What You Need in Your Hospital Bag for Labor and Delivery

I 100% overpacked my bag because you really just don’t know what to expect.  I read other blogs about what to bring and although helpful, I still found that I packed a much larger bag than I needed.  All that did was leave me with more work to do to unpack it when I got home.  Keep it simple.  The hospital will provide you with absolutely everything you need in regards to labor and recovery.  From nipple balm, to shields, to ice packs, they have you covered.  All you need to worry about is what you’re going to wear on your body and face and your basic toiletries.  The actual delivery is the hard part, so keep your bag simple and light.

*These are items outside of what is likely already in your purse, which you should definitely also bring, like your insurance card and lip balm.*

Birth Plan

Give this to your labor partner and make it their responsibility to provide it to your nurse once you’re admitted. You will be in a lot of pain and not thinking about anything other than getting that baby out of you. If you went to labor and delivery classes through your hospital, then they likely provided you a template. If not, you can ask them for one, check their website, or you can find an example here.

Black Rob

I lived in my black robe as soon as my little guy entered the world.  I snagged one from TJ Maxx for like $10 in case it got ruined.  Luckily it didn’t but I still love it and wear it all the time.  It made it so easy when the nurses would come in and check you at all hours of the day and night.  I didn’t have to get up or remove anything.  It was also super helpful with breastfeeding.  You just moved the top part on over and again, no need to remove anything or lift anything up.  You’ll become very comfortable with your ladies being out with the nurses, doctors, and lactation consultants.  Modesty goes right out the window during and immediately after labor. 

Nursing Bra

Wearing one of these under your robe will make you feel a bit more modest and comfortable. I preferred wearing a sleep nursing bra the entire time while at the hospital.

Towel for the car

This is a precautionary item.  Likely your water will not break early into labor, but if for some reason it does, having a towel on your seat in the car will protect your car.

THINX

The hospital will provide you with their post-labor underwear, which are fine.  I personally didn’t find them comfortable and after you give labor that is a must.  They would fray and I’d have long strings hanging off of them.  Thinx allowed me to wear only the ice pack and were much more comfortable and eliminated the need for pads.  They were also great the few weeks following labor as you will continue to bleed for a bit.  These underwear were great and you can wear them after for heavy days of your period in case there is any leaking.

Slippers and Socks

You’re going to likely be in the hospital for at least a couple of days, so having something to keep your feet warm and cozy and clean while walking around your recovery room is ideal.  I had my little guy in the middle of July so socks weren’t totally necessary for me, but I wore slippers at night or when I got out of bed to walk around.

Shower Shoes

You will likely want to shower after labor.  Although you’ll be in a hospital and the floors are cleaned regularly, bring sandals to wear in the shower.  You’ll feel better about it and the last thing you need when trying to maneuver motherhood and a newborn is catching any kind of fungus from the hospital shower.

Snacks

These will likely be more helpful for your partner or anyone in the labor or recovery room with you unless you decide to do a natural birth.  In that case, load up on all the snacks you love because you could be there a while and your other options will be the hospital food.  I had an epidural, so all I was able to eat pre-labor was broth, and the hospital provided me with that and anything I needed in regards to food and drink following labor and recovery.  Anyone who will be with you though will likely be on their own.  I had lots of snacks for my husband and visiting family and friends brought him meals or we used DoorDash, but snacks and drinks were something he needed in the off hours or when no one was around to bring him anything.

Glasses & Contacts

If you’re a contact wearer, do not forget your glasses.  After 32 hours of labor I wanted nothing to do with contacts and lived in my glasses.  Best choice ever!  It made it so easy to catch some sleep when it was quiet and I didn’t have to worry about changing in and out of contacts.

Face Wipes

These little guys will make it so simple and quick to clean your face whether it’s during labor, right after delivery, or during your stay just to freshen up. 

Your Pillow

I’m particular about my pillows so having my own pillow and pillowcase was a must for me.  It made me feel more at home and allowed me to sleep when I was able to.  The hospital obviously has pillows for you, but if you’re a certain kind of pillow person like myself, this will be a necessity for you during your stay.

Phone Charger

You’ll have a million calls and texts from friends and family. You’ll likely want to take some photos of your new little bundle of joy as well. Make sure you and your partner stay charged up while at the hospital.

Going Home Outfit for You

Make it something comfortable and loose.  Remember the miracle you just performed.  Whether it’s a loose dress or sweats, wear what will make you feel great and comfortable as you take your little one home for the first time. 

Going Home Outfit for Little One

We brought way too many outfits for little man when he was born.  He was exhausted from his journey and really just slept the first few days so he was in a diaper and swaddled the entire time we were in the hospital.  All we needed was one little outfit to bring him home in.  Remember that when they arrive is unpredictable and so is when you will be discharged.  Bring a couple options based on weather and time of day.

Car Seat

Do not forget your car seat!  You will not be able to take your little one home without it.  Since we had our little guy in the middle of summer, we brought the car seat into our recovery room so it wasn’t hot when it was time to take him home.

Bath Supplies

The hospital had the best baby brushes and squirt bottles that made baths for the first few months so easy.  Ask them for all of the things!  They sent us home with a little bucket (we had a bath at home so we didn’t use it, but if you don’t it’s perfect), a squirt bottle, and some baby brushes with little sponges.  The squirt bottle and brushes are still used at bath time today. 

RECOVERY & THINGS TO PREPARE FOR

Do Not Disturb

Ask your nurse to put up a sign on your recovery room door telling people not to disturb you for a couple of hours.  If you don’t, trust me when I say you will have people constantly in and out of your room and you will sleep zero.  The nurses will be your best friends and are there to help in any way they can with the baby and you, so utilize them.  If you need a couple of hours to just knock out, let them know.

Comfortable Underwear

Grab some black underwear that are not constricting while you recover over the next few weeks.  To be honest, these things are the most comfortable things ever and I still love and wear them often.  Best part is their no-show…love them!

Tucks or Cooling Pads

The hospital should provide you with enough to get you through recovery, but it never hurts to have more on hand.

Ice Packs

Grab these from the hospital.  Do not be afraid to request more, they will provide you with as many as you want. There really is no need to buy them unless you really want to.

Night Sweats & Swelling

If you have an epidural, get ready for 2-3 weeks’ worth of night sweats.  Your body was just pumped full of liquids so your ankles will look swollen and your body will start to sweat out the extra fluid while you sleep.  I didn’t find anything that really helped, so just be prepared and know you’ll need to change your sheets often during your recovery.

*Check out what you’ll need for your newborn in our New Parent Items and Tips for Babies 0 to 6 Months (and beyond).