Packing the Delivery and Postpartum Hospital Bag.

It can be daunting thinking about what to bring to the hospital for delivery and your subsequent hospital stay. We definitely packed too much, but I was also glad that we had a lot of what we did. Below is a list of the things we used and I recommend. Pro tip:: Be sure to take a bag with some extra room for the items that you are able to take home from the hospital (diapers, clothing, postpartum pads, ice packs, peri bottle, tucks pads, anesthetic spray, binkies, formula/nipples, etc… Take. It. All!). Most providers and sources will recommend it is a good idea to have a bag packed around 34 weeks. It’s also a good idea to have all other matters finalized for the whole family around this time as well.

Prior to Delivery Logistics

• Plan for pets or other children [Provide a clear plan for all involved to minimize confusion and an issue that may need dealt with later or during non-ideal times.]
• Plan for delivery and returning home with baby [I think it is so important to consider this and what you desire. This experience is about you and your immediate family. Being upfront with who you expect to be around and when and presenting this information prior to the moment can keep appropriate expectations for all involved and decrease stress. COVID-19 for better (or worse) has limited the amount of people able to cycle through the hospital to say hello to baby].
• Pick a pediatrician [Provide this information to all caregivers.]
• Childcare

Hospital Bag Packing List

• Health Insurance card, photo ID, hospital paperwork (directions of where to go and park, obstetrics group information)
• For Mom:
  • 1-2 Days worth of clothes [The hospital will have gowns obviously for you to wear. I personally desired to wear their gowns for delivery to not ruin any of my own clothing. It may be nice postpartum day 1-2 to wear some of your own clothes and feel a bit more normal.
    • Night gown (a nursing nightgown option may be nice if the plan may be to try breastfeeding)
    • Loose fitting pants or yoga pants
    • Cardigan/Long sleeve shirt
  • If desiring to breastfeed: (Here are my favorite breastfeeding related items)
    • Nursing bras or tanktop
    • Nursing long sleeve shirt
    • Nursing pads
  • Slippers [They will likely get dirty, son don’t take your fancy slippers]
  • Robe (dark color)
  • Toiletries
    • Hair ties
    • Hair brush
    • Toothpaste/Toothbrush
    • Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash
    • Face wipes
    • Chapstick
      
• Entertainment
  • Tablet with downloaded movies or tv shows
  • Wireless Speaker
  • Chargers (for all electronics, extra long cords if possible)
    
• Snacks/lollipops [Policies vary per hospitals but many places you are only allowed clear liquids during labor in the event you could require general anesthesia for safety. Snacks such as protein bars or other favorite for postpartum are something to consider, especially if you have dietary considerations or preferences.]
  
• For Baby:
  • Going home outfit for baby [Highly recommend taking a few sizes (newborn, 0-3 months and 3 months) as it is unknown know how big baby will be. Having a variety will make sure they will have a well fitting outfit in the carseat and stay cozy. Also, consider the time of year for the type of clothing (small vs long sleeves vs pants or footed pajama)]
  • Car seat (If using a base, it must be installed in car when arriving to the hospital)
  • Socks or booties
  • Baby book for memories/baby foot prints [The nursing staff with place the foot prints into your book for you if you have it ready to go, marked and you ask nicely!]
  • Outfit for newborn photos [Many hospitals have a newborn photographer that comes to your room – this may vary due to COVID-19]
  • Swaddle/Receiving blanket

• For Dad:
  • Toiletries (Eye glasses/Contacts)
  • Clothes (1-2 days)
  • Extra socks/slippers
  • Sleepwear

• *Items that I packed per recommendations I received but did not use* (Consider packing these items at your discretion)
  • Extra Blanket (for Dad)
  • Extra Hat for baby
  • Essential oils for calming effect (lavender)
  • Massage tools (tennis ball)
  • Focal point/item for distraction during labor
  • Book
  • Postpartum underwear [I just used the disposable underwear provided by the hospital.]
  • Nursing pillow [Availability may vary per hospital.]

What items do you think you’ll need or have loved that you took in the past?

Let’s talk soon,
Al