Today I’m teaming up with Bravado Designs to share what’s in my hospital bag the second time around as well as share my excitement for their new Petal Soft Collection with you. I’m also hosting a giveaway for both bras at the very bottom of the post!
The Petal Soft Collection is a beautiful capsule collection of two nursing bras — Buttercup and Ballet. Both bras are made with incredibly soft fabrics and feature a feminine silhouette to transition from maternity to nursing.
The Buttercup Nursing Bra (the black one in the photo above) is designed for daytime, offering moms comfort and support with incredible soft foam cups and a gentle stretch to accommodate a changing shape. It combines the ultimate in softness with discretion in a new modern silhouette. Cup and band sizing ranges from 32B to 38H to 42F, making it an ideal fit for smaller to larger busted women. The Buttercup is available in Black, Bare, and a limited-edition Watercolor (from which proceeds will be donated to Breasthealth.org until May 31st).
- Petal-Soft fabric for absolute comfort
- Super soft foam cups with gentle stretch to accommodate changing shape
- Round shaped cups
- Elastic inner sling on smaller sizes; Petal-Soft wider sling with clean finish on larger sizes
- Side stays for support
- Wire-free frame for comfort and support
- Frame and wings constructed with double layer of Petal-Soft fabric
- Concealed elastic and stitching along inside of the frame for comfort against the skin
- Brush back and stretchy hook and eye
- Convertible criss-cross straps
- Available in 33 sizes
The Ballet Nursing Bra (the blush pink one in the photo above) is the perfect sleep bra designed for ultimate comfort. Like Bravado’s Buttercup Nursing Bra, Ballet is made out of amazingly soft fabric providing light support for lounging and sleeping and offers pull-away full breast access for nursing. The Ballet Nursing Bra is available in Black, Bare, and Dusted Peony.
- Petal-Soft fabric on the outside and modal-lined cups for absolute comfort
- Light support
- Pull-away full breast access
- Pull-on styling with no back closure, ideal for sleep
- Adjustable fabric straps
Now for the contents of my hospital bag and diaper bag the second time around!
For Mama
Mama’s hospital bag // I’m using the Lo and Sons O.G. for my hospital bag this time. It’s actually a carry-on bag with loads of secret zippered pockets and segmented compartments but works perfectly for my purposes.
Bravado nursing bras // One bra for sleeping and being comfy in and one bra with a little more support for when I feel like showering and getting dressed. Be sure to enter the giveaway for both of these below!
Nursing pads // These Bamboobies nursing pads are reusable/washable and very soft, and the heart-shaped ones are seriously the cutest.
Robe(s) // The pretty pink one is perfect for pictures, and my fuzzy robe is beyond amazing for lounging (I actually just repurchased it since I know I’ll be spending more time at home after I give birth and wanted a fresh one). Btw, I was worried about how everyone always says bring your not-so-cute and dark-colored things with you to the hospital because you’ll ruin them; I didn’t “ruin” anything last time, so I’m ok with bringing my nice stuff! I do wear the hospital gowns too. To each their own.
Nightgown/pajama set // Once I’m showered and ready to get out of the hospital gowns, some comfort from home will do this mama good.
Cardigan/nursing top/postpartum leggings // Easiest going-home outfit ever (either that or a flowy maternity dress).
Underwear/Socks
Slippers // I’m bringing my inexpensive slippers that can be thrown in the wash and bleached after walking around the hospital.
Flip flops // The slim Havaianas are my favorite rubber flip flops, and I think everyone should have a pair. They’ll come in handy for the shower and maybe even for going home since it’ll be spring time when I deliver.
Wallet // Make sure your health insurance card and some minimal cash and change are in there.
Phone, iPad & Camera // I’m taking my DSLR this time since last time we didn’t get any professional photos taken in the hospital and I regret it. Details about my camera setup are on my About page.
Phone & Camera Chargers // An extension cord or extra-long chargers could be useful too. I’m planning to organize most of our electronics miscellany in this “It’s a Mama Bear Thing” travel pouch.
Snacks // A few shelf-stable snacks like nuts and bars in your bag can hold you over until your next meal if the cafeteria is closed in the middle of the night, etc.
Toiletry bag // See below.
Makeup bag // Some below.
Travel blow dryer // I don’t feel bad bringing this with me because I only have to do my hair once and it will last for a few days with dry shampoo. So 20 minutes of heat styling my hair will likely be doable postpartum. Getting ready is seriously like therapy for me, so to each their own on this one as well.
