What’s in Your Hospital bag?
What’s in your Bag?
No matter where you are planning to have your baby, packing for the hospital is helpful. And if you are planning a home birth, have your “go bag” ready so that you aren’t scrambling around in case of a hospital transfer. When should you pack your bag? Most recommend around 38 weeks but keeping a list nearby is helpful because you can’t pack all of it ahead of time!
Here is a list directly from the source! “Memmy’s Mommas” have spoken and here is what they recommended for your hospital bag! (My doula and my grandma name is “Memmy” and my client’s call themselves “Memmy’s Mommas”. )
For Mom
Labor outfit allows for easy access for monitoring
For Labor:
ID and insurance card-you’ll need that to check in. Also, even though you have pre-registered, don’t be surprised by the myriad of paperwork that you will need to read, fill in, and sign. This can be tricky when your contractions are 3 mins apart!! It is super helpful if your partner knows: your date of birth, SSN, date of last menstrual period, etc. so that they can help you with the answers.
Birth Ball - you want to use your own as you are used to it (Your doula usually has a peanut ball)
Labor outfit: I recommend a comfy nursing bra and a yoga skirt. This allows for fetal monitoring and easy access to your nether region for cervical check and even birth! That skirt though will keep your bottom covered - even in hands and knees -for modesty, if you care about that. There are some really cute labor dresses to be found, too!
Mouthwash cuz you might puke (just speaking the truth), lip balm, hair ties
Snacks - gatorade to drink, nuts, peanut butter crackers, things that are easy to snack on and quick to eat.
Coconut oil for perineal massage
TENS unit -This can be purchased at the local pharmacy and is magic on that back labor. It does not interfere with monitoring and some moms will say that it was KEY to their unmedicated labor.
Heating pad - This can feel amazing but just know that some hospitals may have a policy about this and many don’t mind at all. If you aren’t sure, just ask and you are always welcome to sign a waiver.
For all of your stay:
Your own pillows with cute pillow cases so they don’t get mixed up with the hospital pillows (plus, remember they will be in all of your pictures!)
A soft, cozy blanket for you and your partner. It gets cold at night!
Comfy clothing: bathrobe, with nursing you are topless a lot, lounge pants, nursing bras, socks, loose pajamas that you can nurse from, nursing tanks
Nursing pillow, haakaa, and nipple cream
Witch hazel pads (and keep them in your room’s fridge, if you have one)
Your own toiletries cuz… well.. hospital toothpaste is not the best. Your own shampoo, shower gel, hair dryer, towels will make you much more comfy.
A cooler with snacks cuz you will be forever hungry after birth. Find out if your room has a fridge in it. Pack fruit, yogurts, etc and drinks for a few days. Protein-filled snacks, coconut water and large water bottle are great to take, too.
Cheap flip flops for the shower, dollar store ones that you can toss before you leave
Small cooler if you plan to encapsulate your placenta
Sound machine (hospitals are noisy), sleep mask
Charger with really long cable and you might want a blue tooth speaker
Prenatal vitamins
For the Birth partner:
Good thing dad brought his swim trunks!
Swim trunks to get in the shower or bath with mom. Extra clothes and comfy clothes.
Toiletries
Labor playlist
Cheap flip flops for the shower, dollar store ones that you can toss before you leave.
Blanket for dad because dad gets cold (especially at night) and you get hot during labor.
List of people to notify once baby is born
Pillow, blanket (one dad even took a queen sized blow up mattress!)
You might want to bring a Mini-Keurig and coffee -NO KIDDING!! - because coffee is LIFE on a long labor!
For Baby:
Going home outfit (don’t forget little hat, socks) - but take NB and 0-3 size because who knows how big or little your baby is!
Swaddles and burp cloth
Nail clippers - some babies are born with pretty long nails!
Paci, if you have a favorite kind
Baby book for notes and footprints
Car seat - Don”t forget the carseat!! No kidding!
What to grab from the hospital on the way home:
Chux pad for the drive home and a few extra for your first few days at home in bed
Left over Baby diapers and wipes (you are paying for them anyway!)
Dermaplast, white mesh panties, pads, tux pads, and ask for extra!
The IBCLC’s information and contact number.