There are so many ways to approach packing for your hospital birth, and none of them are wrong! AND, sometimes, it is nice to know a few more options.
The list below was created to highlight the necessities. And then the next necessities, and the next next necessities, so you can expand your packing as you see fit (and on to next next next necessities!)
Proud Minimalist:
- Wallet: medical card, ID, Debit or Credit card
- Cell phone & charger
- 2 shirts
- 2 pants with elastic waist
- Slip-on shoes
- Toiletry Bag: toothbrush & toothpaste, chapstick, any medication & glasses
- Carseat
Expanded Minimalist:
All the above AND…
- Robe
- Slippers
- Book/magazine
- 2 nursing bras
- Toiletry Bag: lotion, facial cleansing cloths, brush, hairbands, shampoo & conditioner
- Hand fan
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Headphones
- Baby: going home outfit, muslin blanket
- Underwear for going home
A bit more for the unknown:
All the above AND…
- A printed copy of your birth plan
- Pillow
- Preferred nipple cream
- Breast pads
- Tissues
- Extra outfit for baby
- Essential oils
- Belly Band
- Hand cream
- Battery-powered fan
- Towel
- Bluetooth speaker
- Flipflops
Planning for what you want:
All the above and…
- Any tools you imagine for pain management: birth ball & pump, tennis balls and/or massage tools
- TENS Unit
- Rebozo or woven scarf
- Heating pad
- Meditations and/or affirmations
- Eye mask & earplugs
- Props/outfit for newborn photos
What you may not know about the hospital, is they are prepared for people to walk off the street with no personal belongings to have a baby in their facility. Such things like underwear, toothbrushes, and towels are all there for you. And there is a whole cart of supplies for your newborn! You will not be expected to bring diapers, creams, or blankets UNLESS you would like to use specific brands or fabrics.
I hope that helps take off some of the pressure!
The things you CAN bring to a hospital are limitless. This list is the most common things we have seen clients use, request, or talk about wishing they had remembered to bring.
And here is one tip from a seasoned doula – pack two bags! But pack them intentionally: one for your needs while laboring – and the other for your needs after you deliver. There will of course be some cross over, but thinking of your experience in this way can help to reduce the number of items you take into the hospital with you as you are trying to focus on breathing through contractions!
We wish you the absolute best birth and of course, hope you pack everything you could wish to have during this time.