What to Pack in Your Hospital or Birth Center Bag

Get Ready…Get Set…

For labor and delivery, pack items that will keep you as comfortable, relaxed and prepared as possible.

• Bring plenty of snacks and your favorite beverages to keep up your energy. Include snacks that are high in protein and easy to eat on-the-go, like your favorite bars, dried fruit or nuts. Note: keep in mind many hospitals won’t typically allow you to eat during labor

• Clothes to labor in (if you plan to wear any at all!) If you choose to bring your own, remember that labor can get messy and keep in mind the access that may be needed for your birthing team to do cervical checks, medical interventions like epidurals, etc, if you choose these. It’s always a good idea to have a change of clothes with you, in case your labor goes longer than expected.

• Clothes for after delivery. You won’t want tight, restrictive clothing to wear postpartum. Consider bringing a robe and your own socks/slippers to change into. When you head home, you’ll want something comfortable with shoes you can slip on easily (for C-Section mamas especially, keep in mind pants that won’t rub on the incision).

• Throw in a hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, extra hair ties and face wipes (in case you’re not up to showering right away). Remember extra contacts and/or glasses, if you wear them.

• Your birth plan. If you have a birth plan, print and bring a few copies. It’s a good idea to highlight some key points for quick reference.

• An extra-long cell phone charging cord. Hospital beds especially are notoriously far away from an electrical outlet!

• Portable speaker and a playlist of hypnobirthing audio, calm meditations or music you might want to listen to during labor.

• Portable fan

• If you’re planning on breastfeeding, these are some items you might consider adding: Nursing bra or tank
  A nursing pillow (this can help you to position your baby correctly while breastfeeding and prevent your own back and arms from aching)
  Nipple cream to soothe sore nipples.
  A water bottle (keeping this around will encourage you to stay hydrated while nursing)

• For Your Newborn: Outfits
  Diapers and wipes
  Swaddles
  Socks
  Hats
  Mittens (to prevent those tiny newborn nails from scratching!)
  Bottles (if formula feeding)
  Carseat to go home