Hospital Bags

Many families put great effort into, and feel anxiety about what they want to include in their hospital bag. If you're a first time parent, you may feel like you need to pack up the whole nursery and bring it to the hospital along with you. While there are definitely items you will want to have with you, try not to stress too much about it. Make a list and prepare ahead of time. Being prepared will ease your mind and free up some brain space to dream about your newest family member.

I give this list to each of my clients. It is broken down into items for yourself, your partner, your baby, items that are nice to have if possible, and items that you do not need to bring.

Hospital Bag Checklist

Self

Toiletries – any specific brands that you want. The hospital will have basic shampoo and soap for the shower, but that's about it.

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Deodorant

Chapstick!

Phone charger

Camera

Body Wash – Bring something special. That first shower after delivery is wonderful.

Slippers or flip flops

1-2 pairs of comfy pajamas. Nursing nightgowns or just a comfortable robe is a great choice if you choose to breastfeed. This will make it easier when the nurses need to check your bleeding and when you are breastfeeding.

Nursing bras – If you want to wear a bra while at the hospital bring 1-2 nursing bras. Don't buy too many beforehand as your bra size will change when your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk.

Labor clothes – the hospital will provide a gown, however many people feel more comfortable in something else, or nothing at all! A robe is a great option. There is also a great selection of more comfortable labor/delivery gowns that you can purchase online. (If you are being induced/scheduled cesarean, you may be required to wear the gown the hospital provides). Labor clothes will get dirty and possibly stained, so don’t go crazy and buy something expensive that you will be upset about staining.

Comfortable clothes to come home.

Hair ties/headbands/hairbrush

Birth Plan!

Snacks for hospital stay – You may not feel like eating while you are in labor and the hospital will provide meals for you during your stay. You will want some snacks as well though for your hospital stay.

Partner

A few outfits/pajamas for the hospital stay

Sweatshirt/sweater – hospitals tend to keep the rooms cooler for laboring moms

Snacks – The hospital will most likely not provide food for your partner. Having some snacks on hand for a long labor is always a good idea.

Pillow- If you have ever stayed in a hospital, you know that the pillows leave much to be desired as far as comfort. You can bring a pillow from home, but make sure you put a colored pillowcase on it, so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital linens.

Baby

Car seats – these can be left in the car, but you will need them in order to leave the hospital.

Coming home outfit

Picture Outfit – Many hospitals have a photographer who will come right to your room. If you have a special outfit you would like baby to wear for pictures, you'll want to have that available.

Pacifiers (If using) – Many women who breastfeed choose to wait to introduce a pacifier until they have established breastfeeding

Special receiving blanket if you wish

Nice to have if possible

Pillows – The hospital will of course provide you as many pillows as you want. They tend to be pretty flat and uncomfortable though. Having your own pillow from home is always a great comfort in the hospital and may make your stay easier. Again, do not use a white pillowcase, as this could cause your pillow to be mixed up and taken away with hospital linens.

Breastfeeding pillow – The lactation consultants will help you with pillows and propping in the hospital, but its great to get used to breastfeeding with your pillow. I highly recommend the “My breast friend” nursing pillow.

I would suggest having two separate bags. One including items you may want while you are in labor and one that has items you will want after delivery.

The hospital will have ALMOST EVERYTHING that you need

What you don't need

Medications – The hospital will have all of your medications on file and will bring them directly to your room. They will not want you taking outside medication anyway.

Several outfits for baby – Baby will spend nearly the entire hospital stay swaddled in just a diaper and a shirt that the hospital will provide.

Care items - Pads, mesh underwear, Dermoplast, peri bottle, diapers, wipes, nipple cream, etc. The hospital will provide all of this to you.

Breast pump – the hospital has pumps available if you need them and will help you use it.

This list may seem overwhelming, but organizing your hospital bags ahead of time will take one more thing off of your plate and help you to feel more prepared.

Is there anything I didn't include in this list that you feel is a “must have” for your hospital bag? Feel free to share in the comments!

“Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready, here comes life.”

-Maya Angelou

Have questions about how we can help you have a more positive birth? Let’s chat! Consultations are always free.