Delivery Day Essentials!

As my delivery day approached I started obsessing over what to bring with me for my two day hospital stay. I have never ever had to be hospitalized (thank heavens) and really had no idea what to expect. I’ve never been a big fan of hospitals, who is really, and the thought of being stuck in one of those tiny, hard beds in a tiny, airless room was completely stressing me out. My obsession with what to pack was my way of calming my nerves and controlling the only things I could control. Making sure I had everything I’d need to be as comfortable as possible.Those two days post delivery ended up being more like a mini spa weekend then a hospital stay. Not only did I have a room with a view; but, the nurses and staff went above and beyond to make sure this mama was comfortable and secure. There was even a masseuse who stopped in for a ten minute neck and shoulder massage! So everything I had feared about my delivery and consequent hospital stay ended up being dispelled that very first night. I realize that not all hospitals are as nice as the one I had the good fortune of delivering in ( if you’re in or around the Park City, Utah area and about to pop out a baby I highly recommend Park City Hospital!)  which is why I strongly suggest making sure you pack a few creature comforts, regardless of how frivolous they seem. I promise they will help take the edge off of being stuck in that tiny, hard bed, in a tiny airless room! So here’s my list of delivery day must haves! I hope it’s useful to anyone heading for a stay at the hospital, whether it’s to delivery a baby or otherwise.

The first thing I had ready and packed was a dopp kit. My makeup artist very graciously and thoughtfully purchased one for me and filled it up with the makeup she knew would not only look best on me but would also hold up throughout the delivery. Yes, yes I realize how that sounds; but I was absolutely determined to have some frameable post delivery photos so making sure I had on just enough makeup to not look like a total zombie was key! Sadly I still look a bit like the walking dead, but I suppose that’s to be expected after being sliced open and having a human being pulled out of you. I added the rest of my toiletries so I would have everything I’d need to take a nice long hot shower after the delivery. I had several friends warn me that a shower would be my first order of business as soon as I was up on my feet and able to take one. They also told me to make sure to bring my own towel because the ones provided by the hospital are small, stiff and not as absorbent as one would like. I hit that shower first thing the following morning and good God never has a shower felt so amazing!

All my necessary skin care!
All my necessary skin care!
And body care!
And body care!
I knew I wouldn't feel like washing and styling my hair so I cheated with some dry shampoo!
I knew I wouldn't feel like washing and styling my hair so I cheated with some dry shampoo!
And makeup! My makeup artist even threw in a selfie light that I can clip to my phone! Brilliant!
And makeup! My makeup artist even threw in a selfie light that I can clip to my phone! Brilliant!

My Favorite Face Products

  1. Mario Badescu enzyme cleansing gel
  2. Mario Badescu special cucumber lotion
  3. Rosewater facial spray
  4. Eminence rosehip triple C&E firming oil
  5. Lancome advanced multi correction eye balm
  6. Lisa Ashley multi functioning moisture mist

My Favorite Body Products

  1. Dove soap for sensitive skin
  2. Schick Intuition razors coconut milk and almond oil
  3. Jergens wet skin moisturizer
  4. Body scrub gloves

My Favorite Makeup Products

  1. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation
  2. It Cosmetics Loose Powder
  3. Colorscience Mineral Corrector Palette
  4. Stilla Cream Blush
  5. Laura Mercier Cream Eye Color
  6. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Concealer
  7. Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Treatment
  8. Channel eye lash curler
  9. Glow Me Selfie Light

Next I packed some comfort essentials. Those lackluster, drafty, bum exposing hospital gowns are not for me so I made sure to bring comfortable clothing I could lounge in. My mother gave me a beautiful nightgown of hers that she had never worn and a cozy robe. I loved having things that were special to people I love. It’s kind of like the old something borrowed idea from weddings. There’s a bit of magic in a loved one’s passed on belongings and I figured I could use all of the loving magic I could get to bolster my courage! I also made sure to wear a comfy, stretchy outfit to the hospital that I could also wear home post delivery. Right before my due date I popped into a maternity store and bought several nursing tops that looked and felt great. Jessica Simpson has a line that I love! I also had a pair of super comfortable and extremely flattering Spanx high waisted leggings. Since I wasn’t sure how warm or cold the hospital might be I also brought a pair of cozy socks purchased from Bath and Body Works and a bright cozy hand knit shawl to not only keep my shoulders warm but to maintain my privacy while I nursed. Speaking of nursing, I also packed a couple of the most comfortable nighttime nursing bras from Rosie Pope. I’ll use these long after I’m done nursing because they’re so incredibly comfortable and pretty too! I made sure to bring my bedside table must haves like my lip balm, ear plugs, hand lotion, essential oil and healing crystals. The last thing I packed for myself was a postpartum compression belt. I had several friends recommend one for post surgery comfort. It really did make the incision site less achy and sore, so I too highly recommend this for any gal having a c-section!

