A few comfort items go a long way when you are at the hospital to give birth. While most people probably overpack, it's better to have at least the essentials to make your stay and your experience more comfortable.
HOSPITAL BAG ESSENTIALS
- Picture ID (driver's license or other ID) and your insurance card
- Eyeglasses, if you wear them. Many expectant moms who wear contact lenses opt not to deal with them while in the hospital or birth center. But if you'll be wearing contacts, remember to bring lens solution and a lens case.
- Cell phone
- Headphones (ear buds are best so that you can listen with one or both ears)
- Your birth plan, if you have one. Bring extra copies in your go-bag so that everyone on your medical team can have a copy
- Nonstick socks for safety, some hospitals require it
- Slippers to stay cozy during recovery
- Chargers for phone, tablets etc
- Pjs with front open or buttons in the front for easy nursing
- 2 comfy outfits (baggy pants, large shirt, sweater, nursing bras & underwear)
- Towell from home (the hospital towels aren't great)
- Pillow from home (the hospital pillows also aren't great)
- Battery operated candles if you want to set a calming mood
- Reusable Water Bottle, the bigger the better
- Toiletries. Get a hanging toiletry bag in case there isn't much counter space
- deodorant
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- lip balm
- brush and comb
- hair ties or a headband
- lotion
- A bathrobe to lounge in before or after
- A nightgown or two to stay comfortable during early labour. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that's either sleeveless or has short, loose sleeves so that your blood pressure can be checked easily.
- Multi-plug outlet in case you need to charge several electronic items at once.
- A notepad or journal and pen. It's not just a place to jot down thoughts and reminders, it's where you can also track your baby's feeding sessions, write down questions for your provider, note what the pediatrician tells you, and so on. These scribbles will also make for a special keepsake.
LABOR ESSENTIALS TO PACK
- Massage lotion or oil, if you think you might enjoy a massage while in labor
- Music. Create a few labour playlists! A chill one and an upbeat one so you have both options depending on what you need. Here's my chill playlist on Spotify, I literally listened to this while in labour.
- Portable speaker and or headphones
- Drinks. Most hospitals will provide water and probably juice, but to stay hydrated, consider bringing some of your favorite refreshing beverages, like pulp-free fruit juice, coconut water, carbonated drinks, sports drinks, or tea.
- Snacks or light meals. You may be at the hospital longer than you anticipate (before or after) and it's nice to have some of your favourite familiar snacks.
- Books, magazines, or a tablet for watching movies if you'e going to be induced, because it may be a while before labor is underway.
FOR BABY
- Coming home outfit
- Hat, mittens, and socks for the ride home
- A blanket to keep them warm on the drive home
- Swaddles
- Car Seat (we loved the UPPAbaby Aria)
FOR DAD
- Toiletries
- Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
- PJs
- Snacks and drinks
- Books and magazines
- Cell phone for keeping family and close friends posted on the labor and birth. Make sure the phone numbers of everyone you'd like to contact are in your phone.
- Phone charger
- Prescription medications and pain reliever, in case you get a headache or have a backache from dozing on the hospital chair or cot
- Pillow and a small blanket, if you prefer to use your own instead of whats provided by the hospital. It's important for labor partners to rest during downtimes too
- Bathing suit. If the mom-to-be wants to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want to get in with her to support her or rub her back. It'll also be helpful if she's planning a water birth
- Money (or a credit card) for parking and vending machines