In the past 4 pregnancies, I have always packed my hospital bag last minute, right as I am about to leave for the hospital. This time, I was determined to be prepared early.
We ended up packing at week 36. By my standards, that’s really good! I packed three small bags, a carry-on size bag for me and my hubby, the camera bag, and a small shoulder bag for the baby’s clothes.
For Mommy
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Photo ID & Insurance
The hospital will require this at check in. So, make sure to pack it. If your afraid you may forget it, take a picture of it on your smartphone or make a copy to keep in your suitcase.
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Birth Plan (if you have one)
I did not have a written birth plan, but I had told my husband of my wishes Incase I was unable to at the hospital.
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Birth Ball (optional)
I found that bouncing on a birthing ball during contractions was very helpful. With my last pregnancy, when I went in to the hospital, my contractions became irregular. Since I did not want to take the IV ptocin, the nurse recommended using a birthing ball to speed things along. Thankfully, she was able to provide me with one. However, I’ve heard other friend inform me that at the same hospital, they were denied the birthing ball when they requested one. So, this time around, I made sure to keep the ball in the car incase I needed it and was unable to get one from the hospital.
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Cell Phone + Charger (optional)
This is optional as I know some women like to keep their cell phone and all electronics far away during this process so that they can fully focus on and connect with the baby during the birthing and postpartum period. However, for me, this was a necessity. I keep e-books as well as access to my blog and social media on my phone. I also use it to connect to friends and family.
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Camera + Extra Memory Card (optional)
Those moments leading up to and after delivery are one of a kind. So, it’s important to keep a camera to capture those moments. Some smartphone cameras have incredible resolution but I still prefer an actual camera. I also recommend keeping an extra memory card in the event that you end up taking more pictures than you had initially planned.
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Socks & Slippers
Hospitals are usually kept pretty cold. They give the standard gray or brown hospital socks, which I don’t mind, but if you do, remember to take your own pair. I took easy to slip on slippers for moving around the room and to the restroom.
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Books (optional)
Labor can be long and post partum is even longer. Take a book or something you can do while you wait, are nursing, or can’t rest when you should be. I didn’t take any physical books with me as I was afraid of taking too much luggage, but I did make sure that I had plenty of ebooks of various topics on my phone.
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Massage oil (optional)
This is pretty self explanatory. Saying that contractions are painful, is an understatement. But, have faith that you are capable of managing the pain. If it helps, ask your partner for a shoulder massage or foot massage. For me, I didn’t want one. So, although, I like to keep some oil with me, I never use it.
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Toiletries
The basic necessities such as toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, hair tie, and even your favorite shampoo and conditioner will be very helpful in making your stay at the hospital as comfortable as possible.
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Lip balm
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Hairbrush plus hair tie
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Make up
Its really optional, however, most women I know have some form of makeup they enjoy wearing. So, take it with you, even if its just a face cream and lipstick. Take it and wear it, so you can feel confident.
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Pajamas & Going home outfit
As beautiful as those hospital gowns are, the hospital will expect you to leave them before to exit. So, instead of rewearing those maternity clothes back home, change in to something that will make you feel comfortble and confident. Something you will enjoy recording pictures with your newborn as you head home. If you’re a hijabi, make sure to pack a matching hijab with your outfit. In addition to the going to home outfit, you may choose to keep a nice pair of comfy pajamas or night gown, preferably one that’s nursing friendly. I got mine from amazon. The pajamas will allow you to feel more like yourself and they are more modest than the open back gowns the hospital provides. I kept a nursing night gown for the first and a pair of pajamas for day 2.
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Postpartum underwear
Self explanatory. The hospital will give you mesh disposable underwear, without any support for your postpartum belly. Take a pair of post partum underwear that you can change into once you are more comfortable changing out of the hospital pair.
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Nursing bras
Self-explanatory.
For Daddy
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Cell phone plus charger
A cell phone may be optional for Mommy, but Daddy will probably want to have a form communication to inform loved ones of the arrival of your new bundle of joy.
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Change of clothes
If Daddy will be staying with Mommy at the hospital, he will need a change of clothes.
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Socks and slippers
He will also need his socks and slippers for the same reason as Mommy.
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Toiletries
In addition to clothes and slippers, he will need his toiletries. Why? For the same reasons why Mommy would need them.
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Snacks (optional)
Once you are in labor, other than some ice chips, you may not be able to eat or drink. However, Daddy doesn’t have to starve and if labor is long, he will want something to nutritous to hold him over until your bundle of joy arrives.
For Baby
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Onesies
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Baby cap
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Socks & mittens
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Blanket (& receiving blanket)
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Burp cloth (optional)
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Baby book for footprint (optional)
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Going home outfit
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Car seat (installed in the car)
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