Hospital Bag Packing List for BIRTHING!
By: Justine Thorner
Tags: Birth, Pregnant, Childbirth, Labor And Delivery, Pregnancy

Pack and organize what you will need for the hospital or birth center you are delivering in to avoid the last minute scramble of needing to pack while in labor, or having to rely on your partner or a family member to organize and pack your belongings. Aim to have your hospital bag ready to go by 36 weeks of pregnancy, just in case you go into labor a little early. My list below is comprehensive and based off of my own personal birth experience, as well as my experience attending births as a Birth Doula. Some items on this list are essential, while others are there to add comfort to your experience.

Here’s an extensive list of everything you may want or need with you in the hospital, including what you’ll need for baby and for your partner!

For baby:

Pack a Diaper Bag or small Duffle with….

Baby washcloths

1 thin blanket

1 thick blanket

baby hat

baby socks

Babies going home outfit

Car seat!

Optional: Baby Formula if you choose to not breastfeed and you do not want to use the brands the hospital provides.

Optional: a few diapers (hospital will have endless Pampers, but if you want your own diapers, bring more than a few.

Optional: water wipes

For Mama:

Depends/Adult Diapers: these are GREAT if you don’t like hospital mesh underwear. You can dispose of them to keep fresh in labor and/or when your water breaks. (*PRO Tip: For immediate postpartum time when you will be bleeding for a few days/weeks after birth, you can place maxi or frozen pad in them and refresh as often as you need.)

Good and comfortable walking shoes or slides

Thick socks with non-slip grips (it’s typically cold in the hospital!)

Sports or nursing bra for labor

Nursing bra/camisole for postpartum time

Comfy clothes to wear during labor, that you are ok with getting messy!

Comfy clothes for postpartum

A going home outfit (Keep it comfy! Think joggers & a sweater, or maternity leggings)

A bathrobe and slippers (Note: hospital provides endless gowns and socks for you if you are ok with that.)

Think about bringing a bathing suit for you/your partner so that you can both labor in the water together if you are uncomfortable with being naked. (shower or bathtub if the hospital has this available!)

Small bottle of Vitamin E Oil with seal intact to ensure it stays sterile (for perineal massage and crowning, and for your baby’s bottom to help wipe off sticky meconium.)

Snacks/Food/Drinks for you and your partner. (Examples: protein bars, nut butter packets, dried fruits, yogurt, fruit, bone broth, energy drinks, coconut water/smoothies are great to keep your energy level high.)

Phone

Camera

All applicable chargers!

Consider a portable speaker.

Birth ball (in case you don’t want to use the ones in hospital, or they don’t have them.)

Essential Oils you love and Cotton balls

Tennis balls, Rolling Pin or whatever your favorite massager is, if you have one. (Your partner’s hands may be available too!)

Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Mouthwash for you and your partner

Toiletries (Soap, Oil, Lotion, Shampoo, Chapstick)

Glasses and/or Contact Lenses and Solution

Any regular meds you are taking, OTC or Prescription (in case the pharmacy will not provide them)

Favorite pillow, blanket, and anything else that makes you feel comfortable and “at-home.”

Optional: If children attending, in the case of a home birth, set aside dedicated snacks, toys, books, etc so they and other adults can get what they need for them easily.

For Your Partner:

• Warm and comfy clothes for a few days.

• Earplugs and eye shade (if you think you’ll have a hard time sleeping in the hospital.)

• Reading or some sort of entertainment for yourself (it’s always nice to have something to read or watch if you are up late/early and taking care of your baby in the hospital or, if labor is going longer than anticipated and we have downtime.)

• Cash for parking, food, etc.

• Pen and paper/journal (great to keep track of your thoughts or questions you may have.)

• Calling list for announcing the birth and/or dedicated people from both sides of the fam to communicate updates to

HAPPY BIRTHING!!

Justine Thorner is a doula & birth coach, holistic health coach, a mom who supports women through their Journey into Motherhood.

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