Most hospitals will have almost anything that you would need, but some items you will bring will make your stay easier. Pick and choose what’s important to you from this list.
1. My number 1 must have is a long phone charger. You never know where the outlet will be in your room. Another option is to bring an external battery pack.
2. Nursing bras or camis. If you plan to breastfeed, or not, having comfortable bras for your constant changing breasts can make a big difference in how well you sleep. Have something that’s easy to take off but also offers good support.
3. Underwear or Depends/adult diapers. The hospital will supply you with pads but most women find it easier to just bring your own diapers. No matter if you use the hospitals undergarments or your own it may be awkward at first but being comfortable and not leaking blood on the bed will make your stay better. You may want to buy a bigger size so it’s easier to put on and off.
4. Snacks. Snacks. Snacks. My husband and I found the hospital food pretty delicious but I was hungry all night long. If you are picky about what you drink you may want your own as well, which brings me to my next item.
5. Water bottle preferably with a straw. Once again hospitals will give you something to drink from so this is something you can skip but I’d bring it anyway. If you don’t use it your partner can.
6. Birth plan. If you made a birth plan bring it with. Include important phone numbers in their and your list of medications and the doses. Things to include in your birth plan may be things like delayed cord clamping, Vitamin K injections, Eye cream antibiotic, etc. Check with your hospital to see what is mandatory and what is optional, and the pros and cons.
7. Socks and Slippers. I had some cute “I’m going to be a mommy today” socks that I wore. My husband had some comfortable clogs. The clogs or flip flops would have been a great idea because you can wear them I the shower as well.
8. Music or meditation. If you plan a quiet, calm birth, you may want to listen to hypnobirthing tracks or birth affirmations.
9. Lip balm. Dry air and open mouth breathing can cause chapped lips. For an added benefit get a peppermint one to help with nausea.
10. Eye mask and ear plugs. If you are a light sleeper you may want to bring these. Another option is a white noise machine if you already have one for the baby.
11. Hair ties or headband. Whatever you would normally use to keep your hair out of your face.
12. Birth ball, combs, essential oils, labor support. If you plan on non medicated methods of pain relief don’t forget to pack them and check with the hospital for any requirements, We had to sign a waiver for the birth ball. Some hospitals have a diffuser you can use for essential oils.
13. Mint or gum. This is for both you and your partner.
14. Nightlight or book light. Time of day just exists differently in a hospital, and those overhead lights are just too much for late night diaper changes and feedings.
15. Nipple ointment, lanolin. Babies learning to latch can cause a lot of pain. Hospitals will usually provide you with something but bring some if you want a specific organic brand.
16. Toiletries. This is something you should pack for you and your partner, and maybe you want to pack something for your baby as well.
17. Leggings, comfy pants. No you will not fit into your skinny jeans the day after you give birth. Use those maternity clothes for as long as you can.
18. Bathrobe or pjs. Dress for comfort but also for pictures. I didn’t want to spend money on those matching robe and swaddle sets but I’m so glad I did because I use my robe all the time and the swaddle became one of my daughters favorite blankets.
19. Nursing pillow. Breast feeding can be challenging. Bring whatever will make it easier.
20. Peri bottle. Your hospital will definitely have a peri bottle for you to use whenever you go to the bathroom but there are a lot of nice ones on the market.
Hope this helps! Check out my what to pack in the baby bag post as well!
