What to Pack for Your Hospital Birth

Clients always ask, “what do I need to pack for the big day?” and the answer varies with each family. I created a guide that can be considered a starting point for some families and an over the top list for others.

For Mom, you have to think about what will make most comfortable.

• Toiletries include your toothbrush and face wash for sure! Those two things can bring life to everyone!
• Headphones are not a Must Have, but if you are working towards a hypnosis or you are using the hypno birthing method, this is key to drowning out the noises of the room and the hospital in general.
• Some families like to flood the room in music, so bring a speaker and your favorite playlist.
• Devices die, so bring a way to charge your phone and any other device you bring.
• Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes for during and after birth. You do not have to wear a hospital gown, but you can. Most women feel comfortable in a gown from home. Here is a link to a cute gown and robe set. The robe is nice because walking the halls is a real thing! Easy to nurse or be skin to skin in this and you will love how soft it is. Great forever at home. Such a fun memory.
• No bra is perfectly acceptable, but some moms are not comfortable like that on the way home. NO underwire for at least the first month. Let your milk come in and keep the pressure to a minimum. This was my FAVORITE for a long time. Soft and easy, even to sleep or rest while wearing.
• The hospital will provide a big water bottle, but your favorite one from home is always nice. There is a station on every L&D floor to fill up ice and water. They also have coffee and some have popsicles and juice, which are super wonderful when mom is getting tired and needs some fast sugar.
• I highly recommend some kind of slippers or crocs or flip flops. You really don’t want to go barefoot in the hospital. They do a great job of cleaning, but don’t trust it.
• Don’t forget all the paperwork: Insurance card, ID, Birth Plan. You will need this at check in. Make sure you have the info about your pediatrician.
• If you have a favorite blanket or pillow, you can always add it to the bed after baby arrives.

For Dad, you are responsible for all the details for caring for your precious wife and your new baby. This is a big deal and these details will be remembered.

• Small cooler for babies placenta, if you plan on taking it home. I highly recommend saving it. The hospital makes big buck off of the sale of the placenta. If your families doesn’t plan to encapsulate it, you can always use it to plant a tree for your new family.
• The carseat needs to be INSTALLED in the car BEFORE you leave for the hospital. You can always ride by the fire department to check your install and get some last minute advise from wise and loving community members.
• If your wife has a water birth in mind, or if you think jumping in the shower to hold her will be a nice support- don’t forget your swim suit. Naked suits the mom well in this situation, but not so much for dads.
• You will be making a bed on the pull out couch or chair, so don’t forget a soft blanket and a pillow. The hospital has plenty to share, but you will enjoy a little bit of home while resting in the most unrestful place on earth!
• Bring snacks that you like, that you like to share, and that your baby mama will love. You can also plan to run out for a delicious burger after baby arrives. Bring some cash just in case the vending machine doesn’t accept tap to pay. Most have been converted, but you will be surprised what you find when you are desperate.
• Bring a change of clothes and toiletries. You will enjoy freshening up after baby arrives.
• I do not believe in “push presents” or fancy gifts, but a sweet picture of you and your beautiful wife will be a treasure worth more than gold. Don’t forget a fun selfie or even several over the entire birthing experience.

For Baby:

• If you have a cute door hanger to announce your new baby, add it to your baby bag!
• Cute outfits and picture props. Definitely not necessary, but some moms really want these kinds of memories.
• Going home outfit, something WARM. Baby has been baking in 98 degree water for 9 months, they like it warm. Hats are key to keeping baby warm.
• Forget the mittens, babies need their hands to tell you when they are hungry and for their comfort. Let their hards be free. Little scratches heal quickly. Don’t worry, they have had their hand touching their face the whole pregnancy, it brings lots of comfort.
• Newborn diapers and wipes. The hospital will have some, but plan to bring your own too. You will need more than you think!
• Soft blankets and swaddles are nice to have in the bag. You may or may not need it, but you can’t use it if you don’t have it.

Feel free to download this quick graphic or to save this post for future reference. There may be more things you need or want to have. You can always bring more and leave it in the car if you need it.

If I missed anything, add it to the comments on this post and I will address it.

Questions about what you need, feel free to comment below! I will check in and help you be prepared!