What to Pack in Your Hospital Bags

9/24/2016

So you're into your 2nd or 3rd trimester and starting to think about what to pack in your hospitals bags.
You're in luck! I've been a birth doula for 4 years and have given birth in the hospital with all 3 of my children.
I've experienced what parents use the most of and what goes completely ignored and unpacked... only to be carried in and back out again. Here's my list of essentials for your hospital bags!

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bags

Birth Plan or Preferences
Birth planning needs to have a blog post of it's own and I'll link that here once it's up. Short and simple is good. Honestly, most birth plans are the same. They could all just as well say, ''I want to be treated like a human, fully informed and respected.'' Boom.
But we'll come back to that another day! Keep a couple copies in your bag so everyone is on the same page...

Goodie Bag for Nursing Staff
A bag of candy or a couple boxes of granola bars can be a great way to build rapport and say, ''Thank You'' to the people helping you in these special days. A good time to offer these up is once you're out of triage and in your labor room...and at the same time you share your birth plan/preferences.

Comfortable Clothing for Labor and Post-Delivery
Comfort is key. The hospital does provide gowns and disposable underwear but you're welcome to wear your own clothes.

soft nursing camisoles - comfy and convenient these are great to labor in and provide support and ease of access for skin to skin postpartum
stretchy yoga pants - enough said
a robe - great for walking the halls in labor or to slip on when guests come in post-delivery
extra socks and slippers warm and cozy is good but keep in mind that hospital floors are slippery. You can either wear your own slippers or use the hospital socks with tread.
‘’swimming gear’’ for your husband/partner
You're fine to be naked in or out of the tub or shower but if your husband or partner wants to get in with you, make sure to pack something for them. Even if they are standing next to the shower, flip flops (or extra socks) can be helpful.

Snacks
Snacks for your hospital bag also deserve a post of their own and they certainly deserve their own bag.
Evidence supports eating in labor* so long as you're low risk. Even if you can't eat, Dad/Partner will be hungry. Protein and carbs are key.
Think granola bars, trail mix or even these great gummies* with added electrolytes.

Coconut water is wondeful for hydration and sustenance as well.

Tools for comfort in labor/postpartum
These are things that I keep in my doula bag but you're welcome to bring your own, especially if you're not using a doula.

Led lights or a strand of white holiday lights provide relaxing and comforting lighting
Tennis balls/handheld massager some women love touch and massage in labor while others don't. It's good to have options in your birth bag.
Rebozo - a long piece of fabric that can be used for comfort in labor and support as a belly wrap postpartum.
Essential oils - lavender for calming, orange or lemon for providing energy and peppermint for nausea and headaches

Phone and Chargers Besides needing your phone for calling, texting, and updating your friends and family, you'll want to take pictures and may download apps for music in labor or a white noise app for sleeping. Don't forget the chargers.
Extra Pillows A couple extra pillows from home can help you feel a little more comfortable in labor, for husband/partner to sleep with and for nursing.

Toiletries

Chapstick - You've seen it on every list out there...and it's with reason. Even if you don't use chapstick on a regular basis, most women experience chapped lips during labor due to the increase in how much we are breathing out with each contraction.
Toilet Paper – I know this sounds silly but sometimes hospital toilet paper is so thin and hard to get off the roll. Bring an extra plush roll for your laboring and postpartum bottom.
Hair Ties - Again, these are on every list for a reason. In labor and postpartum, an easy ponytail is essential
Shampoo, conditioner, soap and toothpaste/toothbrushes

Going Home Outfit for Baby - Only pack one or two. The hospital provides little outfits for the baby while they stay and you'll be doing lots of skin to skin/kangaroo care while in the hospital.

Extra Bag for Gifts and Freebies – You will leave the hospital with more than you came with. Bring an extra bag for all the ‘freebies’ (i.e. diapers, wipes, disposable underwear, ice packs, etc.)

And last, but certainly not least... Don't forget to bring a doula!
A doula can help you at your home to know when it's a good time to head to the hospital, can help carry your bags, and help you as you settle into your labor room. A doula is an extra (knowledgeable) set of hands when you need it most. Contact me today to set up a consultation to hear more about all that I offer.

Comment below if there is anything you would add to this list! Feel free to share this post if you found it helpful and know that others would.

* Most healthy women can skip the fasting and, in fact, would benefit from eating a light meal during labor, suggests research. Read more here.
*Link to Stingers - Electrolyte gummies

Molly Murray

Molly Murray is a Cincinnati Birth Doula, Childbirth and Parenting Mentor, Placenta Specialist and the owner and founder of the Cincinnati Birth & Parenting Network

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