Beautiful comfortable nightgowns and the best night time nursing bra!
Beautiful comfortable nightgowns and the best night time nursing bra!
My favorite Jessica Simpson nursing top and Spanx high waist leggings. Both in slimming black!
My favorite Jessica Simpson nursing top and Spanx high waist leggings. Both in slimming black!
Warm cozy and cute socks!
Warm cozy and cute socks!
This bright and fun shawl knit up in no time and really cheered up my drab hospital room with it's hot pinkness!
This bright and fun shawl knit up in no time and really cheered up my drab hospital room with it's hot pinkness!
The beautiful prayer bead necklace was a gift from a friend. I really love the beauty and thought behind crystals and loved having a few of my favorites with me to not only brighten the room but add a bit of their healing energy to my experience.
The beautiful prayer bead necklace was a gift from a friend. I really love the beauty and thought behind crystals and loved having a few of my favorites with me to not only brighten the room but add a bit of their healing energy to my experience.
This compression belt isn't all that pretty but it is incredibly effective!
This compression belt isn't all that pretty but it is incredibly effective!

For baby boy Kelley, who I was waiting to name until I met him, I packed two outfits, a swaddle, a receiving and knit blanket my mother made and a sweet crochet stuffty my sister made! I also had diapers, wipes, pacifiers and burp cloths, though I really didn’t need them since the hospital provided all that.

My mother knit the hat, booties and sweater and also gifted us the sweet baby sleep sack.
My mother knit the hat, booties and sweater and also gifted us the sweet baby sleep sack.
This little lamb crochet hat my mother made is probably the cutest thing ever! Aside from the baby of course!
This little lamb crochet hat my mother made is probably the cutest thing ever! Aside from the baby of course!
My mother knit the beautiful blanket and hat and I found this cute outfit on Etsy to go with them.
My mother knit the beautiful blanket and hat and I found this cute outfit on Etsy to go with them.
About to head home! Me in my comfy nursing top and leggings, him in his Etsy outfit and knit goods!
About to head home! Me in my comfy nursing top and leggings, him in his Etsy outfit and knit goods!
The perfect muslin swaddle!
The perfect muslin swaddle!
Gorgeous, adorable and handmade!
Gorgeous, adorable and handmade!

I know that I didn’t really pack light and that I was only in the hospital for two days, but I’m so glad I had some things with me that provided comfort and made my stay more pleasant. Delivering a baby is no small feat and can make one understandably nervous, so if bringing along a few extra things helps to ease the stress and worry I say bring em’! But ask your partner to carry the bag!

Our first morning snuggles!
Our first morning snuggles!
My little lambie pie!
My little lambie pie!
I never took off my crystal prayer necklace. Not even during the c-section! Yeah, I know it may seem strange to some, but I definitely benefit from crystal energy.
I never took off my crystal prayer necklace. Not even during the c-section! Yeah, I know it may seem strange to some, but I definitely benefit from crystal energy.
All wrapped up in his hand knit blanket and hat ready to brave the Utah winter and head home!
All wrapped up in his hand knit blanket and hat ready to brave the Utah winter and head home!
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35 Comments

  • Kristin Kolstad

    Beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing! ☺❤

    March 8, 2017 at 11:46 pm Reply
  • Stephanie

    Hi Katherine, Thank you so much for sharing this list. I’m due in 6 & 1/2 weeks with my first baby, a little girl. This list is helping me alot with what to pack in my hospital bag. I just want to say that your little boy is gorgeous and I’m sure his big sisters absolutely adore him. I love that little lamb beanie – it is just the cutest. I wish i could find something like that for my little miss.
    I love reading your blog esp with going through my first pregnancy only weeks behind you. Thank you so much.

    March 8, 2017 at 11:58 pm Reply
  • Rsven

    I love his little hat Your mom made so cute. What a cutie your son is.

