Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist
Here’s what you will need for labor & after! Nothing more!
YOUR BAG: MAKE IT A NICE SIZE OVER NIGHT BAG! LEAVE ROOM OPEN IN IT FOR ALL THE GOODS YOUR HOSPITAL WILL SEND YOU HOME WITH!
Toiletries. You’ll want your hair brush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, soap, lip balm, extra hair ties and face wipes. A nice long handled loofa! This will be perfect so you don’t have to bend much in case you are pretty sore.
A robe. Ask any veteran mama, a comfortable robe is one of the best postpartum clothing items out there. Perfect cover up when visitors arrive!
Shower Shoes. Need I say more?!
Comfortable clothes. If you plan on breastfeeding after delivery, pack a nursing bra or tank top in your bag. Postpartum leggings will be a best friend. A loose pant like joggers or lightweight sleep pants are a good choice as well. Another option is packing a dark-colored gown you can nurse in. It ables you to pull it up when you lie in bed.. just in case you leak out a bit, you won’t get it all over your gown or bottoms! If you labor in water, pack a dark-colored sports bra or a bathing suit top. Just in case you decide you’d rather not be completely naked. Slipper socks are great for keeping your feet warm, clean & cozy. Bring slip-on shoes like flip-flops for going home. Your feet might be swollen, so you’ll be thankful for shoes you can easily slip on. Plus, less bending!
Nipple cream. If you’re planning to breastfeed, this will be your BREAST friend! LOL Get it?!?
An extra-long cell charging cord. I cannot recommend this enough. You will want loads of snap shots of your new sweet baby! So, make sure that cord will be long enough to keep the phone charged. I recommend a 10-12 foot cord.
Your birth plan. Take it from this experienced Birth Doula… print a few copies! One for your reminder on the counter of your room. One for the staff to scan into your chart! Another for your provider to see ahead of time. Make it simple & clear. Labor, Birth & postpartum sections so the staff can quickly scan that section when the time comes!