As I am nearing the end of my pregnancy and preparing for birth, I thought I would share what exactly I am packing in my hospital bag for labor, delivery, and postpartum as a first time mom and type 1 diabetic. I also put together a packing list for our new baby, and one for Adam (my wonderful husband and birth partner) as well.
As a type 1 diabetic, our current plan is to induce at 38 weeks, unless baby boy decides to make an appearance sooner! In case you missed it, I also wrote a bit about how I prepped for pregnancy as a type 1 diabetic, and how my first and second trimesters have been navigating pregnancy while managing type 1 diabetes if you’re interested.
My Hospital Bag Packing Lists
For Mom:
- Button up pajama dress + button up pajama set: I am opting for button-up options for easy breastfeeding access.
- Going home outfit + shoes
- A few pairs of big comfy underwear (for before I need the disposable mesh option)
- grip fuzzy socks (non-slip for the hospital floors)
- slippers
- flip flops for shower
- speaker
- night light
- long phone chargers
- apple watch charger
- toiletries (plus skincare, haircare, minimal makeup)
- chapstick
- wallet (ID + Insurance Card)
- a few copies of my birth plan + medications list
- 2 folders for important documents for me and baby
- postpartum underwear
- postpartum ice pack pads
- postpartum perineal foam (I know the hospital should have all of these items, but what can I say, I tend to overpack!)
- extra pads
- silverettes
- nursing pads
- breast pump: I am bringing my breast pump so that I can review how to use it with the lactation consultant at the hospital
- extra breastmilk storage bags
- pillow
- comfy blanket
- towel + washcloth (I hear the hospital towels can be small)
- water bottle
- camera: digital + polaroid (with charger and tripod)
- nursing pillow
- portable fan
- tote bag for extra hospital post-partum and baby supplies
Diabetes Supplies:
I know that since will be in a hospital, I will probably have access to some of the items below but personally, it’s easier to come prepared with anything I need, and if they happen to have alcohol wipes or low snacks, then great! But this way I can already have everything I expect to need.
- PDM
- PDM charger
- 3 Omnipods
- 2 Dexcom sensors
- alcohol wipes
- meter
- 2 insulin pens
- glucagon
- vitamins and other medications
- low snacks (see snack bag list)
For Baby:
- tiny sound machine
- swaddle
- a few outfit options (newborn + 0-3 months)
- outfit for newborn photos
- going home outfit
- burp cloths
- blankie
- socks
- stuffed animal
- hat
- car seat
- pennant: for his newborn footprints
- his name announcement
For Birth Partner:
- toiletries
- 2-3 comfy outfits
- socks
- shoes
- pillow
- blanket
- water bottle
- phone charger
- Ipad and charger
Our Hospital Snack Bag:
I suspect this hospital snack bag will mostly be for Adam during the hospital stay and/or for me after I deliver since I probably won’t be allowed to eat during labor. However, It’s just ingrained in me to bring snacks for all occasions so having a baby is no different. I also added some low blood sugar snack options as well.
- juiceboxes for lows
- fruit snacks for lows
- protein bars
- Instant oatmeal cups
- trail mix
- meat sticks
- breakfast bars
- goldfish crackers
- fruit bars
I am sure that I am overpacking, but as a first-time mom and type 1 diabetic, it’s kind of in my nature to anxiously overpack for all outcomes. Please let me know if I am forgetting anything on my list! I am planning on editing this blog post once I am home from the hospital to share what I actually used vs. what I would leave at home next time, so stay tuned for that as well!
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