You are gearing up for baby’s arrival! So exciting! More often than not, we don’t know the exact date or time our little one will make their presence known, so we need to be prepped and ready for whenever that may be.
Rest assured, if you forget everything or don’t make a bag in time, the hospital’s got you covered for most needs. You just might want something other than a hospital gown to go home, and you definitely need a carseat for that sweet new life. 🙂
Each hospital and birthing center will have its own set up rules and will vary in the supplies they carry. Ask all the questions you think necessary to feel confident and prepared for your birth.
I’ll give you a general idea of what we packed for a hospital and birthing center birth experience. I had a lot of input from my mama friends our first go-around, which really helped! I’m always learning from my tribe. We have done a hospital and birth center, and are going to yet another birth center in just a few weeks!
You definitely do not need all of these items, and maybe there’s something else you need that will make you feel confident and prepared. Go for it, mama! You are empowered, you are strong and YOU CAN DO THIS.
Which brings up something I want you to always remember:
This is YOUR birth.
Say it: THIS IS *MY* BIRTH.
It’s not your friend’s, your mom’s, your doctor’s or your midwife’s birth. It’s yours. I encourage you to remember that, tell it to your birth partner, and be confident in what you want for YOUR birth.
A good start is to write down and bring your non-negotiables or birth plan, as well as your preferences (want to be comforted with touch or not, want people talking to you or letting you have your quiet, etc). Have your birth partner / spouse / doula on the same page as you before you go in. This will help you be more comfortable. If your nurse has a bedside manner that makes you uncomfortable (hopefully not!), you are free to discreetly ask the head nurse (or send your birthing partner) for a change in nurses. You want a peaceful room.
Why am I harping this on a post about hospital bags? Because you getting to experience the best possible birth you can, actually matters to me! The last thing I want is for you to feel pressured to do something you are not comfortable with. If you don’t want specific medications, or your water broken, or an epidural or whatever the case may be. Our mama instincts are incredible. Doctors and nurses are amazing – but not mind readers. They don’t know if you want medical intervention or to let nature take its course. Voice it and stick to your guns. If something isn’t working out as it should, they will let you know.
Alright, now that I’m off of my soapbox, let’s get back to that hospital bag, shall we?
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CLOTHING
Birthing outfit. I personally prefer the pretty pusher gowns or a birthing skirt from Etsy, paired with a sports bra. Both options have easy access for all types of births. The material is soft and comfortable and they are, well, pretty! For me, I feel most confident when I’m not looking like a hot mess (but birthing is HARD so expect it), and if a birthing gown can give me an ounce more confidence, I’ll take it. Hospital gowns are there for you babe, so this is not necessary.
Water wear. If you plan on laboring in the water, you may want to pair a dark sports bra or bathing suit top and dark undies or bottoms.
Lounge wear. Again, you can wear hospital gowns for your stay. I chose to bring looser fit leggings (you’ll need some space for those postpartum padcicles or ice packs) and dresses. If you end up with a c-section, you do not want anything that will fit snug around your stitching. Remember, you may still look about 6 months pregnant, so plan ahead.
Special outfit. If you will be doing photos or videos, be sure to pack for that.
Nursing bra or tank, or two.
Bathrobe. If you use one at home and it makes you comfy, do it.I also strongly recommend it if you plan on getting in and out of a shower or birth tub.
Slippers or grip socks. You are in and out of that hospital bed, to the bathroom, down the hall. IF you are a germaphobe like me… get some cheap slippers from Walmart or the dollar store so you can just toss them when you leave. Hospital floors… mm. Also, your feet may swell from any IV treatments. Bring some slip on shoes to wear home, just in case.
Birth partner clothes: Since you don’t know how long you will be staying, make sure whoever is in this with you brings an extra set of clothes as well.
Baby clothes. Bring that sweet bean something weather appropriate to go home in. Perhaps bring a couple of sizes – newborn and 0-3, because sometimes baby is just not the size we expect them to be! Our babies were basically naked in their snuggly blankets until it was time to retreat. You can definitely bring multiple outfits! Cute hats are also great. Babies can have scratchy nails, so little mittens or socks (they tend to stay on well) are helpful.
LABOR GOODS
If you plan to labor unmedicated, or hop to the epidural right away, you still labor. While unmedicated labor is so much work, and mentally and physically exhausting, everyone deals with emotions of birth in a different way. You want to have an environment of peace. What do you need to create that environment? Bring those things.
Common things to bring are:
Playlist. Pick those songs that empower you. Birth is interesting, especially if you’ve never done it before. I would suggest a variation of songs because you don’t know what your mind will needI Don’t forget a little speaker for your room, or headphones, or both.
Diffuser and oils. Give me ALL the calming and confidence oils for birth. I like my room to smell less like a hospital and more like home. Pure oils are a great option because they not only smell amazing, they benefit your brain and all of your body systems! In my experience, the nurses and doctors seem to appreciate the oily rooms as well!
Verses or motivation cards. If you, like me, need to hear all the positive things, write down what speaks to you. Choose your favorite verses or motivational sayings that speak life and confidence to your spirit. Birthing is a battle of the body and the mind. Make sure your birth partner knows where to find these in your bag!
