What to pack for postpartum & the hospital?

Bring silicone nipples shield in case! If you want to breastfeed

I didn’t bring any sanitary pads/briefs to the birthing center. They provided all of the those as well as diapers for baby. They also sent us home with some. What I found essential was a robe, slide shoes, baby swaddle, pillow & blanket, Bluetooth speaker, reusable water bottle, snacks, basic toiletries

A fan! It's sooo hot in there and I had my baby in Feb. They keep the wards warm to replicate the womb. I needed to get out for fresh air.

Not personal care like in your photo but make sure you bring ready made bottles of formula. Our trust didn't allow powdered. I managed to breastfeed but it is worth having some of the ready made just in case there's any issues x

I did those catch all pads with the massive disposable pants, didn’t need more than that for hospital. Breast pads aren’t really needed until about day 4/5 PP when your milk comes in. Take a handheld fan and a comb is good for early pain relief / distraction. A long charging lead and rechargeable battery pack were also lifesavers!

I didn’t take much for my C-sections. Just maternity pads and nipple pads.

Fans are a good idea. The wards are super hot and I personally flush as drugs wear off.

Thin dressing gown and slippers are great too!

You don’t need breast pads as you won’t leak milk until that comes in around day 3-5 x

Just be aware the nipple cream has lanolin in. Some people are allergic but don’t realise until they use it on their already sore nipples. I personally would use breastmilk on mine or a completely natural baby balm.