Olivia Culpo Defends Deluxe Hospital Bag After Criticism
Objective reporting, insightful analysis: let’s begin. After former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and NFL star Christian McCaffrey welcomed their daughter Colette Annalise McCaffrey on July 13, 2024, the spotlight quickly turned to Culpo’s remarkably stocked hospital bag. On July 15, Culpo took to Instagram Stories to address the playful backlash she received for packing what some deemed nonessential items, most notably flameless candles. In a confident, cheeky post, she showed the battery-operated candles flickering on a hospital shelf and noted that they were “amazing post C-section.” Culpo made it clear that every single item she packed proved its worth during her three-to-four-day recovery.
The initial round of commentary stemmed from a TikTok video posted by Culpo on July 11, in which she revealed that she arrived at the hospital with two large suitcases filled to the brim. “I’m such a pillow snob,” she admitted in the clip, explaining her decision to bypass the standard issue pillows in favor of her own supportive cushions. This level of preparation, she said, was driven by her desire for uninterrupted rest at a critical moment. The video showcased a range of creature comforts: fluffy blankets, two twin-size comforters (one for her new daughter and one for McCaffrey), sleep masks, mini fans, aromatherapy spray and, of course, her flameless candles.
Culpo’s packing strategy was designed to cover all eventualities. Unsure whether she would deliver vaginally or via C-section, she included post-birth kits tailored to both scenarios along with essential breastfeeding supplies and soothing skincare items. She admitted that while many of the items fell into the “luxury” category rather than strictly medical necessity, they helped transform a sterile hospital environment into a more personal space. “I got roasted a little for what I packed—but I ended up using it all,” Culpo reassured fans, adding that comfort should never be underestimated when recovering from major surgery.
This candid reveal also underscores how modern celebrity parents manage public perceptions around postpartum care. Culpo and McCaffrey’s relationship milestones provide context for this moment in their lives: they celebrated their engagement at a garden party in July 2023, their wedding festivities in June 2024, and have consistently shared celebratory posts around Christian’s athletic achievements, including his October 2023 record-breaking streak. Throughout these events, Culpo has balanced her roles as a public figure, athlete’s spouse and new mother.
Culpo’s open discussion about her packing choices highlights a broader conversation about self-care and realistic expectations for new moms. By taking her preferred pillows, blankets and mood-boosting aromatherapy to the maternity ward, she challenged the narrative that hospital stays must be purely clinical. In doing so, she offered a practical blueprint for expectant parents looking to retain a sense of normalcy during an intensely transformative period. In the realm of celebrity motherhood, it appears that creature comforts can make a headline of their own. Keep watching for the next unpacked moment in Culpo’s journey.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
