As the days got nearer to my son’s due date, I wanted to make sure our hospital bags were packed and ready to go. We packed 3 bags–1 for mama, 1 for dad, and 1 for baby. Once the bags were packed, I tied a colored ribbon on each so that Matt would know which bags would need to go to the hospital when the moment arrived–you know, just in case going into labor sent us into a craze and we couldn’t remember which bags we’d packed. I also included a last minute packing list for those few things that needed to be packed right before we left.
As you prepare your hospital bags, I encourage you to try and find out what your hospital will have on hand, because some of the things I packed were redundant, so I’ll label those things in case your hospital carries them as well. I hope this list is helpful as you plan to meet your sweet babe!
Mama’s Bag:
- Some extra clothes–a few “6 months pregnant” comfy shirts (this will be around the size that your bump still is immediately postpartum); leggings or your comfiest pants; sweaters (preferably the kind that open from the front because cold hospital + need to nurse = open front sweater); and warm socks so you don’t have to wear the hospital ones
- Undergarments—Nursing bra (I tried multiple different kinds and this one is a game-changer–buy 3), nursing pads (I would buy 2 packs so you don’t run out between washes), and dark comfortable undies you don’t mind throwing away
- Slippers & flip flops–for wearing around the hospital and showering
- Robe–I preferred to wear my own robe during labor rather than a hospital gown. It has become my “mama” robe, and I wore it regularly before Aiden was born as I anticipated his arrival.
- Open front pajamas–something comfy that gives you easy access for nursing.
- Water bottle–it was important to me to not be hooked up to an IV so that I could move about the L&D room. After every contraction, Matt would remind me to takea sip of water since staying hydrated is key.
- Extra bag–for all the freebies you’ll take home from the hospital. Think: diapers,pump parts, etc.
- Breastfeeding pillow–this one is seriously so helpful
- Postpartum care– Nipple butter, Tucks (the hospital had these but having extra at home will be helpful) Dermoplast (the hospital also had this, but it was beneficial at home)
- Important paperwork–Birth Plan (You can check out a sample of mine here), Maternity registration paperwork (make sure to do this ahead of time), Insurance card & ID, Check for $12 for birth certificate (depending on where you deliver)
- Toiletries (last minute)
- Phone & phone charger (last minute)
Dad’s Bag:
- Change of clothes –because chances are you’ll be at the hospital a couple of days
- Birth study sheet — Matt was basically my doula during labor so I made him a study guide of each stage of labor. We didn’t actually use this in the moment, but the knowledge was really helpful to have solidified beforehand.
- Lotion & essential oils – peppermint for energy; lavender for calming; clary sage to amp up contractions
- Collection of poems, stories & music for labor –the Bradley Method (the method for labor and delivery we practiced) encourages Dad (aka doula) to talk mom through every contraction. Poems, stories and music to help relax and encourage mama through stage 1 and transition are super helpful
- Rebozo scarf — I didn’t actually end up using this but definitely wanted it as an option during labor
- Honey & spoon — for energy for mama during contractions; I would literally eat spoonfuls of honey for energy between contractions
- Birth ball — your hospital may have one but it’s a great option for different labor positions
- Bradley birth resources — we packed our Bradley book just in case we needed it
- Toiletries (last minute)
- Snacks (last minute)
Baby’s Bag:
- Going home outfit
- swaddle blankets — for warmth and pictures
- kimono onesies — these are so easy to get on and off baby
- infant carseat — get the fit checked by your local police station beforehand!
- hat, mittens, socks (because babies need extra warmth when first born, and have quite long fingernails, hence the mittens)
So that’s it! 3 bags, all packed and ready to go for the big day. Oh and pack them early…I was mentally prepared for baby to come late and then he surprised us 4 days early.
Happy packing, mama!
