Labor & Delivery Essentials

As you get closer to the big day, we have pulled together some tips on what to pack and help you plan your stay in the hospital. Our handy list includes all the essentials for your baby, your partner, and you. We've also included hospital bag packing tips from moms – and sound advice on what you shouldn't bring with you. We believe that having your hospital bag ready in advance can help you feel more secure and ready for whatever happens in your last weeks of pregnancy. Pack your hospital bag by the time you're about 36 weeks Having your hospital bag ready in advance can help you feel more secure and ready for whatever happens in your last weeks of pregnancy. Pack your hospital bag by the time you're about 36 weeks pregnant, since you could go into labor at any time in the weeks before your due date. Keep your "go-bag" near the door – or even in the car. Of course, you'll have to add some items at the last minute (like your brush, phone, and insurance card), but you can pack some of the essentials in advance.
Hospital bag checklist for you!

Essential items and documents:

• A picture ID (driver's license or other ID), your insurance card, and the name and phone number of selected pediatricians. Check with the hospital or birth center ahead of time regarding any paperwork you should bring. Ask if it would be helpful for you to bring a copy of your medical records.
• Your birth plan, if you have one. Bring extras in your hospital bag so everyone on your medical team can have a copy.
• Cell phone and charger. You may want to bring a multi-plug outlet in case you need to charge several electronic items at once, also consider a longer cable as outlets may not be easily accessible.
• Cord blood kit, if you're planning to bank your baby's cord blood. (Make sure you read the paperwork ahead of time.)

Personal Items:

• Toiletries. Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup (if you're planning to use it), and hair ties. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own. A hanging toiletry bag can be helpful, since there's usually little counter     space in the bathroom.
• Sanitary pads. The hospital will provide sanitary pads to absorb all the blood after delivery, but if you like using a special brand, feel free to bring your own. And make sure you have a supply of heavy-flow pads waiting at home!
• Eyeglasses, if you wear them. Many expectant moms who wear contact lenses opt not to deal with them while in the hospital or birth center. But if you'll be wearing contacts, remember to bring lens solution and a lens case. Note: If you're having a c-section, you'll be asked to remove your contact lenses before the procedure.

Clothing:

• A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use, but some women also bring their own. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that's either sleeveless or has short, loose sleeves so that your blood pressure can be checked easily.
• A nightgown that opens in front will allow for skin-to-skin contact with your newborn and make breastfeeding easier.
• Backless slippers and a lightweight robe may come in handy if you want to walk the halls during labor or recovery. Keep in mind that whatever you wear could get stained with blood and other body fluids.
• A comfortable outfit or two. Some moms prefer changing out of their nightgown during their stay in the hospital, especially if they're expecting visitors. Maternity yoga pants and tops are a good option, since your belly will still look pregnant. If you have a c-section, you'll want loose clothing that will be comfortable over your incision. For going home, have something roomy and easy to get into and a pair of ȧat, comfortable shoes.
• Several pairs of postpartum underwear. Some women love the mesh underwear provided by the hospital, but others don't. You can't go wrong with your own roomy cotton underpants.
• Comfortable nursing bras. Your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in, which can happen anytime during the first several days after delivery. A good bra can provide some comfort, and nursing pads can be added to help absorb leaks.

Essentials for mom during labor:

• Comfort items. A picture of someone or something you love, essential oils (get permission from the hospital ahead of time), or anything else you find comforting.
• Massage lotion or oil, if you think you might enjoy a massage while in labor.
• Music. Bring your favorite playlists, headphones or earbuds, and perhaps a portable speaker.
• Books, magazines, and a tablet. Entertainment can come in handy in early labor especially.

Supplies for mom after labor:

• Snacks! After many hours of labor, you're likely to be pretty hungry, and you may not want to rely solely on hospital food. Therefore, we often suggest bringing your own – crackers, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or whatever you think you'll enjoy. If you've had a c-section, you can probably have fluids after an hour, but your we may have you wait for eight hours or so before eating anything. (This may depend on how much narcotic medication you need and whether you're feeling nauseated.)
• Eye mask and earplugs. These can help you sleep if your room is bright or noisy.
• A notepad or journal and pen. You can track your baby's feeding sessions, write down questions for your provider, or journal about your baby's birth.
• Some families bring a baby book so they can record the birth details right away.
• Book or app on newborn care. Postpartum nurses will be there to answer questions and show you how to change, hold, nurse, and bathe your newborn if you need guidance. But you may also want to have additional resources.
• Nursing pillow. A specially designed pillow can provide better support than hospital pillows.
• Gifts for older siblings. Some parents bring gifts for the new baby to "give" to older brothers and sisters when they visit, such as small toys or a "big brother" or "big sister" t-shirt.

Hospital bag checklist for your partner:

• Camera or video camera (to use instead of or in addition to your phone). Someone has to document the big event! Most hospitals don't allow videotaping of the birth itself, but there's usually no rule against filming during labor or after birth.
• Toiletries
• Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
• Snacks and drinks
• Books and magazines
• Cell phone for keeping family and close friends posted on the labor and birth. Don't forget the charger for them too!
• Money (or a credit card) for parking and vending machines.
• Pillow and a small blanket, if you prefer to use your own instead of what's provided by the hospital. It's important for labor partners to rest during downtimes as well.
• Prescription medications and pain reliever, in case your partner gets a headache / backache from dozing on the hospital chair or cot.

Hospital bag checklist for your baby:

• Baby nail file and nail clippers. Newborns often have sharp, pointy nails and can manage to scratch themselves on the face. You may want to bring baby nail files or clippers to trim tiny nails, or pack newborn mittens from home.
• Coming-home outfit. Your baby will need an outfit to go home in, including socks or booties if the clothing doesn't have feet, and a hat if it's a cooler time of year. Make sure your baby's outfit has legs (so not a baby gown) so that the car seat strap can fit between them easily.
• Baby blanket. The hospital will provide blankets for swaddling your baby while you're there, but you may want to bring your own to tuck around your baby in the car seat for the ride home. Make it a thicker one if the weather calls for it.

Also, don't forget to have an installed car seat ready to go in the car. You CAN NOT drive your baby home without one! Make sure your car seat is rear-facing and know how to buckle your baby in correctly.

What not to pack in your hospital bag:

• Jewelry, lots of cash or other valuables. You won't need it, and you don't want to worry about things getting lost.
• Medications, including vitamins. Any medication or vitamin you bring from home must be approved by the hospital's pharmacy – and the process can take a long time. Make to ask your provider if the hospital will provide all the medications you'll need, or if you should bring your own medications and get the hospital's approval before you arrive.
• Diapers and diaper wipes. The hospital will provide diapers and wipes for your baby while you're there.
• Baby clothes. Other than a coming-home outfit, you don't need to bring baby clothes to the hospital. During your stay, the hospital will provide long-sleeved baby shirts and swaddling blankets.
• Bottles and nipples. If you're planning to bottle feed, the hospital will have these on hand for you.
• Candles. Hospitals won't allow you to burn them. You might be able to use a diffuser for essential oils, though, however it is best to check on the hospital policy in advance.