Packing your hospital bag for labor & delivery is no small feat, especially when you have no clue what to expect! My simple advice is this: pack whatever makes you feel most comfortable and prepared!
If you overpack, so what?! There’s no shame in bringing everything your heart desires – if you don’t end up using something, it’s no harm no foul. You have waited nearly 10 months for this after all, and you deserve to feel pampered (as much as possible) on this big day. And the worst is when you find yourself wishing you would have brought something, right? That being said, it can be an overwhelming task, so I wanted to share my hospital bag checklist!
Over the course of my two deliveries, here are the items that I’ve found to be the most helpful for labor and delivery. Be sure to check also check out my post on Postpartum Essentials to see all of the items that will help you physically recover after delivery!
For labor and delivery:
Camera: If you’re someone who wants to document the birth, don’t forget a good camera. I get asked all the time which cameras I use for vlogging and for my delivery videos. The Canon G7X is by far my favorite. I also used the Sony a5100 for my first labor video. That one was great too (and at a lower price point). Here you can get a Canon G7X kit that comes with a tripod too. If you already have a camera, this tripod will do the trick to help you get the perfect angle.
Handheld fan: During my first delivery, I got SO HOT. I didn’t have a fan with me, so the nurses gave my husband a pee tray to fan me with. You can actually see it in my labor video! I mean, the pee fan worked great. But a real fan will keep you cool and potentially misted too. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
Water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated (if allowed!) while you’re in labor. I noticed it was helpful to have a water bottle like this one that I was able to drink from while laying down. It’s a small difference that had a big impact comfort-wise!
Mophie Charger: My first labor was 27 hours long (you can read the full birth story here!) Needless to say, I spent a lot of time on my phone killing time and trying to distract myself. A portable charger like this helped me make sure I never was – gasp! – without technology, and it’s a must-have for your hospital bag checklist.
10 ft Phone Charging Cord (iPhone): An extra-long charging cord will also help you keep your phone charged and still accessible, even from the hospital bed. You never know where an outlet may be in those rooms! Plus, it’s a bonus help to keep near the rocking chair or bed once you are nursing baby at home.
Hair Coils: Any kind of hair tie will help you stay cool in those final pushes. I love a good hair coil because they don’t damage or crease your hair!
For the hospital stay after:
Prenatal Vitamins: They don’t stop once the baby pops out! You’ll want to take your prenatals after baby is born to make sure your milk is full of the nutrients he or she needs.
After-ease herbal drops: These will help ease your contractions post-birth as your uterus contracts back down to size. Just add some to your water to help ease the pain!
Handheld Breast Pump: If you need help stimulating milk production, this handheld manual pump is easy to use and will help get things going.
Clear Toiletries bag: This will help you keep track of all of the little items (like many listed below) and keep organized. All while seeing what you’re grabbing for.
AirPods: Any kind of headphones work, but these are great for hands-free calls once baby is born! If you’re far away from family like us, or unable to have visitors, you’ll find yourself on the phone a lot. You’ll be updating family after baby has made their arrival! A pair of headphones will help you cradle your little one while keeping your loved ones updated on how you both are doing!
Boppy Pillow: When you’re getting started with breastfeeding, having a pillow like this will really come in hand. Hospital pillows are not the most supportive, and a Boppy helps you feel comfortable and snug as you’re cradling your little one (and mastering the perfect hold for you!).
An Extra Blanket: Pretty sure people thought I was extra for adding this one to my hospital bag checklist, but some extra (no pun intended) pillows and blankets will be a huge help! Like I said, hospital pillows and blankets are not the most comforting when you need comfort. After I had my first baby, my husband ended up running home to get some of my favorite blankets and our sleeping pillows to help me get some rest in the hospital bed. Totally optional, but it doesn’t hurt to have them as a back-up in the car!
For discharge and heading home:
Slippers: A good pair of slippers will keep you comfy in the hospital room and make you feel that much more at home. It’s all about comfort after delivering! These are a great way to feel that pampered when getting up to change your adult diaper in the bathroom.
Shirt Nightgown: Breastfeeding-friendly, these are my favorite for the hospital because they also allow for easy postpartum checks. Your doctor will be checking you out *down there* a lot after baby is born!
Sleep Nursing Bra: I like this 2-pack. These are so convenient for nurse check-ins and easy access for lactation consultants. They’re great especially as you get used to maneuvering a nursing bra for the first time. Plus they’re so comfy for overnight nursing once you’re home!
A comfortable going home outfit: It’s a great thing loungewear is in, because it makes postpartum even more trendy! (Kidding…sort of.) You want to make sure you bring a comfortable outfit, that’s easy to slip into, for going home. And don’t forget comfortable slip-on shoes! It can be hectic packing everything up to head home from the hospital. A fuss-free outfit will make it so you have one less thing to worry about! I love a good loungewear set like this one and some carefree sandals like my go-to white slides.
Additional must haves:
Carseat / Nursing Cover: Help prevent baby from seeing too much sun as you’re getting them comfortable in the car! Plus, this doubles as a great nursing cover if you prefer to use one.
Baby Book: Last but not least, bring your baby book with you to document the big day! We were able to get in-the-moment footprints from both our boys in each of their respective baby books. I’m so appreciative that we can remember their arrivals that way forever!
A couple of my other favorite comfy items for the hospital:
Grey Shirt Nightgown | Ugg Slippers | Nursing Nightgown | Grey and White Robe | Pink Nursing Bra | Mauve Nursing Yoga Bra | White Slide Sandals
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