It’s not always easy to anticipate everything you’ll need for your hospital stay. We’ve made some suggestion lists based on different categories of essential items. It’s a good idea to also check with your doctor or hospital/birthing center both for suggestions of what to bring and any restrictions on what you’re allowed to bring.
Make sure your bag is packed by week 38! Statistically, most babies are born around 10 days before or after their due date [1].
Important documents and information
picture ID (e.g. your driver’s license), both yours and your partner’s/spouse’s;
your doctor’s name and information, including their contact phone number;
a copy of your medical records, especially your prenatal records;
a written copy of your birth plan/requests.
comfy bath robe;
lots of socks and underwear;
nursing bra;
washable slippers;
loungewear or pajamas;
compression socks;
a full change of clothes for when you are discharged.
toothbrush and toothpaste;
deodorant;
sanitary pads (for postpartum bleeding);
hair brush, headbands, and hair ties;
lip balm;
dry shampoo;
hospitals often provide shampoo and conditioner, but bring your own if you prefer to use it. The same goes for soap and lotion;
a hanging toiletry bag is a great idea!
Other items
glasses or contact lenses and solution;
eye mask and earplugs;
shower flip flops;
nipple cream, if you’re breastfeeding;
a refillable water bottle;
crackers or other easy-to-stomach foods you usually turn to when you’re nauseated;
healthy, non-refrigerated snacks like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit;
your cell phone and charger;
earbuds or headphones;
books or an e-reader (and charger);
a pad and pen or pencil to track things like baby’s feeding schedule, notes from doctors and nurses, and questions you want to ask;
a baby book, if you’re keeping one, to start writing down details of the birth;
a folder to keep any handouts or brochures from the hospital;
an exercise ball, if the hospital doesn’t have one.
If you have a birth partner, make sure he or she also brings ID, a change of clothes, water and snacks, and something to pass the idle time at the hospital. The same goes for your spouse or any family member or friend who will stay at the hospital for the duration of labor and delivery.
If you are having a scheduled C-section, ask your doctor about additional items you should pack, and select clothing that will feel smooth and comfortable over your abdomen post-surgery. Stool softener is also good to have in case you experience post-surgery constipation.