Belly Bandit // We’ll see if I’ll be able to fit my Belly Bandit within the first few days after delivery; I wasn’t able to with my daughter because of my C-section, but I could get it on a few days later. It depends on the size you buy too. I’m hoping for a VBAC this time and to not retain as much water. I was actually thinking of trying a postpartum girdle, because the Belly Bandit I bought would ride up on me and get all bunched up, so I wasn’t as encouraged to wear it. I do tend to like things that work like shapewear, though. If you had a positive experience with a postpartum girdle/corset/wrap, please let us all know in the comments what you used.
Nursing pillow // I’m going with the Ergobaby natural curve nursing pillow this time. It’s good to bring your nursing pillow to the hospital so that you can learn how to use it with the lactation nurse.
Momsense // I can’t wait to use this gadget to measure how much milk I produce. Of course it won’t be much in the beginning, but I still want to see.
Extra pillow // Because the hospital pillows really are as bad as they say.
Birth plan // I typed mine up from a template I found online last time, but it wasn’t really necessary. One, my OBGYN already knew what I had been discussing with her at my appointments, and two, literally nothing went as planned anyway and I had to have an emergency C-section. Bring it if your hospital/OBGYN says you should.
Mama’s Toiletry Bag
Body wash (and/or soap bar)
Body lotion (and stretch mark cream)
Hair brush/comb
Hair ties/pins/clip
Deodorant
Facial cleanser & toner
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Floss
Perfume samples
Q-tips & facial cotton
Mama’s Makeup Bag
Bronzer/blush/highlighter palette
A few makeup brushes
For Baby
Car seat // To take baby home, of course. I’ll install it in my car in a few weeks.
Baby’s diaper bag // I’m bringing my 7AM Enfant diaper bag for baby’s things, because it’s big and easy to see everything I’ve got all at once. I like to travel with it. It’s got a handful of compartments inside, so everything feels pretty organized, as well as a changing pad and a detachable zipper pouch.
Going-home outfit // Since last time my daughter blew out in her beautiful vintage knit sweater and pant combo within minutes, I’ve learned my lesson and packed a few simple and soft outfit options. I’m thinking either my son will wear a pajama sleeper/footie or a kimono-style snap closure onesie with a matching jacket/pant set. I still have time to change it up if I want to. Not a huge deal.
Car seat blanket // This is such a soft blanket, I wish I could have one in my size! We’ll probably keep it in the car seat until we need it to go home.
Swaddling blanket(s) // I’m planning to use these for pictures and as a breastfeeding cover when family visits.
Hats // I need to buy some smaller sizes. Thinking of getting these. Would love suggestions for cute newborn baby boy hats.
Socks // Aren’t baby socks just the cutest?
ZoLi nail trimmer // Mittens never stayed on my daughter, and I can always use socks if I really need to. I’m bringing my fancy baby nail trimming contraption with me instead, because, frankly, I’m totally intrigued by it and hear it really works. It’s basically an automatic nail file with 4 different heads.
Pacifier(s) // My daughter wasn’t keen on pacifiers, but every baby is different. If I end up needing one and my son takes it, I have a few by Naturstutten and one by Ecopacifier.
Baby record book // I’m going to do my best to fill this out since everything will be fresh in my mind at the hospital. I did it with my daughter, so I feel obligated to do it for my son.
Miscellaneous
Gifts for nurses (have someone deliver something yummy like pastries or bring a box of chocolates with you)
Gift for Vienna from baby brother
Vases for flowers (we had a hard time figuring out where to put flowers last time)
Gel nails and lash extensions?
Hope this list helps with your packing as well! Be sure to enter below for your own set of Bravado Nursing Bras.
Sponsored by Bravado! Designs. Thank you for supporting the brands I love that make this blog a lot of fun to write.
My top 5 things to bring with me to the housptal, besides all the cute baby things would def. be stuff for yourself! The first shower after birth was AMAZING! I was so glad I had own toiletries (def. bring your own stuff, you’ll feel a million times better.. shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.) I also loooved that I was able to do my makeup and hair (you feel like a person again..) I would def. say bring a robe or something that’s not tight or won’t add pressure to ur abdomen area, a nursing bra is NEEDED! I’m so glad I had mine, and then by far if you’re planning on nursing bring a nursing pillow (and just bring ur own pillow from home for urself!) I had such a struggle with those hospital pillows, will def. get my own with next baby!!! I sooo need a new nursing bra! I’ve tried 3 different brands/kinds and after 2 months the wires pop.. i don’t even know what kind to get anymore :/ would love to win these and try them!
