Cookeville, TN Newborn Photographer | What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

I've made that trip to the hospital to have a baby twice now, once in Cookeville, TN and once in Chattanooga, TN, and both of my trips were very different.

With my first daughter, she was due at Christmas, so I decided to be induced at 39 weeks(2 days before Christmas). We had a weekend to get ready, and plenty of time to plan. My second daughter was a completely different story. I went to a high-risk OB appointment and ended up being told to rush to Chattanooga immediately because my daughter had a blockage in her ureter and no fluid to breathe.

I was only 33 weeks, and not at all prepared to rush almost 3 hours from home for an unknown amount of time. Thankfully I had some memory of my needs the first go round and could scramble together the staples that would get me through my hospital stay.

• Your birth plan (if you have one, I did the first time but it didn't go as planned. The second time I had no choice in the matter)

• A robe (Even if you forget some things, definitely pack the robe. You can thank me later!)

• Pajamas or comfy clothes for postpartum

• Socks (they provide socks, but I wanted my cute fuzzy ones)

• Hairbrush

• Change and dollar bills for vending machines

• Earbuds and phone chargers (the longer the better)

• BodyBody wash and shampoo (the hospital stuff just doesn't cut it)

• DryDry shampoo and face or body wipes (just in case you don't feel like showering right away)

• Deodorant

• Bath towel

• Pillows

• Chap stick (trust me)

• Ponytail holders

• Slip on shoes (I brought my house shoes and never regretted it)

• Nursing bra or tank top if you'll need it

• Sports bra or bathing suit top if you will be having a water birth

• Toothbrush and toothpaste (for you and your partner)

• Extra bag (for all the goodies the hospital sends home, you will leave with much more than you brought)

• Nipple cream if you are breastfeeding or pumping (lanolin is great, but some women are allergic. I used coconut oil)

• Bluetooth speaker and your playlist (if you want music during labor)

• Depends (A lot of moms swear by these, but they aren't necessarily needed. I loved the mesh panties and ice packs the hospital supplies, so I never bothered packing these.)

• Baby's coming home outfit

• Car seat (go ahead and have the base installed ahead of time)

• Change of clothes for your partner if your hospital is far from home

• Blanket and pillow for your partner

• Laptop/tablet in case you have a long stay and need something to keep you occupied (don't forget the charger!)

• Pediatrician information (the hospital always asked for this before you leave to set up your 1 week checkup appointment

DON'T bring diapers or wipes. The hospital will provide you with those during your stay, and most even send you home with some. If you are formula feeding the hospital will supply the formula and bottles for baby.

When you are leaving the hospital, take everything that they have given you! I even asked for extra mesh underwear and ice packs to get me through the next few days at home, and they happily obliged!

I'm sure there are going to be some things on your list that aren't on mine. That is to be expected! These are just the staples I decided to grab while panic packing my second time around, and I was so glad that I did! If you think of anything else that should be added to this list, feel free to let me know! I'd love to update it to help expectant mothers!

There is one more thing you should do before your due date, other than pack your bag. Don't forget to book your newborn session for your little one well in advance! Many newborn photographers only take on a set number of newborns each month to be able to accomodate everyone when they deliver. Don't forget to grab your spot!

Check out my website and contact me if you'd like to get your newborn session booked and off your to-do list. I serve Cookeville, TN, Putnam County and all the surrounding counties, and would love to add you to my calendar!

www.janieandjunephotography.com/contact-me

Email me: amanda@janieandjunephotography.com

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Cookeville, TN Newborn, Child, and Family Photographer, Janie and June Photography