To help you get ready for this exciting time, we’ve prepared a helpful list of items you may need while you’re at the hospital. To make things easier for you and your family, we recommend packing two bags: one with all the supplies you’ll need during labor and a larger bag for everything else you may want later.
Labor Bag
- Full name and address of your baby’s doctor
- Socks, nightgown and bathrobe
- Hair barrette or hair band
- Glasses or contact lenses (with solution and case)
- Lip moisturizer
- Mouthwash or breath spray
- Massage oils or lotions
- Extra pillows (label with name)
- Focal point, good luck charm, pictures, etc.
- Money for vending machines or snacks
- Phone and charger
- Relaxation materials, such as tennis balls (for back massage), cards, music, books, magazines, etc.
Postpartum Bag
- Two or three bras with good support and breast pads. If you plan to breastfeed, you will want some nursing bras
- Two to three nightgowns with front openings for breastfeeding
- Lightweight robe
- Slippers with non-skid bottoms
- Several pairs of underwear. The hospital provides disposable underwear, sanitary pads and breast pads
- Cosmetics, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush and hair items
- Sleepwear, toiletries and clothing for your partner (if staying over in the hospital)
- Loose and comfortable going-home outfit
- Going-home outfit for your baby, including a receiving blanket, one pair of socks or booties and a cap