I am often asked, “What should I pack for labor & delivery?” and “When should I have my labor and delivery bag packed by?” These are both great questions and items you do want to prepare for before you actually go into labor. I recommend having your bag packed by 35 weeks if you are having one baby, and 32 weeks if you are having multiples.
What Hospital Bag Essentials Should You Have On Hand For Delivery?
Mom: A list of essentials for the mom-to-be
- Bed pillows (2): one for you and one for your support person
- Chapstick: your lips tend to get dry during labor
- Music that is soothing to you
- Hand-held massager
- Robe and slippers
- Comfortable clothes that you wore when you were 5 months pregnant
- Toiletries for that first shower
- Shower shoes
- Chargers for devices
- Camera
- Snacks for after giving birth
Support person
- Chargers for devices
- Snacks for support person
- Headache medicine for support person: due to staying awake all hours of the night and being off their normal routine, support persons often get headaches
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes
Baby
- Going home outfit
- Blanket/Swaddle
- Carseat is mandatory
- Keepsake book, if you plan to have nursing staff to assist with putting baby’s foot prints in the book
Breastfeeding Moms
- Nursing pillow: ie. My Breastfriend, Bobby
- Nursing bra