The most common question I got asked when I worked in an OBGYN practice was, "What do I need to take to the hospital?" Ha, I loved this question. I don't know why, but I did. My answer was always some version of “whatever makes you most comfortable”, followed by what the hospital already provides, and then a few suggestions from there, because comfort means something different for every mama.
A question I didn't get asked nearly as often was: what do I need for myself once I get home from the hospital?
Let's talk about that one. We'll touch on how a few items overlap with your hospital bag, but the focus here is really what's worth having once you're home.
There's a lot marketed to postpartum moms that you simply don't need. So here's what I've found to actually be most beneficial, broken down by category.
Most hospitals will send you home with the basics: pads, ice packs, a peri bottle, and mesh underwear. Grab a few extras of these before you're discharged if you can. I personally really liked the comfort of the hospital's mesh underwear, and I remember getting home wishing I had more. Below is a list of items worth having on hand once your hospital supplies run out, or if you didn't receive them at all.
Physical comfort and healing
Witch hazel pads (like Tucks) — soothing for perineal discomfort those first couple of weeks, and easy to just keep stocked in the bathroom.
A sitz bath. Small, inexpensive, and genuinely helpful for perineal or hemorrhoid relief. A lot of women haven't heard of these until a nurse hands them one at the hospital.
A stool softener. This one rarely makes anyone's list, but almost every new mom needs it. Between hormonal shifts, pain medication, and just being afraid to strain after birth, this is one of those "wish I had it on day one" items.
A heating pad, for afterpains. These can catch women off guard, especially if you're breastfeeding, since nursing triggers uterine contractions as your body recovers.
Feeding, whichever way you're feeding
Nursing pads. A small thing, but it saves a lot of laundry.
A water bottle with a straw. Sounds silly to mention, but staying hydrated during long feeds is easy to forget when you're exhausted and can't get up.
Snacks you can eat one-handed, because you will be holding a baby a lot more than you think.
The practical, day-to-day stuff
Overnight pads, heavier than what you probably already have at home.
Soft, loose clothing that makes feeding easy. Comfort over style for these first few weeks.
A little "go bag" by the bed or couch: diapers, wipes, a burp cloth, an extra onesie, so you're not up and down every time baby needs something.
Your mind, not just your body
This part matters just as much as the physical list, and it's the part that tends to get skipped.
A simple way to check in with yourself. Even just a notes app entry once a day. The early days blur together fast, and having a small record can help you, or your provider, notice if something feels off longer than it should.
A short list of people to call: your partner, a friend, your provider. Write it down ahead of time, while your brain still has the bandwidth, so it's there when you need it and can't think straight.
Something that's just for you. A show queued up, a book you've been meaning to read, anything that has nothing to do with the baby. After all, you still have your separate identity.
One last thing, from someone who's spent a lot of time with postpartum women: if something feels wrong, physically or emotionally, trust that instinct. Don't second-guess it. “I'd rather you call me so, we can assess if it’s something concerning vs. waiting around thinking it's nothing” — that's what I told my patients for years, and it still holds true. And that in-between space is exactly where Mary & Elizabeth is here to help.
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Mary & Elizabeth Maternal Advocacy, LLC does not diagnose, prescribe, or provide medical treatment, and reading this content does not create a healthcare provider–patient relationship. Every pregnancy and postpartum experience is different, so talk with your own healthcare provider about your symptoms, questions, and care decisions. Information was accurate to the best of our knowledge when published, but guidelines and laws can change.
