What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Postpartum Essentials Midwives Actually Recommend

Packing your hospital bag gets a lot of airtime, but let’s be honest, most lists are wildly focused on the baby and barely scratch the surface of what you need after birth.

Midwives see it all. The tears (literal and emotional), the waddling, the stingy wees, the sore boobs, the “why did no one tell me this?” moments. And if there’s one thing most midwives agree on, it’s this:

Postpartum care is not optional; it’s essential.

So here’s a realistic guide to what to pack in your hospital bag for postpartum recovery, based on what midwives actually recommend, not just what looks cute on Pinterest.

Want This as a Simple Checklist?

Before we dive in - if you’d rather not screenshot this blog at 3am, we’ve created a free, printable Hospital Bag Checklist you can download and keep handy.

Download the Viva La Vulva Hospital Bag Checklist: FREE

It covers postpartum essentials, baby basics, and the things most lists forget.

The Reality: Hospitals Provide the Basics, Not the Comfort

Hospitals generally provide:

• Maternity pads

• Mesh undies

• Basic ice packs

But these are designed for practicality; not comfort or recovery. Many midwives recommend bringing your own postpartum care products to better support healing and reduce discomfort in those first crucial days.

The Postpartum Essentials Midwives Actually Recommend

1. A Peri Bottle (Non-Negotiable)

After birth, wiping can feel intense, especially if you’ve had swelling, tearing, stitches, or haemorrhoids.

A peri bottle allows you to gently rinse while you wee, helping reduce stinging and keep the area clean without irritation.

Cue Viva La Vulva Peri Wash Bottle
Designed specifically for postpartum bodies, with an angled spout for targeted, gentle cleansing when you need it most.

Why midwives recommend it:

• Reduces urine sting

• Supports hygiene without wiping

• Helps protect tender perineal tissue

2. A Healing Perineal Spray or Witch Hazel

Your perineum has done something huge; it deserves more than a hospital pad.

Midwives often suggest cooling, soothing products designed specifically for postpartum skin.

Cue Viva La Vulva Healing Perineal Spray
A gentle, botanical-based spray offering cooling comfort and soothing support for tender, post-birth skin.

And pair this with your Peri Bottle - The Good Witch Hazel - The Ultimate duo
Witch hazel is traditionally used to calm sensitive skin and is often recommended postpartum for general soothing support.

Use after toileting or whenever things feel sore or swollen.

3. Proper Postpartum Pads + Ice Packs

Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is heavier and longer than a period; and cooling support can make a big difference.

Cue Viva La Vulva Soothing Postpartum Ice Packs
Designed for postpartum bodies to help ease swelling and tenderness, especially in the first 24–72 hours after birth. You can also ask the hospital to keep these in the freezer for you!

Midwives often prefer ready-made ice packs over DIY options for hygiene and ease. But don't forget your Padsicle Gel to squeeze on for extra cooling too!

4. Comfortable, High-Waisted Undies

Midwives will always say: comfort over cute.

Choose undies that:

• Sit high and soft on your waist

• Don’t dig in

• Can comfortably hold pads or ice packs

Disposable or reusable, both are fine.

5. Breast Care Essentials (Even If You’re Unsure)

Even if you’re “waiting to see” how feeding unfolds, midwives recommend packing basic breast care items.

Cue Viva La Vulva Boob Balm
A gentle, nourishing balm designed to support tender nipples during breastfeeding or pumping.

Also a must for those first few days Viva La Vulva Breasties Hot & Cold Therapy Packs
Can be warmed to support milk flow or cooled to help ease engorgement and discomfort.

6. A Postpartum Healing Bath Soak (For Home)

You won’t use this in the hospital, but midwives often talk about the importance of what happens once you get home.

 Viva La Vulva Postpartum Healing Bath Soak
Designed to support relaxation and recovery during the early postpartum days.

Having it ready for that first life-changing bath means one less decision when you’re tired and sore.

One Last Thing Midwives Always Mention: Support

Your hospital bag isn’t about being “extra”, it’s about being supported.

Midwives also suggest packing:

• Lip balm

• A large drink bottle

• Snacks you actually enjoy

• A long phone charger

Small comforts matter.

If there’s one message midwives consistently share, it’s this:

Postpartum care matters. Prepare for it.

Packing postpartum essentials isn’t indulgent; it’s practical, informed, and revolutionary.

Whether you pack items individually or choose a complete postpartum care kit, just don’t leave yourself off the list.

And if you want this all laid out clearly…

Download the Viva La Vulva Hospital Bag Checklist
Or check out our Award Winning Labour of Love Hospital Bag Kit Here

Because postpartum isn’t an afterthought.
It’s the beginning.

Love VLV xx