Maternity Hospital Bag: 16 Essentials for Moms in Labor

This is as close to running a marathon most of us are ever going to get. These things take planning. Here’s a guide to all the things you never knew you’d want to have at the hospital while bringing your baby into the world.

| Posted: 21 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

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• Ruby Fay Yukata Maternity Robe

  

  Put this on and you’re instantly photo ready.

  $80 at Stella Maternity | Buy

  

  | Posted 21 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Evian Skin Care Atomizer

  

  Supermodels use these atomizers during cross-atlantic flights to rehydrate their skin and refresh their make up. You’ll use it to remind you that you exist on a temporal plane.

  $6 at Amazon | Buy

  

  | Posted 21 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Organic Cotton Sweater Blanket

  

  ON SALE Reg. $17.98

  $18 at Babystyle | Buy

  

  | Posted 21 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Lemon Tart Maternity Robe

  

  If you ever wanted a slimming color on your body, it’s now.

  ON SALE Reg. $36

  $30 at JC Penny's | Buy

  

  | Posted 21 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Baby Romper Gift Set

  

  This is the going home outfit your baby’s babies will wear.

  $120 at Fab Sweaters | Buy

  

  | Posted 21 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Maternity Faux Wrap Top

  

  I know you’ll probably deflate like a balloon after delivery. But just in case, why not pack a shirt that’s a little too big instead of something that might laugh at you when you try to put it on?

  ON SALE Reg. $16.50

  $10 at Old Navy | Buy

  

  | Posted 21 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Receiving Blanket

  

  The perfect compact blanket to tuck into your diaper bag. Use it to swaddle, drape over the stroller to block the sun, or conceal the fact that your baby is naked – having pooped, peed or spit up on every change of clothing you brought along.

  $15 at American Apparel | Buy

  

  | Posted 20 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Black Lorraine Lunch Bag

  

  If you’re capable of eating while in labor, it’s your very last chance to eat like a pregnant woman. In other words, hospital food isn’t gonna cut it. Stock this cute bag with dried fruit, dark chocolate, nuts, and whatever else doesn’t make you nauseous.

  $40 at Buy Olympia | Buy

  

  | Posted 20 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Sterling Silver Horseshoe Pendant

  

  A tiny horseshoe pendant will bring you good luck, a lot easier to handle in labor than a rabbit’s foot.

  $54 at Christina Kober | Buy

  

  | Posted 17 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• JBL On Stage II Speaker

  

  Create a Birth Playlist and use this compact iPod dock to fill your hospital room with comforting music. Maybe cut out the Rage Against The Machine, unless the anger will work for you.

  $110 at Apple Store | Buy

  

  | Posted 17 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Elle Macpherson La Mere Nursing Bra

  

  A pretty nursing bra may help ease your breasts’ transition from sex object to juice bar.

  $62 at A Pea In The Pod | Buy

  

  | Posted 16 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Envirosax Bag

  

  Besides letting you take home the baby, the hospital is happy to load you up with all sorts of extra free stuff. Bring this bag to carry it all home, but put the baby in a car seat.

  $9 at Envirosax | Buy

  

  | Posted 16 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Cheeky Crocheted Slipper

  

  Sure, hospitals are super clean places. But that doesn’t mean the flooring doesn’t get cold.

  $68 at Neiman Marcus | Buy

  

  | Posted 15 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Maternity Pleated Empire Waist Dress

  

  A maternity dress as a nightgown? First you made a baby, now this stroke of brilliance.

  $30 at Old Navy | Buy

  

  | Posted 15 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

  

  You are pushing a baby out of your body, now is not the time for irriatingly dry lips.

  $6 at Amazon | Buy

  (For a pack of three.)

  

  | Posted 14 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers

• Poppy Dream Pillow

  

  You need to be a pro-sleeper for the next few nights before you’re on your own with a baby who is quite possibly a night owl. An eye pillow is the stuff of champions.

  $21 at Patina | Buy

  

  | Posted 14 Oct, 2008 by Melissa Summers