    March 9, 2017 at 12:29 am Reply
  • Alex

    Hey Katherine, I love you so much. I really I know you hear that a lot I love your blog I spend hours looking at it. It’s inspiring and I love seeing the maternal side of you. I love even more seeing you act no one has the charm you bring to the screen after doubt not continuing WOULD YOU EVER DO ANOTHER TV SHOW? Or is it the end of your tv career? Are you planning on just making movies? I love you

    March 9, 2017 at 2:04 am Reply
  • Annett

    My son was breach and at my last check up before the scheduled c-section they told me I had to stay and he would be born within the next few hours. Apparently I was in pre-labor which did not appear as obivious to me as i expected. So unfortunately I never had a chance to even pack my bag and I had it so carefully planned :). I delivered at PC hospital as well and loved it! It’s such a beautiful space and the care is the better than I ever could have imagined. I loved everyone I met.

    March 9, 2017 at 3:28 am Reply
  • Alicia Cazorla

    You and Noah are adorable!! beautiful family!!

    March 9, 2017 at 8:40 am Reply
  • Elizabeth Mellisa

    great photos 🙂 you both look beautiful and comfy

    March 9, 2017 at 11:50 am Reply
  • henriette

    very nice pics 🙂 many blessings

    March 9, 2017 at 11:52 am Reply
  • Michele

    Good morning Katherine from New York. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photos. God bless your extended family’

    March 9, 2017 at 12:15 pm Reply
  • Danielle B.

    What a wonderful read! I am expecting my first in August and wondered what in the world I would need to pack, so this was super helpful! I also wondered about the compression belts so now I see they really do help! Thanks for all the info.

    Maybe in the future you can share your thoughts on making homemade baby food? I am planning on it and any insight would be much appreciated!

    March 9, 2017 at 2:04 pm Reply
  • Kirkland

    Beautiful photos. You rocked this pregnancy and delivery. Thank you for sharing. Many wishes for joy with your three children. (Your mother is so talented; your mom should have a blog!)

    March 9, 2017 at 2:36 pm Reply
  • Fiorella Applebe

    Aww! Congrats on baby boy Kelley! I delivered my twin girls on January 20th, and one thing I was really happy I packed was an eye mask to help sleep in the hospital. It was difficult with everyone in and out of the room checking vitals, but keeping the light out of my eyes for a bit was helpful. You hit everything else needed! I was so thankful for all of my stuff-especially the dry shampoo! Trying to look fresh when you are on practically no sleep is tough! Enjoy the newborn stage! I am sure we are both on similar sleepless schedules! They say enjoy this time-but being tired is difficult to enjoy!

    March 9, 2017 at 3:55 pm Reply
  • Sharon

    I always enjoy your blogs but this one was special because of the wonderful pictures of your little guy.
    Anyone having elective surgery could benefit from your packing list for the most part.
    I am anxious to see more pictures of your son and both of your daughters. Thanks for sharing.

    March 9, 2017 at 5:07 pm Reply
  • Kimberly Swindle

    Congratulations on your absolute adorable angel! I hope motherhood is agreeing with you well. The baby hats are just the cutest ever! I so missed your blog posts.

    March 9, 2017 at 5:36 pm Reply
  • Brenda Graver

    Thank you for sharing such intimate photos and thoughts with us …………..He is adorable ……….Congrats to all of you …….

    March 9, 2017 at 5:40 pm Reply
  • Richard Starling

    Beautiful mother and son pictures, I have four sons myself. Thanks for sharing. The hat is adorable. Many blessings

    March 9, 2017 at 6:35 pm Reply
  • Heather Kloes

    Thank you so much for sharing your hospital experience. I love you blog and for some reason feel nice and relaxed after reading them. I wonder if you would mind sharing wear we could purchase that beautiful crystal necklace from?

    March 9, 2017 at 9:08 pm Reply
  • Kristen

    Congratulations on your gorgeous boy. I too had two girls then welcomed our boy, and although he is now 13 I remember those early days well, such a special time for all the family. I love reading your blog, like Heather I always feel relaxed after reading them. Thanks for sharing, I look forward to many more photos of your lovely family. Love and blessings from New Zealand.

    March 10, 2017 at 4:45 am Reply
  • Cécile

    Why does c-section very common in USA?
    I live in Paris and here it only happens for medical reasons…
    Thank you in advance for your answer 🙂

    March 10, 2017 at 3:49 pm Reply
  • Lumarie Mcgeever

    Thank you so much for sharing this as I am 18 weeks pregnant I actually am thrilled to find others into crystal healing. I’ve been collecting crystals for a couple of years and really getting into it. Any chance you can write more about this ( i.e., what peaked your interest in crystals, what are your favorite crystals, how you find healing with them – do you meditate, etc)? Thank you!!!!

