everything I actually used and needed while in the hospital. If you have any other great tips or tricks, comment on this post so other moms can read/benefit.