What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: A Doula’s Checklist
Packing your hospital bag is an exciting step in preparing for birth. Having everything you need (without overpacking!) can help you feel more at ease as you get ready to welcome your baby. As a doula, I recommend packing your bag by the 36-week mark to ensure you’re prepared whenever labor begins. Here’s a complete checklist of essentials for both you and your baby!
Essentials for Mom
Comfortable Clothing: Loose, breathable outfits for labor and postpartum.
Robe or Sweater: Hospital rooms can be chilly.
Nursing or Comfortable Bras: Ideal for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
Slip-on Shoes: Bring something you’d be comfortable potentially using as shower shoes.
Pillow from Home: A familiar pillow can make sleeping in a hospital easier.
Lip Balm: Hospitals can be dry, and no one wants chapped lips in labor.
Hair Ties or Headbands: To keep hair out of your face during labor.
Toiletries: Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, and moisturizer.
Snacks & Drinks: Light, high-energy snacks like granola bars, nuts, or honey sticks.
Water Bottle with a Straw: Makes it easier to stay hydrated during labor and afterwards.
Phone Charger (Extra-Long Cord): To keep your phone charged, regardless of where the outlets are.
ID, Insurance Card, and Birth Plan: Keep them in an easy-to-access folder.
Eye Mask & Earplugs: Helps block out hospital noise for rest.
For Dad
Change of Clothes: In case labor is long, and for the hospital stay postpartum. Make sure to add one more than you think you need, as well as a sweater and shower shoes (you don’t want your feet touching the hospital shower floor, trust me).
Phone Charger (Extra-Long Cord): To keep your phone charged, regardless of where the outlets are.
Your ID and Mom’s Birth Plan: Keep them in an easy-to-access folder.
Toiletries: See above for specific ones to pack.
Pillow & Blanket: For resting after the birth, usually on a small couch. Bring anything else that helps you sleep.
Snacks & Water: To stay energized and present. Keep in mind the hospital will feed mom postpartum, but you will have to fend for yourself when it comes to meals.
For Baby
Going-Home Outfit: Choose something soft and weather-appropriate. Keep in mind the outfit needs separate legs in order to buckle properly in a car seat.
Car Seat: Must be installed in your vehicle before discharge.
Photo Props: Anything you want to use to take those fresh 48 photos. Cute “welcome to the world'“ name signs are popular!
For Postpartum Recovery
Disposable Mesh Undies or Adult Diapers: Comfortable for healing. The hospital provides some, but extra ones (or ones you actually like) may be useful.
Nipple Cream: Helps soothe any early breastfeeding discomfort. (My favorite is the Earth Mama brand!)
Comfy Going-Home Outfit: Something loose and soft (think maternity leggings or sweatpants and a comfy, flowy top).
What You Probably Don’t Need
Extra diapers and wipes (the hospital provides plenty!)
Too many outfits (stick to essentials)
Jewelry or valuables
Large amounts of cash
Final Thoughts
Your hospital bag should be practical and filled with things that will make your experience more comfortable. Keep it simple but thoughtful! Having a well-packed bag allows you to focus on what truly matters—meeting your baby.
Would you like help preparing for birth? Let’s connect to discuss how a doula can support you through labor and beyond!