    March 10, 2017 at 5:09 pm Reply
  • Sue

    How was your doctor in Park City? I’ve been looking for a new one myself. Thanks and congrats!

    March 10, 2017 at 5:48 pm Reply
  • Jasmin

    Congratulations Katherine for your little man. Beautifully she post and quite helpful for moms to be. Thanks for sharing.

    March 13, 2017 at 8:19 pm Reply
  • Jasmin

    Congratulations Katherine for your little man. Beautifully written post and quite helpful for moms to be. Thanks for sharing.

    March 13, 2017 at 8:20 pm Reply
  • Syuzanna

    Congratulations!!!
    Thank you for sharing these priceless pictures of your baby boy (Josh?)! These are the most unforgettable moments and despite the tired and drained body, you are radiating joy and love in the picture!
    I’m greatful that you thoughtfully share these special moments and all the details with your fans ( including me), this gesture of yours is something almost forgotten in this society – communication!
    My birthing experience was far from yours, although with one thing in common – happy ending, but I was storming the same questions about what to take to the hospital! I gave birth in Rome, Italy, where after arriving at the one hospital, my husband and I were put in an ambulance ( while I was 4-5 cm dialated) without medical crew in the back to assist me and transferred across the city to another hospital due to shortage of beds! That was the most unforgettable ride of my life. After we arrived at the destination, my husband was pushed out of the room to wait in the lobby, I was refused alakgesics ( keep telling myself that it was due to the dialation) and after 3 hours of continuos screaming, episiotomy ( I feared it jrougjout all my pregnancy), arrival of a nun and oxygen tank, I gave birth to Maximus Leonardo Leigh! I have to underscore, the healthcare provided was for free and my child was delivered healthy! Despite all the pain, if I had to, I would go through the same experience millions of times for my boy again, who is 2.5 now!
    So thank you Katherine for sharing this special experience!
    Love, joy, happiness to your beautiful family!
    Syuzanna
    P.S. We love knitted goodies! My mom-in-law is a great specialist ( I used to when I was a child, no time anymore:()!

    March 14, 2017 at 12:15 pm Reply
  • Elizabeth

    You’re amazing!

    March 14, 2017 at 9:17 pm Reply
  • Annoor

    Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! This new addition will bring you lots of cuddling, fun times and sweet memories. It will be worth the sleepless nights. All the best to your family.
    Love y’all

    March 14, 2017 at 10:32 pm Reply
  • Katrin

    Thanks, so beautiful Photos!!!! You are so full of heart, Beautiful and a great Mom i Think. Lots of Love for you and youre family from germany

    March 19, 2017 at 7:35 am Reply
  • Heather Jones

    Congratulations on your little one and thank you for sharing 🙂 By the way, what brand is the night gown?

    I’d love to find something like that for my hospital stay when I give birth to my first child in October.

    March 21, 2017 at 3:47 pm Reply
    • Beth

      I was wondering about the nightgown too;)! It’s almost as gorgeous as Katherine is❤️.

      March 27, 2017 at 12:13 am Reply
  • Corinna

    Dear Katherine, dear little family!
    Congratulations to the sweet Baby Boy!
    I’m am fan from Austria, and I love your blog!
    It inspires me.. because i love dinners, decorations, great tips for home, recipes and precious moments with the family!
    It’s great what you’re doing yourself.. with so much love and joy!
    I’ll try some! 🙂
    Greetings from far away! (Near Germany 😉 )

    March 24, 2017 at 10:47 am Reply
  • Shannon Bersito

    Thank u so much for sharing your story!! It brought back so many wonderful/terrifying emotions!! My little or dare I say big blessings are 16 & 13 years old now. ❤❤

    March 25, 2017 at 5:22 pm Reply
  • Jessica Jemente

    That Lamb hat is so stinking cute!! Thanks for sharing your essentials. Also, if you think you over packed then I brought a boat load of stuff for my delivery and 1 day in the hospital! Tee hee! Congrats on your beautiful baby boy Kelley! Looking forward to more post now that I’ve subscribed! xoxo

    March 26, 2017 at 4:29 am Reply
  • Beth

    The nightgown is amazing:)!!! Can you share it’s details? Thanks

    March 27, 2017 at 12:10 am Reply
  • Iulia

    Katherine, I love you so much!!! You are adorable!!!❤

    April 15, 2017 at 7:10 pm Reply
  • Pam

    Love your blog! Joshua jr is precious…..enjoy every moment

    June 7, 2017 at 11:11 pm Reply
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    Baby Boy Kelley!

    Rest Assured Indeed!

    Rest Assured Indeed!