Packing a hospital bag can be a daunting task.
What do I need? What don’t I need? Will the hospital have wipes? Will they help me if I need a pacifier?
Check out the essentials below!
FOR MAMA AND LABOR PARTNER
✔️Birth plan
✔️Notepad and pen
✔️Insurance card, license, and any other important paperwork
✔️Clothes for you and your labor partner including, multiple pairs of (postpartum) underwear, nursing bras, nursing tank tops, comfortable loungewear, zip-up hoodie, robe, socks, slippers, sandals, shower shoes
✔️Bathroom Essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, makeup wipes, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, body wash, razor, lotion, lip balm, deodorant, makeup, hairbrush, hair ties, straightener/curling iron, bath towel
✔️Glasses and/or contacts
✔️Phone, iPad, and charger
✔️Camera and charging accessories
✔️Nursing pads
✔️Snacks, reusable water bottle
✔️Comfortable pillows (optional)
✔️Adult diaper and/or sanitary pads (trust me)
✔️Nipple cream
✔️Activities - books, magazine, music
✔️Eye mask, earplugs, and sound machine
✔️Handheld battery-operated fan
✔️Music, massage oil
✔️Cash and/or credit card for vending machine and cafeteria
✔️Your daily prescription medications
FOR BABY
✔️Baby clothes - onesies, multiple outfits, socks, hat, mittens, burp cloth
✔️Swaddle blankets
✔️Pacifiers
✔️Car seat
And maybe a special treat for the nurses, doctors, NPs, PAs, and ancillary staff!
(Think: doughnuts!)