21 Comments
Jul 27, 2023Liked by Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD

I love this and the "why it is important" descriptions you included. I would add lip balm as lips get so dry, gum or mints, and I brought my own yoga ball!

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Thank you for reading and for these great suggestions.

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Jul 27, 2023Liked by Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD

Amazing list! Thank you so much for including links!

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Thank you!! I want to make it as easy as possible for busy people!

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Jul 27, 2023Liked by Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD

Nipple balm for those who plan to breastfeed! I love love love the Mama Earth Organics brand, and it can also stand in as lip balm, cuticle cream, etc for those dry hospitals 🙌🏼

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I ended up using the rest of my lanolin as diaper cream- it worked wonderfully!

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I love products that have multiple uses!

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Great additions. I was also thinking about a small humidifier.

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD

Thank you so much for this list, about to have my third baby and this is the most practical list I've seen. A couple of essentials I'd add are: hair tie for long hair (easy to forget) and face cloths for cooling me down during labour. Also, I can't believe some hospitals won't let labouring mothers eat! Is this a US thing? I can understand if you're having surgery, but I don't know how I would get through it with no snacks. Here in the UK, you are very encouraged to back snacks and I found coconut water and granola bars very uplifting! Best of luck with your 4th x

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Love the hair tie and cooling clothes addition. Yes many US hospitals do not allow you to eat especially if there is a concern you may need a c-section. It is ice chips, ice chips, nice chips!

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Jul 28, 2023Liked by Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD

So many great things - thanks for sharing this list! I’m a few weeks behind you (congratulations!) and starting to pack my bag, so this is a great refresher. I’ll be adding 2 other things to my bag: (1) a way to trim baby’s long fingernails since the hospital doesn’t provid any, and (2) compression socks, especially if you are having a c-section.

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Compression socks are a great one!

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Jul 27, 2023Liked by Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD

This is the best packing list I’ve seen! Will share it with friends who are pregnant

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Please share! I so appreciate the support

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Jul 27, 2023Liked by Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD

So exciting!! Congratulations!

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Thank you!

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Breast Friend for the win!! Absolutely the best, I love how it secure it is when they are newborn. Also, I was so swollen (c section) that maternity clothes were just as tight after delivery, so keep things loose!

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Laura, great points especially on the clothes. I would also add about loose shoes or flip flops in case your feet are swollen!

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Yes- late pregnancy I bought a pair of Chaco Chillos slides and they were perfect because of how adjustable they are.

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Consider for your hospital bag:

- Raisin bran. Eat as much as you can stuff into yourself after the birth because there's no such thing as too soft. Just saying.

- Lipstick. It took me until the fourth kid to remember to bring a little lipstick so I didn't look washed out in the new baby photos. Revlon Colorstay stays on.

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Love these! Thank you for sharing!

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