My Hospital Bag

Let’s talk hospital bags!  I am a list maker and planner by nature, so I made a running list several months before Carson was born to ensure that I brought everything I would need to the hospital.  When it came to physically packing my bag, I wasn’t at risk for a premature birth (and I don’t have any history of that in my family), so I actually started packing just a few weeks before his due date.  There are always going to be items that you can’t pack until right before you leave, so my recommendation for new moms is to make a list of all the items you’ll need to pack at the last minute/the day of, and place that list IN your hospital bag (right on top – because hello, pregnancy brain!), so that it will be easy to find and remember on the big day.

My hospital bag was a giant rolling suitcase with lots of items – some that I ended up using and some that I didn’t.  I was all about trying to make my labor and delivery a positive experience, and I chose to bring a lot of items that would make me feel happy and comfortable.  Many of them were definitely “fluff” items, and I’ll share which ones I used or would recommend and which ones I wouldn’t bring next time.  Here’s the laundry list of hospital bag items (the items I would consider bringing are in bold, while the items I would skip are not bolded):

• Nursing pillow – The lactation consultant showed me how to stack up pillows to breastfeed, but I did end up using my nursing pillow a little bit at the hospital.  Early on when Carson was tiny, it worked for me to have one regular pillow on my lap and then the nursing pillow sitting on top of that.
• Delivery robe and gown – My mom had gifted me a matching labor delivery gown and robe set from this Etsy site, and I loved having this for photos after Carson was born.  Birth is messy, so I just wore the gown they gave me for his actual birth, but after that I took a shower (which felt like the best thing ever), and put on the pretty gown that my mom had given me and I felt like a new woman!  It was super comfy and I definitely recommend something like this since you are pretty sore “down there.”  Mine had some buttons for easy access while breastfeeding.
• Nursing tank top – I didn’t end up using these while I was at the hospital (although they were very useful when I got home with Carson), but if you don’t have a gown, you may want to bring these for the hospital if you’re planning on nursing.  I would probably still bring one to the hospital next time just in case.
• Nursing bra – I didn’t actually wear a bra with my gown that I wore in the hospital after he was born, and wore a regular bra home from the hospital (before realizing that nursing bras would be my new normal), but if you feel more comfortable in a bra or don’t have a gown that allows easy access to nurse at the hospital, you might want to wear one.  I lived in nursing bras day and night from the time I got home from the hospital for almost the entire year afterward, and I’d definitely still bring one to the hospital next time (and would probably have a better idea of what to do with it, haha).
• Maternity leggings/workout pants – I wore workout pants while in labor, and then I wore my maternity leggings when heading home from the hospital.  They are nice and comfy.
• Cardigan- In my opinion, you really only need a cardigan if you’re planning on wearing it to come home from the hospital, or maybe if you only bring nursing tanks to the hospital.  I wore a jacket home from the hospital, so I didn’t end up needing this.
• Coming-home outfit for you – I wore maternity leggings, a comfy button-down denim maternity shirt, and brown leather booties to leave the hospital.  Looking back, I would say that the outfit looks 100% comfortable and only 50% cute (but I had just given birth for heaven’s sake)!  If I can find something a little cuter but still comfy next time (since we took photos), I will, but I will definitely NOT sacrifice the comfy.
• Slippers- I had seen these on a recommended list for the hospital but didn’t end up using them.
• Shower shoes/flip-flops or Crocs – I brought a pair of Crocs that I wear around the house because they are really comfortable.  Although I didn’t actually wear them in the shower, it was nice to have them right when I was getting out so I didn’t have to walk barefoot on the hospital floor.
• Comfy walking shoes – These are nice to have for taking a walk around the hospital during labor and also when you leave the hospital.  They will typically send you down in a wheelchair, but I felt pretty good and chose to walk (and someone with a wheelchair followed behind me just in case!).
• Warm cozy socks – As with the slippers, I didn’t end up using these (even though it was January).  The hospital had me under heated blankets and it was glorious.
• Chapstick – I definitely used this.
• Bobby pins, hair ties – These are very helpful for pinning back sweaty/gross hair, especially for photos.  I also brought a “sock bun” so that I could put my hair in a neat little bun for photos.
• Hair brush, comb – These also came in handy when it was picture time.
• Big comfy underwear- Since the hospital usually provides disposable underwear, you may not need to bring these – see this post!
• Nursing pads- I didn’t end up using these in the hospital.  In my experience, you’re still waiting for your milk to come in at this point.
• Lanolin Nipple Cream or coconut oil or another nipple balm – I did end up using Lanolin on my sore nipples, but later, after getting mastitis, a doctor recommended that I use coconut oil instead, as it’s antibacterial and allows the nipples to breathe a little better than Lanolin.
