I’m not going to lie, I felt kind of funny writing this post, because I have never been pregnant and don’t currently have children. I know this kind of post has been written by mom bloggers before, but I figured I would write my own, not coming from my own personal experience, but instead from helping lot and lots of moms through their own labors, the delivery of their sweet babies, and through their first 2-3 days postpartum. I thought it might be an interesting take because since I’ve met so many pregnant and postpartum moms because of my job, and therefore I’ve seen some moms bring some items that I think not everyone would think of!

Some times are definitely a little bit extra and may or may not be necessary depending on the type of labor and/or delivery you plan on having. But I think you should pack WHATEVER makes you feel more at home and comfortable!

(P.S. I’ve linked items to Amazon, just click on the photo to be taken to the page!)

For Baby:

Cute outfits for photos

I mean duh. When you’re not resting, feeding, or changing a diaper, there’s not a lot to do in the hospital other than stare at this cute little human who you brought into the world and take photos to commemorate.

No-Scratch Mittens

Some babies have pointy little fingernails and can scratch up their faces a little bit. These little mittens go over their hands to keep them from scratching.

(Burt’s Bees Baby Mittens, No-Scratch Mitts, 100% Organic Cotton; Under $10)

Going home outfit

Don’t forget socks and possibly some extra layers if it is cold out!

For the hospital room:

Framed pictures

I was taking care of a mom who was hoping to have a natural labor and brought photos of her wedding day, her baby at home, and other family photos to have as a focus point when she was breathing through contractions or actively pushing. I absolutely loved the idea and it made her room feel “homier” and so much less sterile. I’m all about making your hospital room feel more comfortable!

Phone (duh) + Phone charger and extra long charging cords

You wouldn’t want your phone to die while capturing photos of your cute baby!

(AmazonBasics 10 Foot Lightning to USB Cable; under $17)

Speaker with calming music playlist and “push playlist”

I LOVE the idea of a push playlist. I love music and the power it has to get things off of my mind. I think that it is an awesome way to get through your contractions while in labor and then pump yourself up while you’re pushing your baby out. A lot of hospitals have ways to access Pandora, YouTube, and Spotify through your TV, but I personally think it’s more convenient to just have your playlist and music on your phone and then bring a Bluetooth speaker to play it through.

(Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker; under $29)

Your own pillows

There is nothing like your own linens. Sometimes pillows are a hot commodity on Labor and Delivery and extras can be hard for your nurse to find (especially for your support person or significant other). We like to use pillows to prop you up on your side (sleeping on your side is better for baby to get more oxygen!), so go ahead and bring your own pillow to rest your head on (and for your support person!).

Blankets

Again, nothing like your go-to cozy blanket. It’s normal to get chills right before you get to 10 cm (fully dilated cervix), and you may feel like bundling up. We have warm blankets, but I would want to have my cozy plush blanket too.

Personal Care:

Toiletries

This one probably seems like an obvious, but you would be surprised how many people forget to bring basic things like soap. Most hospitals can give you the basics, but I know my hospital doesn’t have shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, deodorant, face wash, brushes, face moisturizer, etc. I personally like using my own products, so I would bring my own.

Hair Ties

Nothing worse than having your hair in your face when you’re working hard… and you’re going to likely be working hard in your labor and delivery.

Dry Shampoo

Just trust me on this one.

(Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo; under $25)

Chapstick

I cannot emphasize enough how dry hospitals are. You’ll be thankful you have this handy!

(Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm (3 Pack); under $7)

Belly Cream

Stretch marks are inevitable for almost everyone. I fully believe that you should embrace them because they show the world that you GREW a human in you. If you haven’t ever really meditated on that, you should… because it’s REALLY freaking cool!!! But because we are human, we are sometimes still going to be insecure about these little things. I’ve heard great things about this belly butter (and I love Burt’s Bees products!) to help minimize it and to just help nourish your skin (which may be a bit irritated and itchy in postpartum).

(Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Gift Set with Tin; under $24)

Hydrating Sheet Mask

I love sheet masks because you don’t have to wash them off! This is ideal in postpartum because you may be super exhausted at just the thought of getting up.

(Burt’s Bees Hydrating Sheet Mask (6 pack); under $16)

Breast-feeding:

Breast pump

If you are a first time mom and went ahead and got a breast pump from your insurance, but have no idea how to use it, bring it to the hospital with you! Most hospitals have lactation consultants (or at least very knowledgeable nurses) who can show you how to use it, set it up, and clean it properly.

Breastfeeding pillow

If you are planning on breast feeding, I have heard great things about this pillow (specifically the My Breast Friend one!) Go ahead and bring it with you to the hospital, so that while you and baby are both learning how to breastfeed (and trust me, it’s normally a learning process for BOTH of you!), you have this extra tool to help you out!

