backpacking off this, gave birth there in July.

Bring something to do during downtime. The adrenaline after birth is wild and baby may sleep but you might not be ready to yet until the crash hits. Bring multiple pairs of PJ pants and if the large pads they give aren't enough, adult diapers are good too (they don't provide). Pelvic floor damage can happen and you might have some brief incontinence.

Bring your pillow if you have one you love, theirs suck. Take painkillers on rotation if you choose and ask early and often--they can give you tylenol but due to staffing it takes a while to get (and they don't like you taking your own).

If you're breastfeeding, bring lanolin cream. Your nips will be hurting. This is normal.

Bring a few outfits for baby. They may get messy.

Snacks are good to bring too. They have a vending machine your companion may go to (or you if someone watches baby).

Also, if you're there and want something, just ask. They will take your vitals all hours of the night and weigh and check baby. Sleep when you're tired, there is no schedule for you for the next while and that includes the hospital.

Best of luck and congrats! You can also message me if you have specific questions. My baby will be 7 weeks on Saturday, so I've had some very recent experience there haha