What to Pack for the Hospital (and What to Leave at Home)

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Getting ready to deliver? This list will prevent you from overpacking

By Karen Herriot

Packing for your upcoming hospital stay? Make your list and start packing a couple weeks before your due date.  You may want a note on top of your suitcase to remind you of last-minute items – like those morning glory muffins in the freezer.

What to pack for the hospital:

Health card, insurance card and prenatal sheets. The hospital will need these to properly admit you.

Your own pillow. Extra pillows are hard to come by in most hospitals, and it is always lovely to have something that looks and smells like home.

Comfortable clothing. A comfortable nightgown to labour in as well as a robe to cover up with (great for discreet breastfeeding later), some slippers, a nursing bra, changes of clothing, socks, underwear.

Toiletries. Lip balm, hair brush, toothbrush, soap/bath products, shampoo and conditioner of your choice as well as headbands and hair elastics.

Birth plan. By now you have reviewed with your partner, your doula and your doctor, but you should give a copy to your nurse when you arrive.

Focal point. A small item, perhaps a spiral flower image, photo of a baby, pet or happy place to use as a visual focus during contractions.

Aromatherapy/massage oils. Smell and touch can be very soothing in labour, so consider packing lavender to relax and peppermint to energize or for nausea.

Snacks. Good ones to bring are granola/fruit bars, nuts, juice, gum, homemade muffins, clear broth/juice, popsicles, perhaps some fruit, chocolate and sparkling juice to celebrate with after the birth.  A large beverage container from home to drink out of is also nice.

Music. Bring your MP3 player loaded with all those inspiring/soothing tunes. Don’t forget the port, charger and earphones.

Camera/smartphone. Have it fully charged, but bring the charger just in case.  

Call list and phone. A list of people to call after the baby is born, either on paper or in your phone.

Reading material. A novel/magazine as well as any resources from your prenatal class (labour positions sheets, relaxation scripts, affirmations) and a good breastfeeding book like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League). Bring a journal to record aspects of the birth you wish to remember, breastfeeding times, questions that arise.

Stuff for Dad. Change of clothing, toothbrush/paste to freshen breath (OK, that is actually for the mom), route to the hospital and parking options clarified.

Things to leave in the car:

Baby car seat. This can stay in the car until needed.

Baby’s suitcase. Pack outfits in a couple of sizes and colors, baby socks (for feet or hands if they are scratching their face), undershirts, appropriate going-home clothing/receiving blankets and a baby sling.

Inflatable mattress or sleeping pad. For comfortable overnight stays for Dad.

What to leave at home:

Baby diapers, pads and wipes. The hospital supplies lots of these.

Jewellery and valuables. Keep things simple and stress-free by leaving this stuff as well as large amounts of cash at home.  Do make sure you have coins for parking, phone calls and vending machines.

Pre-pregnancy clothing. Most women are not able to wear their favourite jeans home from the hospital, so take comfortable clothing in the same size you wore the day you went into labour.

Breast pumps. The best way to get milk out of you and into the newborn is by the baby spending time at your breast with a good latch and proper positioning.  If a pump is needed, the hospital supplies them.

Negative birth stories. If your head is full of horror stories of labour and birth, leave them at home and instead fill your mind with positive birth stories from supportive friends, inspiring books / websites/videos.

Do you have anything to add to this list?