This is super helpful! I’m expecting my first babe in a few short months, and I’m always interested to hear what veteran mamas recommend!
My top 5 things to bring to the hospital would be snacks for the hubby cause he will need the energy to support me during delivery, a pillow from home, instant camera to capture the moments, baby onesie with hat, mittens and socks and last but least go home outfit for me (leggings, t-shirt and sneakers )
I would love to win this nursing bra for my wife. She does so much for our family so I would love to make her feel comfortable and confident.
Our diaper bag has lip gloss, magazines, slippers, a swaddle and spare change for the vending machine!
Hi! I used the Bellefit corset girdle after having my baby girl, it worked wonders for me, it helped me to get back in my pre baby shape and to not get loose skin in my belly. If you buy it, go a size up, they are really stretch but I guess that’s what helps. Ps: I fit in it after 10 days of giving birth
Great post. I’m due in six weeks with our first and am just now starting to put together my hospital bag. Thanks for the reminder on the camera, my lens got damaged and I need to get a replacement ASAP or else I’ll forget.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time, I was just saying today how I need to pack my hospital bag for baby #2! This helps me so much! I was also just looking at the Bravado site today to get some bras!
What a thorough post 🙂 I am pregnant with my first and of course I had to read what you plan on putting in your hospital bag! Such great ideas!
Irina that girdle by belle fit is awesome! I wish i knew it after my first pregnancy. Used it after 2nd and planning to use it again.
I would definitely recommend it! I paid $110 for it and im so glad to see they are half price now.
Where did you find the bellefit girdle for half off?
On Amazon: http://bit.ly/2mJDSg1 (for natural birth – c-section ones are a little more expensive)
I would agree with a lot of mom’s here in regards to bringing your own pillow, I also brought my own blanket. I also packed some hemorrhoidal cream and witch hazel wiper to soothe the post partrum discomfort. Besides toothbrush and toothpaste, I also rec small bottle of listerine, just at least to rinse your mouth if you have absolutely no energy or simply can’t get up to brush your teeth, at least you can rinse your mouth and get rid of bacteria and have fresh breath. Tadaaam
Thanks for these helpful tips! I will be 35 weeks this weekend and have to pack our bags, so this is so helpful, especially since it’s my first!
This is a great list! My top 5 items would be a cozy night gown, tolietries for mom, snacks, slippers (which I forgot and regretted), and nurse gifts.
Can’t wait to see your baby boy, Irina!! We’re expecting our little boy in June!
I really enjoyed reading your suggestions. For the moment my top 5 things to take would be a gown, just because there is a lot of photo taking, and I want to feel beautiful as well as covered properly. Never really liked Hospital gowns, but hey, who does? The rest would have to be baby stuff; swaddling blankets, cloth diapers, nb clothes, and then yes well the camera. I think that would be my number one. We all want to treasure those moments. Thank you for the chance to win must-haves for when the baby comes. And to the sponsors for being so kind and giving.
I have snacks, a phone charger, hair elastics, a comfortable pillow and cozy socks! I want to be as comfortable as possible, so these items are mostly for me lol! It is the last time in my life that I can be a wee bit greedy. I would love to win this prize! I do not have any nursing bras, and I have heard amazing things about Bravado.
I also plan to include one of those simple silicone hand pumps, nipple soothie pads (they have ones you can put in the freezer for pain or run under warm water to help with letdown or the lansinoh gel pads which help if you have cracks/sore nipples), a big water cup (like a tervis) so you don’t have to waste a million paper/Styrofoam cups at the hospital, CHAPSTICK (I am an addict), and maybe some pads (like the normal kind you like to wear when you’re on your period). The ones they have at the hospital are GIANT and sometimes not necessary (everyones bleeding is different… you never know, maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones that has light bleeding and you don’t need the adult diaper they provide you with).
My top items would be a camera, comfortable clothes, flip flops, nursing bra and toiletries.
Not sure of 5, but definitely a camera and some lanolin for chapped lips!
I would love to win! I am due with my first in a month!
These are such pretty bras and the robe is gorgeous!
Nursing Bra
Comfy Bottoms/Leggings
Phone Charger
Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding Pillow