PACKING YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: A HOW TO GUIDE
What to pack for a hospital birth
By 36 weeks, this is what should be packed and ready to go!
written by: Heidi Snyderburn, Birth Doula and Owner of Birth Story Boutique
TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING
You have hired your doula (hopefully!), written your birth plan, taken
childbirth classes, read the books, listened to the Birth Story Podcast, and
completed decorating the nursery. You a re ready to have a baby! As your guess
date approaches, you start thinking about wha t essentials you need to take
with you on that big trip to your birthing place.
It could not be that much, right? After all, you are likely only going to stay
from one to three days, with helpful nurses taking care of all your needs.
HOW TO PACK THE PERFECT HOSPITAL BAG
There are lots of blogs on the internet that would seemingly have you take
your entire house with you to the hospital. So, how can you pack the perfect
hospital bag, without overthinking it? Just think of the necessities for three
people: YOU, YOUR PARTNER (if applicable), and YOUR BABY.
WHAT TO BRING FOR YOU
Do pack:
• Comfortable clothes to labor in (bring a couple of different options in case
your water breaks and you need to change, or you get cold/hot during
labor)
• Your own robe to labor in and I recommended bringing two.
• A comfy outfit to wear home. You will still have a round postpartum
tummy, leaking breasts, and wear a large pad, so think of something soft,
forgiving, and easy to clean.
• Comfort Measures/labor supplies. Your doula can help with this as she will
likely have many of these things in her doula bag already! These supplies
can include essential oils, diffuser, rebozo, Bluetooth speaker, etc. Ask your
doula what she is bringing so you do not double pack. If you do not have a
doula, see the handout “What is in my doula bag? Pro-tips for packing an
amazing labor support bag!”
• Three copies of your birth plan – Your doula will bring hers too.
• Any medications you are on.
• Your ID and insurance information.
• Your phone and charger. I recommend a portable charger. Don’t forget to
free up space for plenty of pictures and videos.
• Chapstick, hair ties, socks, or other small items you may need to feel
comfortable.
• Your own pillow and blanket – Hospital pillows are notorious for not
providing much support! So, bring lots of them!
• Your personal toiletries: deodorant, toothbrush, makeup
• Nursing bra and breast pads.
• Hands free pumping bra
• Food and drinks and a big water thermos with a straw
• Several large trash bags. You want to put everything us ed at the hospital
into a hospital bag so it can be taken straight to the laundry including all of
those pillows and blankets you packed!
• Breast pump (but leave it in the car)-this is for an emergency NICU stay
only.
• Depends, yes for real! The hospital has maxi pads, but man those cozy pull
up depends are so easy for after birth!
Don’t pack:
• Nipple shields and breast pumping supplies – The hospital lactation team
will likely have these on hand. However, put your breast pump in your car
just in case ; it just doesn’t need to come inside with you.
• Maxi pads – They will provide you with large pads and stretchy mesh
throwaway undies
YOUR PARTNER
Do pack:
• An extra outfit – or two – in case of a longer stay or an amniotic fluid
mishap
• Snacks, water, electrolyte drinks
• A book, laptop, Ipad, handwork for down time
• Phone and charger
• Wallet with ID, cash for vending machines
• Camera and charger
Don’t pack:
• Your gaming console! Seriously. Leave it.
Your Baby
Do pack:
• A sweet first going home outfit
• Baby nail clippers/file because those things can be surprisingly sharp right after
birth!
• Onesies and socks
• Car seat – This must be properly installed in your vehicle before you can
take baby home! We recommend connecting with a local CPST (Certified
Passenger Safety Technician) before you give birth to ensure proper
installation.
Don’t pack:
• Pacifiers, diapers, bottles: the hospital will provide these if needed. Unless
you just have special ones you want to use!
BONUS TIP
To further prepare you (and your vehicle!) for a sudden trip to the birthing
location, lay a piece of plastic down on the seat of your car, and spread a large
towel over it. This will protect your car from a big mess if your water breaks
during the drive to the hospital! Add a bucket just in case you vomit. I also
like my mom’s to have an eye covering and earbuds with music for the car ride
and hospital transfer so not to be disrupted from their “labor land.”
WHEN DO I NEED TO GET ALL THIS DONE?
Don’t str ess! You probably have plenty of time. I recommend that you gather
your items into a sturdy, easy -to- clean bag (with enough room to bring home
stuff from the hospital!) around Week 36 of pregnancy. This will ensure that if
you go into labor a little before your guess date, you don’t have to suddenly
scramble around to collect things.
YOU DID IT!
Does this complete your having- a -baby to-do list? With your hospital bag for
birth packed and ready to go, you will be able to breathe a little easier waiting
for that exciting and overwhelming moment of realizing that you are in labor.
XOXO-
Heidi