(My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow; under $35)

Random Extras:

Props for pictures

Going back to the discussion of baby photos, bringing a few props for baby photos is always fun too! I’ve seen a couple of people bring small letter boards and use it as a decoration in the room/for photos to display baby’s name, date and time of birth, weight, and length.

(Gray Felt Letter Board 10×10 Inches; under $18)

Your own water bottle

Sure, we have them, but I really like drinking out of my Corkcicle, because it keeps it so cold. Make sure you drink LOTS of water to stay hydrated. Pushing is like running a marathon, and you wouldn’t want to be dehydrated for that!

(Corkcicle Tumbler, 16 oz; under $25)

Essential Oils

I wouldn’t recommend bring a diffuser because some people have issues with smells, but having ginger oil on hand for nausea helps some people. Chamomile and lavender oil is good for helping relax.

Snacks

You likely won’t be able to eat during labor, but in postpartum, you might get hungry in between hospital meals! Some hospitals (like mine) don’t have a cafeteria open 24 hours, so if you deliver at 3 am, you won’t be able to get anything to eat until breakfast at 7 am. Plus, its good to pack snacks for your support person so they don’t have to leave your side so often.

Gum

You never know how long you might labor for, and sometimes having a piece of gum to make your mouth feel fresh is the best feeling!

Book/Laptop/Deck of Cards

Anything to keep your mind busy in case you have a long labor. Sometimes inductions can take a couple days, so it might be wise to have something to curb boredom just in case.

Slippers

I wouldn’t bring your fave pair that you cherish with all your heart unless you can sanitize them easily.

(Women’s Memory Foam, Anti-Slip Home Shoes; under $20)

Birth certificate information

Some states/hospitals let you get the worksheet early so you don’t have to worry about it in the hospital. Also, some states need a copy of your marriage certificate for the birth certificate, so just find out before you deliver!

Pediatrician Info, Insurance Info, Medication Info

Make sure you have your insurance card on hand! And it may be important to have your pediatrician office on hand. Also, bring a list of any medications you take (including vitamins, herbs, and non-prescription medicines) and the dosage.

Going Home:

Car seat

Hopefully/ideally, before you went into labor, you have a car seat that you’ve researched, purchased, and have already mounted the base in your car and practiced getting it into and out of the car correctly. Sometimes, if your baby is small or preterm, we may have to do a little test to make sure your baby can breathe well while in the car seat. So go ahead and bring it (you can leave it in the car), so that if we need it/when you leave, someone can go grab it easily.

Going home outfit

Hopefully, you know that you’re likely still going to have a bump postpartum. Just because the baby is no longer there, doesn’t mean that you won’t still have a belly. I recommend packing your post comfortable maternity outfit such as stretchy maternity leggings and a comfy shirt that has buttons (for easier breastfeeding/pumping).

These pants look SUPER comfy!:

(Ecavus Women’s Maternity Wide/Straight Lounge Pants; $14-35)

Things you don’t need to bring:

Swaddle blankets

Unless you have some cute ones that you plan on using for pictures or you want one for covering up baby when you go home, don’t worry about bringing a ton of swaddle blankets. We have plenty.

Diapers

You’ll go through enough diapers at home, you might as well take advantage of the ones you have access to for free while you’re in the hospital

Underwear for yourself

The mesh underwear we give you in the hospital is not attractive, but it is comfy. You’re likely going to bleed for 4-6 weeks postpartum (like you’re on your period), so don’t bother bringing your own cute underwear that will probably get ruined anyway.

Pads

Apparently the pads we have in the hospital are the bomb. Plus we have a seemingly endless supply! Save your home stash for when you get home.

Bottles/Formula

Again… we have them. Why not use them! If you’re wanting to use glass bottles, check with your hospital to make sure they allow it. Some don’t if they don’t have a process to ensure that they are adequately sterilized between uses.

Laxatives/Pain Medicine

Please don’t bring your own! We will supply it. We don’t want you to take too much of something or something that might not be the best for you.

Final Tips

• Bring whatever makes you feel comfortable!
• Don’t feel like you have to bring the nurses gifts or anything, but if you do, know that we really appreciate it!
• If you wonder if your hospital/doctor will allow you to do something that you think may be “outside of the norm” (ex. lotus birth, delayed cord clamping, etc.): ask before you go to the hospital as it may not be allowed by some hospital policies.
• Speak up for yourself! This is your labor and your baby, so if something doesn’t seem right or if you want to labor a certain way, ask!
• Thank your nurses and write them thank you notes if they go above and beyond, or compliment them by name if a manager stops by to ask how your stay has been. For some hospitals, this kind of thing helps them get a raise at the end of the year (and I think a lot of people can agree that nurses are generally very underpaid!)
• Try to soak up every moment! <3

(Note: if you buy anything through my links, I may earn a small commission) 🙂