• Nipple shield – Your lactation consultant may provide you with one, but you may want to bring one just in case if you’re planning on breastfeeding.  They can help with the pain of your baby latching when you first begin nursing, although I personally didn’t find it very easy to breastfeed with them on.  They are certainly worth trying though!
• Dry shampoo, hair spray – I would definitely recommend this, and I’d also recommend taking a shower and washing your hair as soon as you realize that you’re in labor (if possible).  Although I showered the morning after giving birth to Carson, I didn’t wash my hair that first day because I was sore and it felt like a big undertaking.
• Travel shampoo, conditioner, body wash – My hospital didn’t supply these, so I would recommend bringing them.
• Deodorant, tooth brush, toothpaste – This goes without saying, but yes, you will be glad to have these items.
• Lotion – Bring some that smells good and makes you feel good!
• Razor – I brought one and used for my armpits, but I would strongly suggest shaving your legs when you realize that you are in labor (again, if possible), because it might be the last time for a while!
• Makeup – This is certainly not necessary, but it made me feel prettier for pictures.
• Face wipes or makeup remover – I would definitely recommend this if you are wearing any makeup in labor or if you plan on putting any on after labor.
• Phone chargers – Don’t forget them!
• Laptop, iPad, book, etc. – I’m just going to say, don’t bother.  You won’t use them!  At the most, you may be on your phone, but I was so “in the zone” and preoccupied with labor that I couldn’t think about much else.
• Exercise ball – Although I had considered bringing this to the hospital, I didn’t end up doing this because it was too big/awkward to carry.  If you feel strongly about using one throughout all of labor and don’t mind hauling it to the hospital, go for it!
• Massage oil – I had bought some with a relaxing lavender scent, but I didn’t end up using it.  Maybe next time!
• Hand-held massager – I brought a little plastic massager, but like the massage oil, I didn’t end up using it.
• Diffuser and essential oil – My mom gave me a diffuser and essential oils for Christmas and I love it.  I used it to practice my breathing and relaxation during my pregnancy, and then I brought it to the hospital and used it there.  I used a lavender oil during most of my labor and a peppermint oil when it was time to push.  Jamie had been given instructions before my labor on when to change the scent and he did very well with that job!
• Heating pad – Although I used one once I got home, I didn’t use one at the hospital because they had heated blankets.
• Cloth for wiping sweat – I didn’t need this, but it’s easy to pack and might be nice to have.
• Eye pillow – I brought one, but didn’t end up using it.
• Pillow and blanket – You definitely don’t need either one of these, besides a breastfeeding pillow, as mentioned above.
• Speakers and a birth playlist – I created a whole labor playlist and totally forgot to turn on any music!  However, I spent some time before going into labor practicing meditation and breathing listening to this playlist, which was calming and good preparation for labor.  If you can remember to listen to it during labor, it’s probably very beneficial!
• Breath mints – These are nice to have on hand.
• Water bottle (with a straw!) – I would highly recommend a large Yeti or similar insulated tumbler with a lid and straw – it’s so much easier to drink when you’re reclining.  I actually filled mine with Ginger Lemonade Switchel – a great anti-nausea remedy and thirst quencher made with honey, water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, fresh ginger, and sea salt.  I made a pitcher of it on Carson’s due date and kept it in the fridge for the big day.  It was truly so refreshing and hydrating for me during labor.
• Favorite snacks – My best friend gave me a care package for the hospital that included lots of different snacks for both Jamie and me (and even contained personalized chip packages congratulating us on Baby V – such a sweet idea!).  It was very thoughtful and also really came in handy, since we had to wait on the hospital meals and could only order them at certain hours of the day.
• Breastfeeding booklet from my doctor- This was helpful to read in the weeks before labor, but when you’re in the hospital and have lactation consultants at your beck and call, you won’t need this booklet while you’re there.  Now I know!
• Honey sticks – I had bought a whole giant package of flavored honey sticks (they provide a quick burst of energy and are in liquid form, so they are safe for a woman in labor), but I didn’t end up having even one.  I’ll still probably bring them next time and hope that I remember to have some!
• Birth affirmations – A couple months before Carson’s due date, I started writing Bible verses and labor affirmations on notecards.  I fastened them on a metal ring to make them easy to flip through during labor.  During the few weeks before his birth, I practiced breathing, meditation, and prayer and read through the verses and quotes, channeling my inner calm and positivity.  During labor, Jamie read a lot of the verses and quotes to me and we said them together out loud.  It was highly motivating for me, so I’d definitely recommend, especially those going through labor for the first time.
• Postpartum recovery products- You shouldn’t need to bring anything to the hospital, although I would definitely have some on hand at home – you can read more about that in this post.