Tennis or massage balls. You can always go the path of my first birth and have your partner use thumbs for 9 hours. OR you could bring tennis / massage balls. They can be used to put pressure on the lower back during labor, if you need it.
Heat Pack. Sore back, add a heat pack! I personally appreciated it being tied on with a long wrap.
Hair ties or headbands. Last thing you want is sweaty hair all over your hot body. Bring something to get it out of your face.
Thieves cleaner & sanitizer. This is definitely a personal preference… but I’ve seen the warnings and smelled the strong scent of hospital grade cleaners. I prefer my plant based cleaners and sanitizers that I KNOW work. My space, my baby, my preference.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES. Okay, I know, I know.. Most hospitals don’t like you to eat. I think this is ridiculous. I’m not going against what your dr. says, be obedient and have your snacks approved by your care provider. However, while at the birthing center I was allowed to eat during labor and it made a HUGE difference. Grab your favorite protein rich snacks (healthier if you can – but those chocolate covered almonds are always a good option, even if they are for post birth!) and vitamin or electrolyte waters. You really need to stay hydrated, and a little oomph in your water is a great choice. Read the labels! The more natural and less sugar loaded, the better. We don’t want any sugar crashes.
Make sure to have some cash on hand for vending machines or hospital cafeterias. Your birth partner will need to go grab something to eat also.
TOILETRIES. Typically the hospitals and birth centers are not all inclusive, so make sure you pack what you and your birth partner will need. Toothbrush and paste, face wash, deodorant, makeup and shower supplies. Even a towel… hospital towels can be DINKY and not super soft. We are going for comfort, post birth!
SLEEP SUPPLIES. If you have a pillow or blanket preferences (you or your birth partner) you may want to bring your own. Potentially an eye mask and white noise if you struggle to sleep with stuff going on. Hospital beds are not the most comfortable, and you will be in the healing process, so whatever makes you feel good, bring it.
Also, if you don’t already know this, let me break it to you – you will get woken up by baby AND nurses. They don’t always coordinate schedules. Sorry, lovely.
POST BIRTH GOODS
The hospital provides a lot – diapers and wipes, huge pads and mesh undies, you name it. Again, me and my preferences. Here are some things I preferred to bring in aside from what was provided:
Pads. I wanted pads that didn’t seem like they were eating me up. Some people prefer adult diapers. Do your thang, whatever that is. However, take it from my experience … purchase those BEFORE you have the baby. I literally stood in the store for like 15 minutes trying not to cry because I didn’t know which pads to get. Save yourself the pit stop!
Nipple cream or coconut oil, nursing pads: I tried many things and coconut oil was by far the fastest healing and soothing for me. If you plan to breastfeed, being proactive is great! Coconut oil is also great for massage. It’s also unlikely that your milk will come in at the hospital, but it’s best to be prepared! I really love the reusable organic bamboo pads.
BOTTLES. If you will be bottle feeding from the get go, bring your formula preference and a couple of bottles.
ENTERTAINMENT / ELECTRONICS. For you or your birth partner. Books, games, iPad, phone, camera.. Whatever you need. There may be periods of waiting and you may want a break from your phone. Don’t forget your phone, of course, and your charger!
Bonus tip, charging ports can be pretty far from those huge beds. If you can find an extra long charger, you’ll appreciate it for sure. If you want a bluetooth speaker or extra camera, make sure you have each item charged and ready to go.
IMPORTANT INFO, PEN & PAPER. Just in case you need to take notes, a pen and paper can’t hurt. Also make sure your pediatrician information is written down and accessible, as well as your insurance information. I also like to pack thank you cards for any of the staff that I want to appreciate.
THIEVES ANYTHING. You should know that I am a shameless Young Living essential oils addict. I know the labels on the hospital cleaning supplies show warnings and the cleaners are STRONG. I bring a little spray bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner with me everywhere. I try to touch all the things that hold me and my things – the counters, doorknobs, bed rails, couch, etc. I also travel with my own little toxin free hand soap and my Thieves hand sanitizer (you can’t touch my baby until that sanitizer has touched your hands). All safe and boosting my immune system! Yay!
CONFIDENCE. YOU CAN DO THIS. Whoever you are, whatever your journey, you’ve got this mama. You are strong and that baby will look into your eyes, and your life will forever be changed.
Okay, now, yes, that was super lengthy and it probably feels like you are packing for a month! Sorry! You definitely don’t need all the things, bring what you feel YOU will need.
One thing I really like to do before baby arrives and my bags are packed, I make a list of what is in each bag so it makes it easier for my husband to navigate. I also walk him through the bags so he knows where stuff is when I ask for it. Trust me, this is a win!
All the best to you as you deliver your sweet baby! It can feel so overwhelming and the emotions are outrageous, but you really can do this.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Psalm 55:22 (ESV)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 (ESV)
What do you bring or think you might need that I missed? OR tell me your top birth songs and verses! I need to know all the things! Please share them in the comments. 🙂
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