What to pack in your hospital bag
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The journey to motherhood is a truly magical and transformative experience.
As an expecting mother, one of the most important things you can do to prepare for this incredible journey is to pack a hospital bag that has all the essentials you'll need during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
As a first-time expecting mom, it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed about what to pack, but don't worry – I've got you covered with a comprehensive list of everything you'll need to bring with you to the hospital.
All of these recommendations come from working in labor and delivery myself and what I loved for both of my births.
From comfy clothes and toiletries to important documents and entertainment, I've got all the bases covered. So grab a pen and paper, and let's start making your hospital bag checklist!
Labor & Postpartum Must-Haves
When it comes to labor and postpartum essentials, comfort is KEY.
You'll want to pack loose-fitting clothes that are easy to move around in, like a comfy pair of sweatpants and a soft t-shirt.
Don't forget to bring along a cozy robe and slippers for pacing the hallways during labor, and a comfy nursing bra for when your little one arrives.
You'll also want to have plenty of toiletries on hand to keep you feeling fresh during your hospital stay. Bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash because the stuff at the hospital is super generic!
Be sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and face wash, as well as some lip balm and hair ties. And if you’re feeling ambitious, pack your blow dryer and curling iron for those cute baby announcement photos!
A warm pair of socks and a cozy blanket can also provide some much-needed comfort and warmth during labor and delivery.
For postpartum care, the hospital will provide you with beautiful mesh panties, large pads, Witch Hazel pads, and dermaplast spray.
If you’re trying to keep your luggage small, then you don’t need to bring anything.
However, I highly recommend bringing a depend(adult diaper) or postpartum depends to wear. With my second pregnancy, I found the depends to be a lot more comfortable than using the mesh panties and pads the hospital provides.
Important Documents:
Before you head to the hospital, make sure you have all your important documents ready to go.
This includes your ID, insurance card, and any other medical records you may need.
It's also a good idea to have a copy of your birth plan handy, so your healthcare team knows your preferences for labor and delivery in case you are unable to talk and focus when you get there.
If you have any allergies or medical conditions, be sure to make a note of them and have them readily available.
Entertainment & Distraction
Labor can be a long and intense process, so it's important to have some entertainment on hand to help pass the time and distract yourself from any discomfort.
Consider bringing along a book/kindle or magazine to read, a playlist of soothing music to listen to, or a puzzle or coloring book to keep your mind occupied.
For both of my pregnancies(and what I’ve had my past patients do), my husband wanted to bring a gaming console to play while we waited. If you’re cool with that then that is a great way to distract yourself.
Snacks & Hydration
Labor and delivery can be physically demanding, so it's important to stay nourished and hydrated if you’re able to.
Pack some of your favorite non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit, as well as a refillable water bottle, preferably with an easy-to-access straw so you can drink in whatever position you’re in.
Remember to keep the food that you eat light and easily digestible. It won’t be fun puking up a burger once you get to transition!!
Some hospitals may have restrictions on food and drink during labor, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider beforehand.
If you're planning on breastfeeding, you'll also want to have some snacks and drinks on hand to keep your energy levels up.
I really loved using the Liquid I.V powders to get the extra electrolytes for breastfeeding.
Comfort Items
Make your hospital room feel a little more like home by bringing along some comfort items.
Pack a pillow from home, a cozy blanket, and even your own pillowcase to add a touch of familiarity and comfort to your stay. I highly suggest grabbing a colorful or print pillowcase so it doesn’t blend in with the hospital bedding.
If you have a favorite stuffed animal or other comfort item, be sure to bring it along as well.
Baby Essentials
Last but not least, don't forget about your little one!
Pack a going-home outfit for your baby and a few extra onesies.
Make sure you have the car seat installed and ready to go for the journey home – some hospitals won't let you leave without it!
I don’t recommend packing diapers, wipes, or pacifiers UNLESS you are using super-specific brands or types. The hospital will provide all of those for you. This may include things like cloth diapers, wipes that break down, or pacifiers that have different types of ends or cute, trending ones.
The hospital will also provide washcloths and swaddle blankets to use but you can also pack really cute blankets and burp cloths to use.
No matter how you decide to feed your baby, the hospital will have everything you need to do so. So you don’t need to bring any feeding essentials with UNLESS you would like the nurses or the lactation consultant to help you set up and teach you how to use the breast pump you are going to use at home.
Packing your hospital bag is an important step in preparing for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. By including these essentials in your bag, you'll be ready to focus on bringing your little one into the world.
Want a done-for-you checklist? Grab my free Hospital Bag Checklist and make packing easy!