• A photo of a fun memory or loved ones – Some people bring a framed photo to make their hospital room more homey, and others bring a picture of a special memory to help with visualization during labor.  I brought a photo of Jamie and me on our honeymoon in a very beautiful and relaxing spot, and although I didn’t end up setting it out in the hospital room, I did keep that photo in my mind as I was trying to breathe through labor.  I tried to picture myself being there with all the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and feelings, and it made me happy and helped to relax me.
• Baby blanket or swaddle – The hospital will give you a swaddle, but you may want to bring your own if you’d like to get photos of your baby swaddled or laying on top of a blanket other than the one from the hospital.
• Two tiny footie PJs or onesies – We mostly had Carson in what the hospital gave him until the last day (they typically give a couple baby t-shirts and he wore a diaper and a swaddle), just because we didn’t give him a bath until the following day after he was born, and he was still a little… crusty (for lack of a better word) from his delivery.  We didn’t want to put him in new clothes until he had his bath.  But it’s nice to have a few very tiny outfits to dress your baby in for photos.  Carson was 7 lb, 10 oz when he was born, and he was swimming in his Newborn clothing, which totally took me by surprise!  I might consider bringing one or two Premie or extra-tiny Newborn items to the hospital for my next babe.  Still, it might be good to bring Newborn clothes too just to be safe in case your baby is bigger than planned (the weight estimates given by the doctor can often be totally off!).
• One pair of newborn socks or booties – These aren’t needed if your baby is wearing a footie of course, but if they are wearing onesies and are swaddled, you might be glad to have a pair.
• One or two lightweight caps (and any other bonnets/hats that you want for photos) – The hospital will give you a little cap, and this is what Carson wore for the most part while in the hospital, except when we wanted some photos.
• One pair of baby mittens – We didn’t end up using these in the hospital, although you certainly could.  They help prevent the baby from scratching their face.
• One or two burp cloths – I don’t believe we needed these in the hospital, but they are easy to pack just in case.
• Coming-home outfit for the baby – This is really only if you want your baby in something special for their homecoming.
• A sign that you’d like to get photos of with your baby – Some people use a letterboard to post the baby’s name and stats, and others purchase different signs on Etsy or elsewhere that sit on top of or next to the baby in photos.  I brought a letterboard but decided not to use it for photos.
• Baby book page or cardstock for footprint stamps – You will usually receive your baby’s footprints stamped onto a little certificate that the hospital gives you, but if you have a designated page for your child’s baby book, you can bring that with and ask them to stamp it as well.  Unfortunately, in the blur of giving birth, I forgot to get that page out and ask for them to stamp it!  Luckily I have the one that the hospital gave me.
• Birth plan – Bring a few copies to hand to the doctor and nurses.  It’s probably best if you also provide a copy to your doctor before going into labor, so he/she is aware of your preferences for labor.  Just be warned – things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay!  The safety of you and your child are most important in the end.
• Pediatrician information – Typically, you will let the hospital know who your child’s pediatrician will be when you check into the hospital (or before).  I wouldn’t have known this if a friend wouldn’t have told me while I was pregnant to go ahead and choose a pediatrician, but I’m glad she did.  I got some recommendations and did a little research and was ready with the information when the time came.  It’s always good to be prepared if you can help it, rather than have to choose a doctor on the spot!
• A notebook or journal and pen – This might be helpful if you want to jot down any notes or memories, but to be honest, I had no time to be documenting anything at the hospital.  It’s probably more realistic to plan on doing this when you get home and settled.
• PB&J sandwich – Jamie made us sandwiches when I was going into labor to bring with us to the hospital, and we were so happy to have them!  I ate mine after giving birth (I was starving) and he ate his while I was still in labor.  I would highly recommend, as all I’d had was broth and jello since we’d left the house that morning.  A sandwich never tasted so good!
• Stroller – I didn’t actually bring this, but my friend who has two kids said that she brought her stroller to the hospital the second time around, and was really glad she did, as it’s a lot easier for your partner than carrying the baby in their carseat, especially if you have your hospital bag and other stuff with you.  I thought that this was a great idea!
• Car seat – I hope this one goes without saying, but don’t forget to install a few weeks before you’re due so that you’re ready!  They won’t let you leave the hospital without it!

Hopefully this lengthy list is helpful to someone out there!  A final word on giving birth – I had all these big plans on what I was going to do and use during labor, and in the end, I forgot about most of it!  But the reality is that nothing else matters but your sweet babe, and in my opinion, the mental preparation before birth might be more important than what you actually bring to the hospital during labor.  I’d love to hear what you packed and found to be most useful during your labor experience (or what you didn’t use at all).

P.S. 10 must-haves for postpartum recovery, and Carson’s birth story.

2