There are so many ways to pack for your hospital birth.

Do you like to have options?
Do you feel best being prepared for any possible need?
Do you need fewer options, so you feel less overwhelmed?

Only you know how you operate best in stressful situations. 

Your hospital bag can serve so many other functions, too, besides holding all your stuff!
Is planning your bag something that helps you relax in the days leading up to labor? Does it make you happy to put it together? Do you like a challenge to start with ALL the things and then whittle it down to what will fit in your ideal case?

OR

Do you see birth as a short overnight trip away from home and pack economically?

Packing your hospital bag can be a “labor project” or something that helps you take your mind off some of the stress the end of pregnancy can place on you.

Here is the part where we reassure you and offer the reminder that people often have babies at inopportune times. And the hospital has things to help everyone – not just people with their overnight bag. Things like toothpaste and toothbrushes, towels and wash rags, and those lovely hospital gowns to keep your clothes as fresh as possible. 

But let’s hope you won’t need to walk into a hospital off the street, and you’ll have time to go to the hospital in the way and manner of your dreams. With that as the plan, what would you bring? 

The items below are listed as a building set. Based on our experiences, we have seen families use the following items and appreciate their being with them from “Essential” to “All The Things.” Have fun reading through, and if you think of something that would be perfect for you and it isn’t here – pack that too!

What To Pack For Your Hospital Birth

Essential:

• Wallet: medical card, ID, Debit or Credit card
• Cell phone & charger
• 2 Shirts
• 2 Pants with elastic waist
• Slip-on shoes
• Dop Kit: toothbrush & toothpaste, chapstick, any medication & glasses
• Carseat

Added comfort: 

• Robe
• Slippers
• Book/magazine
• 2 Nursing bras
• Dop Kit: lotion, facial cleansing cloths, brush, hairbands, shampoo & conditioner
• Hand fan
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Headphones
• Baby: going home outfit, muslin blanket
• Underwear for going home

A bit more for the unknown:

• A printed copy of your birth plan
• Pillow
• Preferred nipple cream
• Breast pads
• Tissues
• Extra outfit for baby
• Essential oils
• Belly Band
• Hand cream
• Battery-powered fan
• Towel
• Bluetooth speaker
• Flipflops

Details for all the things you want: 

• Any tools you imagine for pain management: birth ball & pump, tennis balls and/or massage tools
• TENS Unit
• Rebozo or woven scarf
• Heating pad
• Meditations and/or affirmations
• Eye mask & earplugs
• Props/outfit for newborn photos