In this post we share the items to prepare for a labor & delivery experience at a hospital, for mom, dad/support person and baby.
Mom’s Bag
Documents
- Birth plan (print a hard copy to share with obstetrician-gynecologists and nurses)
- Preparing a Medical Plan & Document Kit Ahead of Your Travels
- List of allergies (drugs, food etc.)
- List of medications + doses + schedule
- List of vitamins
- List of dietary requirements
- Folder to keep hospital documents + pen
- Drivers’ license or other identification card
- List of loved ones for dad/support person to call in case of an emergency
- List of guests (dis)allowed to visit hospital
Clothing + Toiletries
- Hand sanitizer + alcohol wipes + baby wipes + lotion
- Toiletry kit with favorite toiletries
- Dry shampoo
- Small makeup kit
- Makeup wipes
- Extra change of cozy clothes x 2 + socks + shower sandals + robe
- Nursing dress that can double as a labor & delivery dress – confirm with hospital that you can wear your own clothes during delivery; some hospitals may have guidelines for patients to follow
- [Vaginal delivery] Pack of adult diapers or period panties x 5
- [Vaginal delivery] Peri bottle to relieve vaginal pain when using the bathroom
- Nursing bras x 3
- Nipple cream
- Going home outfit – sized to 6-9 months pregnancy weight/size (most postpartum bodies do not immediately return to pre-pregnancy form)
Electronics + Miscellaneous
- Extra long phone charger + external battery pack
- Headphones + ear plugs
- Favorite snacks + reusable water bottle
- Petty cash + change
- Prepared baby arrival announcement written and saved
For Dad or Support Person
- Camera or cell phone
- Extra long phone charger + external battery pack
- Favorite snacks + reusable water bottle
- Face mask + hand sanitizer + alcohol wipes + lotion
- Toiletry kit
- [If staying during the entire hospitalization] Extra change of cozy clothes x 3 + shower sandals
For Baby
Every hospital differs around what they will provide a newborn. Confirm with your hospital and insurance provider which items you may need to bring for your child.
- Zip up onesie x 3
- Beanie
- Swaddle x 2
- Going home/first photo outfit
- Baby wipes
- Infant car seat
Leaving the Hospital
- Car Seat – hospitals in the United States will not allow you to leave with baby without proof of a carseat. Ahead of your hospitalization, install the base of the seat and learn how to clip it in/out. Some fire departments provide free car seat installation checks.
- First week home meals – ahead of your time in the hospital, have a plan for your food for the first figured out – frozen meals, fresh groceries, delivery service