As a former labor and delivery nurse and mama who has had one hospital birth (the other was a homebirth) I want to give you my list of recommended items to pack in your hospital bag. This blog post is going to give you my personal insight as to what I think you need to pack in your hospital bag for birth. Use this as a guide. Anything you feel I forgot, I probably excluded it for a reason, but it’s up to you of course to pack anything else you feel you need! PRO TIP- It’s easier to pack one big bag rather than multiple smaller bags. From personal experience, not much is needed and it is easy to over pack so I’d suggest to pack once and then come back and thin out your bag.
At some point in the future I will be able to link items to Amazon & prepare a storefront for you with most of these items organized into one place for your convenience & easy reference. Stay tuned but don’t hold your breath!
This is an exciting part of birth prep so have fun with it! It’s almost baby time!
- CAR:
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Emesis bag/ basin
- Towels
- Infant car seat installed- Please visit @safeintheseat in IG
- LABOR AIDS
- Pillows
- Audio player
- Massage oil
- Tennis ball/ back roller
- Birth ball
- Kneeling pad
- Rebozo scarf
- Snacks- ideas listed below
- TOILETRIES
- Hair brush
- Hair Bands
- Toothbrush
- Tooth paste
- Chapstick
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- Soap
- Favorite postpartum panties & pads if you don’t prefer hospital supplied kind. No tampons during postpartum recovery.
- Breast pads
- Breast soft shells for nipple protection
- COMFORT
- Birthing gown from home
- Breastfeeding bra and top
- Postpartum PJs
- Going home outfit (mama & baby)
- Socks & slippers
- Newborn blanket, socks, hat, 2 outfits (keep in mind baby has to be placed in car seat to go home in an outfit with legs not like a sleep sack)
- Pacifier
- Baby butt cream or oil
- EXTRAS
- SNACKS! Easy access, healthy, simple & non perishable snacks were a must for me. You don’t want to be stuck with crackers & jello from the L&D pantry in the middle of the night after you’ve just had your baby!
- Mixed nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, protein bars, crackers and peanut butter.
- If you have a lunchbox & ice pack: Fruit and chopped veggies & dip (dressing, hummus, guacamole).
- Big water bottle
- Camera & charger
- Sibling gifts
- Phone charger
- Birth plan
- ID & insurance cards
- Support person’s toiletries & change of clothes
- SNACKS! Easy access, healthy, simple & non perishable snacks were a must for me. You don’t want to be stuck with crackers & jello from the L&D pantry in the middle of the night after you’ve just had your baby!
- C-SECTION MAMA EXTRAS– All of the above items still apply to you! But, let’s add a few!
- Warming pad/ microwavable bean bag for incision pain relief
- Belly Band
- Loose & soft fitting clothes are a must for you
- Remember you too will still have vaginal bleeding so you will need all the items listed above for personal care and you also cannot use tampons.
Once you are home from your birth place, I highly recommend you set up a helpful postpartum, diaper changing, and breastfeeding area for your convenience, to decrease your stress and to make it easier for others to help you. I have written all about these Postpartum Essentials in another quick blog post.
Happy packing mama!
