What to Pack in the Hospital Bag
There are lists upon lists of things to bring with you to the hospital, your clothes, baby clothes, string lights, lotion, toiletries, slippers, blankets, fake candles, oil diffusers…the lists go on and on. If these lists speak to you and make sense and feel like a representation of things that make you feel comfortable and loved, then follow them. If they feel overwhelming and excessive, then read on for my suggestions based on my experiences at hospitals.
Let’s break it down into two categories, for you and for baby.
For you
You can’t bring real candles to the hospital…but these two are so cute!
My strongest suggestion here is to pack things that make sense to you. The point of packing a hospital bag is to make you feel comfortable and safe, to make the hospital room feel a little less foreign. Comfort and security are two huge promotors of oxytocin, the hormone that is crucial to a strong effective labor. Bring things from your day to day life, like a favorite hand cream, and everyday chapstick, a chill playlist. Here are a few things I do think are important to have to feel prepared.
If you don’t want to wear a hospital gown, pack a long t-shirt or oversized button down (just make sure you don’t mind if it gets a little stained)
Some slippers or socks with tread on them (hospitals also offer these)
Your tooth brush/deodorant/hairbrush, whatever will make you feel a little bit more put together postpartum
Comfy clothes to wear postpartum, you will not suddenly fit back into your pre-pregnancy jeans, so bring yoga/sweat pants that will feel cozy and loose.
If you have items that you use to relax, such as essential oils, fake candles, or special music, bring these…but don’t feel you have to bring them if you have never used them for relaxation before.
Your support team bring your partner, your mom, your doula, your best friend…whoever is on that support team, bring them! (This is the most important item!!)
For Baby
Cozy baby
A cozy outfit to wear home
A blanket to wear home
A car seat
If you have a breast pump you are planning to use, you can also bring this and the lactation consultant can make sure you are using it properly.
Of course, you can add to this list, or ask your childbirth educator, provider, or doula if they have any further recommendations. Many of the births I have attended end with clothing scattered about, blankets balled up on chairs, slippers left by the door, and the only list item doing its job is the support team. So it’s okay if you forget your toothbrush, or a blanket…but please don’t forget your support team, because you will really need them!