Hospital Bag: What to Pack?
Bringing new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences any individual can encounter. One important aspect of your birth plan is packing the hospital bag. Knowing that you have everything you need ready can reduce anxiety and stress when it is time to head to the hospital. However, packing efficiently is key; you don't want to carry around unnecessary items or clutter your delivery room. In this blog I will dive into what to pack and what to leave behind when preparing your hospital bag, from the perspective of a birth doula.
The Logistics:
Pre-Registration Forms: Essential information is readily available for hospital staff, streamlining the admission process.
Health Insurance Cards: Most hospitals will ask for insurance information before your discharge.
Parent’s Driver’s License or Other Form of Identification: An official form of identification is required to bring your baby home.
A Few Copies of Your Birth Plan: Having multiple copies of your birth plan ensures that everyone on your support team is aware of your labor and delivery preferences (even after shift changes!)
Essentials for Birthing Person:
Comfortable Clothing: Make sure to pack loose, breathable attire for labor and recovery. A light robe, button-down nightgowns, and comfortable loose pants are must-haves. Don't forget socks and slippers for added comfort.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and a hairbrush. Lip balm and hair ties can also be lifesavers during labor.
Nursing Essentials: If you plan to breastfeed, include soft nursing bras, nursing pads, nipple cream, and a breastfeeding pillow for support.
Comfort Items: Consider bringing items that bring you comfort, such as a favorite pillow, essential oils for relaxation, or a stress ball for labor pains.
Snacks: Labor can be exhausting, so pack nutritious snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, honey sticks or crackers to keep your energy up.
Essentials for Baby:
Clothing: Consider packing a special going-home outfit for your newborn, as well as a couple onesies, socks, and a hat.
Car Seat: Have a properly installed car seat ready for your baby's first journey home. At most hospitals, nurses will ensure your car seat is installed properly before letting you leave with baby.
Swaddle/Wrap: Swaddling newborns helps reduce the startle reflex, so consider packing a special swaddle. Hospital baby blankets will also work!
Pacifier: If there is a special kind of pacifier you prefer your baby to use, bring it with you!
Sound Machine: If your sound machine is portable, consider bringing it with your for night time in the hospital. It can help drown out any beeping machines or nurses shuffling around outside the room.
Breast Pump: If you are planning in pumping, bring your pump with you and the on-staff Lactation Consultants can help teach you how to use it! (The hospital can provide you with one for the length of your stay, however.)
Essentials for Birth Partner:
Change of Clothes: Labor is rarely a 2-hour event so make sure you pack an extra comfortable outfit and, maybe consider a pair of pajamas as well.
Toiletries: Similar to the birthing person’s bag, pack travel sized toiletries such as shampoo/conditioner, hairbrish, toothbrush/paste, and any essential skincare.
Phone and Chargers: Make sure you both have your phones and chargers so you can stay in touch with any family/friends during your stay.
Money: Bring cash or cards for vending machine snacks and that after-birth victory meal!
Pillow and Blanket: Consider bringing comfort items to make sure you’re comfortable.
What Not to Pack:
Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry or sentimental items at home. The hospital is not the place to risk losing cherished possessions.
Too Many Clothes: Avoid overpacking clothes for yourself or your baby. Hospitals often provide essentials like diapers and swaddles, so you may not need as much as you think.
Perishable Foods: While snacks are essential, avoid packing perishable items that require refrigeration or can spoil quickly.
Too Many Electronics: While entertainment is important, limit the number of electronic devices you bring. You'll want to focus on the birthing experience rather than being glued to screens. (Leave the video game consoles at home!)
Diapers/Wipes/Diaper Creams: Hospitals provide all essential baby items (and send you home with extras!)
Postpartum Supplies: Hospitals also provide any and all postpartum care items like pain relief, Tucks, peri-bottles, underwear, pads, and even nipple cream.
Bedding: Don’t overdo it with bedding. Hospitals have an abundance of sheets, blankets, and pillows!
Final Thoughts:
Packing your hospital bag can be super exciting and fun, but by including only the essentials for both parents and baby while avoiding unnecessary items, you can ensure a smoother and more comfortable birthing experience. Remember to pack your bag to your personal needs and preferences, and don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for any additional recommendations.
