Momma Manual: Labor and Delivery / Hospital Bag Checklist

Momma Manual: Labor and Delivery

Hospital Bag Checklist

Ahhh…birthing day has finally arrived!  Congratulations, Momma!  You have worked so hard and soon you will enjoy the absolutely adorable fruits of your labor.  Literally.  This is without a doubt the most exciting part of pregnancy but can also be laden with stress and fear of the unknown.  This list is intended to help you gather all the items you will need during your stay at the hospital after delivery.

(1) Hospital Paperwork – most hospitals require that you pre-register prior to admission.  This makes the check-in process much quicker when you arrive on birthing day.

(2) Insurance Card, Drivers’ License and Credit Cards – make sure you take your wallet or entrust it with your spouse / family so you will have access to any identification that may be necessary throughout your stay.

(3) A Small Amount of Cash – you shouldn’t need much more than $25- $40 but bear in mind that the parking decks may require cash.  Also, all of your meals and snacks will be covered but your spouse and family will need some nourishment during your stay.  Oftentimes, there are vending machines on each floor for convenience.  Of course the hospital cafeteria and gift shop will most likely take credit cards but it never hurts to have cash on hand just in case.

(4) Phone AND Charger – Chargers are the most often forgotten item in life.  Don’t forget yours on one of the biggest days of your life!

(5) Any Medications – this includes your pre-natal vitamins.  Make sure you remember to bring any prescription medication and your vitamins.  The nurses will probably ask you to stop taking your vitamins once you arrive at the hospital for delivery but you may want to have them with you just in case.

(6) Camera / Video Camera AND Chargers – Capture every single moment.

(7) A Contact List – this is so important.  Once you enter the hospital for delivery and especially when you go into labor social graces, understandably, go out the window.  You are consumed with something so much more important.  However, there are people in your life that you do not want to forget to contact about your special news.  Some people rely on the contact lists in their phones.  I suggest creating a written (or typed) list of people you wish to be contacted once the baby has arrived while you are clear-headed and focused.  This way, you do not risk forgetting to share with anyone.

(8) Your Pillow – hospitals are notorious for either having uncomfortable pillows or even running out of multiple pillows per patient.  Plus, a pillow is a “comfort” item that you will want to have with you.  Something that simple can actually put you at ease.

(9) A Blanket – again, this is a comfort item that may actually prove a necessity.  It can get very cold in hospitals.  Plus, if you opt for an epidural a very common side effect is chills.  Having a familiar blanket nearby can be just the trick to calm you and warm you simultaneously.

(10) Several Pairs of Pajamas – I suggest bringing at least two pairs of pajamas.  Think comfort over style.  You will have just delivered your baby and comfort is key.  Even though you will lose weight after delivery, I would suggest packing maternity pajamas.  The hospital will provide you with mesh maternity panties to wear throughout your stay.  You may want to bring a few pairs of your own as well.

(11) Toiletry Products – bath products, makeup, etc.  Remember to bring whatever grooming products you will want to have with you because trust me, you will be longing for a shower soon after baby arrives.

(12) Nursing Bras / Equipment – If you plan to nurse your baby, make sure to pack your nursing bras and any equipment you plan to use.  For example, I suggest bringing nipple shields to help with latch.  The hospital should have professional pumps available for use but make sure you ask your obstetrician to be sure.

(13) Books / Entertainment – Labor can take quite a while.  It is a good idea to bring along something to keep you busy while you wait for your little one’s arrival.

(14) After-Birth Shapewear – Depending on your delivery method (vaginal or caesarean) you may opt to wear shapewear around your midsection.  Many people think these are strictly for vanity purposes but they are not!  They actually make you much more comfortable.  After delivery you will have extra skin around your midsection that is no longer housing a tiny infant.  This shapewear can give this skin a “place to live” until the toning begins weeks later.

 (15) Going Home Outfit – this item may be more important to some than others.  Heads up: hospitals typically have photographers contracted to offer you a photo session after the birth of your child.  These photographers charge dramatically less than a photographer you would use after you get home and these days their work is often on par talent-wise as well.  This is completely optional but such a nice offering.  We did a mini photo shoot after each of the births of our girls right there in the hospital and they are moments we will treasure forever.  I was thankful I had thought about my “going home” outfit because I was able to pose in some of the pictures alongside my girls which decorate our home to this day.

What did you pack in your bag?  Are there any essentials you think should be added to the list?