Ever wonder what you need for your short stay? Check out the free downloadable check list below!
Also don’t forget your Doula! 😉
What To Take To The Hospital
Items For Use During Labor:
- 2 copies of Birth Preferences
- Educational materials from childbirth preparation class
- Lightweight Robe, nightgown, partner’s t-shirt, socks
- Speakers/Earphones to listen to music
- Drinks: Electrolyte drinks like Recharge or Emergen-C (liquid or made into popsicles and stored in cooler), favorite clear liquids like juice, herbal tea, miso soup
- Plastic drink bottle with straw
- Honey sticks for quick energy
- Easily digestible foods (ie: yogurt, bananas, sliced mango, applesauce, protein or granola bars)
- Lotions or oils for massage and massage tools
- Essential oils
- Labor log of contractions
- Reading material or playing cards
- Unflavored lip balm
- Toothbrush/toothpaste, breath freshener
- Hairbrush, barrettes or “scrunchies”
- Glasses/contact lens case
- Rice sock, heat packs, hand-held fan, focal point
- Birth Ball
Personal Items for Mom after the Birth:
- Pillows
- Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, hair care items, shower items
- Slippers with non-skid soles or extra socks
- Gowns that open in front for breastfeeding ease
- Nursing bras, undergarments
- Cranberry juice (to help prevent bladder infection)
- Lansinoh or other nipple cream for sore nipples
- Snack foods such as fruit, nuts, favorite treats
- Reading and writing material, address book birth announcements
- Waterproof pads (chux pads) for the ride home (you can get from the hospital)
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Clothing to go home in
- Witch Hazel (to put on sanitary pads). Helps perineum heal more quickly and with less pain
Personal Items for Partner:
- Food such as frozen dinners, sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers
- Beverages
- Change of clothes in case of long labor
- Lightweight jacket or sweater (labor rooms are often very cool)
- Swimsuit so you can join mom in the shower or tub
- Reading material for times when mother doesn’t need your help
Items for baby:
- Baby book for getting footprints which are done by the nurse – make sure the hospital will do for you.
- Clothing to go home in and diaper bag
- Warm blanket and clothing, booties and cap (in cool weather)
- Receiving blanket
- Newborn diapers if you have chosen to do cloth or natural disposable diapers
- Car Seat
Misc:
- Insurance card and pre-admission paperwork
- Cell Phone and charging adaptor
- Camera and charging cord
- List of phone numbers of family, friends and support people
- Change for vending machines
- Laptop and power supply
Tip:
Pack items for mom and partner separately from items for mother and baby after the birth. The partner can exchange these bags once mom is in the postpartum room.