What to Pack for the Hospital
The number of things you have to do to prepare when you’re pregnant is a full mile long. The things you have to decide: pediatrician; child care after your parental leave expires (as applicable); which pieces of equipment are necessary and the best for your needs; which experts are mandatory and which aren’t worth the investment. Not to mention choosing a photographer. The decision fatigue is real.
So when it comes to getting ready for the actual, physical act of birth, it can be a challenge to make yet another set of decisions, especially if you’ve never done the birth thing before.
And while it’s been a while since I needed a packing list for the hospital, I’ve put one together all the same. I’ll run through the list first, and then at the bottom you can download the checklist (I really love putting together checklists) and use it for your own experience.
Things to Take:
Important documents. ID, insurance info, etc. My insurance sent me a letter saying I didn’t have to pay my deductible because I had jumped through some hoops during pregnancy, and I had to present that letter when I checked in. Your birth plan can fall under this category as well.
Phone charger with extra long cord. For obvious reasons. Your 2 foot cord won’t reach while you’re sitting/laying in the bed and you’ll want it.
Chapstick and lotion. It’s dry there.
Snacks. Even if your particular situation doesn’t allow you to eat during labor, you’ll still be there after birth. And if you give birth in the middle of the night, when the cafeteria and outside restaurants are closed, you’ll really want a snack.
Comfort items. Your pillow, scent diffuser, twinkle lights. If you have a doula (which I recommend), they’ll provide some of those things for you, but if not, you’ll need to bring them yourself.
Birthing items. While my hospital had a birthing ball that I could use, my doula brought a peanut and a Pashmina to help support me through different positions while I labored and pushed. They were marvelous. Again, I recommend a doula who can help you through those positions, but if you’re going it alone, bring what you think you’ll need.
Camera, if you know how to use it or have someone available to take photos for you. My doula took great photos, and used my camera so I would have the photos immediately. Of course, you can also use your phone for that. More on that below.
Entertainment. A magazine, book, music, movie or show downloaded onto a laptop. (I’m not an expert but I recommend comedy over drama.)
Your partner’s stuff. If they’re staying with you in the hospital, they’ll need overnight things, including a pillow, phone charger, clothes for overnight and the next day(s). Entertainment items to keep them occupied during downtimes. And it’s COLD in the hospital, so they’ll probably want a hoodie. Or else they might realize halfway through labor that they’re a frozen popsicle and have to go home for it. (Also, your partner is 100% in charge of packing their own bag.)
Toiletries. That first shower is amazing.
Nursing bra and pads, if you intend to breastfeed.
Robe and/or clothes for recovery. You’ll be sitting around a lot, and while you can stay in your hospital gown, there’s also no rule about changing into your own clothes after birth. You might be a lot more comfortable in your own things. Just consider that your body will be different and may have incisions in various places. You will be bleeding and will likely be wearing a large pad and mesh underwear. You’re going for comfort, not style.
Baby blanket. Unnecessary, since they’ll wrap your baby in one of those striped hospital numbers while you’re there, but if you want something softer or cuter for when you’re holding them or taking photos, bring it.
Clothes for yourself for coming home. Think about the weather but again, also consider that your body will be different and may have incisions in various places. Bleeding. Pad. I recommend steering clear of hard pants. I was comfortable in leggings, and didn’t feel exposed wearing a long cardigan over said leggings. If you’re a dress person, you could go that route too. Don’t forget shoes you can slip on easily (though, you’ll probably be wearing those when you arrive).
Clothes for your baby to wear home. You might consider taking two different sizes, in case they are bigger or smaller than you’re expecting.
The carseat. Bonus points for installing it in your car ahead of time. When we took our son home, they made us put him in the car seat and strap him in to show them that we could do it safely. Good thing we had the removable carrier with the bases for each car. Not sure if they’re still doing that or not, but you can call and check. Also, you can leave this in the car until the day of your discharge.
A small gift for the nurses. This is not mandatory. But you will find during your experience that there will be some people caring for you that really go above and beyond, both in the Labor and Delivery ward and also the Maternity ward. I put together a snack bag for each ward, with healthy snacks, a couple of treats, and a set of good pens. They were grateful for the thought, and it was the least I could do to show my appreciation for how they helped me transition into parenthood.
Things to Leave at Home:
Multiple pairs of shoes. If your feet are as swollen as mine were immediately before and after birth, you might only be able to fit into one pair of shoes. Like, flipflops or sandals. Something you can wear with socks (crocs!) would be perfect.
Multiple changes of clothes. Hospital rooms are small, and your whole little family will be sharing that space while you’re there. Make it easier for yourself and be prepared to wear one thing while you’re there, and one thing on the way home. (That goes for you too, partner.)
White noise machines, fans, and other bulky items that will take up space in that tiny room. If you’re planning to bring a birthing ball, you might call ahead to see if they have one you can use, instead of needing to inflate and bring yours.
Jewelry. The chances of losing it are higher than the chances of you needing it.
Pads, socks, underwear, diapers, baby shampoo. The hospital will give you all of these things, and will expect you to take home the extras.
Things to do before you go
Check your phone and/or camera storage and make sure you have plenty left. Like, more than you think you’ll need. You’ll suddenly go from taking one picture every couple of days to taking 2 minute long videos of a baby sleeping. Double check your storage.
Have at least one meal, preferably more, prepped for your return home. You know what you won’t want to do when you get home? Cook. Not for days. Have some comfort meals prepped that you can either throw in the oven, defrost in the microwave, or heat up in the slow cooker. Buy some bags of salad to have as sides. Cook up a bunch of protein that you can throw on said salads.
Do one last load of child-free laundry. You’ll have an unexpected amount of gross laundry to do in the days and weeks after birth. You don’t need pre-child laundry hanging over your head, or to come home to no clean clothes. You think you’ll have time to do it. You won’t want to.
Set up care for pets and/or older siblings. Self-explanatory.
Bonus: set a calendar reminder to notify your photographer after you give birth, so you can schedule your newborn photos.
I hope this helps as you prepare for childbirth! You can download the checklist here, and don’t forget to get my other checklist, on hiring a newborn photographer.