Hi friends! If you are in your 3rd trimester, you are probably starting to think about what to bring in your hospital bag. And if not, that’s ok. I got you!  As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you may or may not be avoiding this particular task, but trust me, if you get started now, you are going to be SO glad you were prepared!

Packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming, but it’s really about gathering a few comforting essentials to help you feel prepared and supported during your birth experience. Here’s a simple guide to help you feel ready for the big day:

What to Bring in Your Hospital Bag:

For You:

• Photo ID and Insurance Card
• Hospital paperwork
• Birth Plan (2-3 Copies)
• List of people to text or call
• Cash or debit card for the cafeteria or vending machines
• Snacks (more for your guests at first, but trust me, hospital food is not that good) and gum, if you like gum!
• Music Playlist, Earbuds, and/or Speaker
• Lip Balm
• Electrolytes to add to your water for extra strength and hydration during labor
• Essential Oils or Comfort Items, Diffuser
• Rebozo or Birth Ball (Hospitals don’t often carry birth balls in every room, so its good to bring your own! Check with your labor and delivery staff to make sure this is ok! You can actually call the floor and ask any questions you want!)
• -Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (think soft pajamas or a robe)
• Easily removable bra for that golden hour and for nursing
• A going-home outfit that feels cozy and easy to wear (the same size you would wear in your 2nd trimester)
• A labor gown! Did you know you can bring your own labor gown to the hospital? Staying comfortable is going to make your birth experience SO much better! Hospitals DO provide hospital gowns, so this is just a nicety if you are able to bring one.
• Flip flops for the shower
• Your favorite slippers or socks with grips (to keep your feet warm and steady)
•  Toiletries: toothbrush& toothpaste, hairbrush, and any personal care items that bring you comfort
• A small towel from home
• Facewash, makeup remover, face wipes, makeup if that is your thing!
• A phone charger and headphones or earbuds
• A TENS unit if you are hoping to avoid pain medications (Even if you are wanting an epidural, its good to have one on hand just in case the epidural isn’t working!)
• Snacks and electrolytes for your water (if allowed) for energy between labor and recovery (highly recommended!). (Also, you are going to be STARVING after you give birth.  I may even recommend ordering food in after baby gets here so you can have a delicious meal to replenish all those calories! Will probably taste way better than hospital food!)
• Pillow and blanket for your partner
• Items to help you relax, like a favorite pillow, blanket, or music playlist
• A diffuser for your favorite scents. Some scents that I highly recommend are lavender, clary sage (can potentially help your contractions to kick back in if they start to slow down), or other scents that you feel are particularly calming.
• Peppermint oil.  I swear by this stuff at every labor.  You can roll it on the lip of the emetic bag in case you start to feel nauseated. Just take whiff of it when you are feeling like you need it
• Depends or adult diapers. You will be bleeding and losing clots for up to 6 weeks after a vaginal birth, so its good to be prepared 🙂
• Perineal packs. These are ice packs that are activated by shaking them. Can be really helpful if you have any vaginal swelling.

For Baby:

• A few soft and cozy season-appropriate outfits (remember, their skin is incredibly soft and delicate, so think about that when choosing fabrics 🙂 )
• Newborn diapers and wipes (most hospitals provide these, but it’s nice to have some extras)
•  A going-home outfit and a warm blanket or swaddle
• Car seat (make sure it’s installed ahead of time!)
• Pediatrician info (sometimes the hospital asks for it!)
• Baby nail file or clippers
• Baby socks or pants with footies
• Size premie nipples and bottle if bottle-feeding (the hospital will provide formula, its good to bring a bottle that your IBCLC has recommended 🙂 )

For Your Support Person:

• Pillow and blanket
• Snacks
• Change of clothes and snacks
• List of important phone numbers
• Phone charger (the longer the better!)
• A camera or phone for capturing special moments (unless you have hired a birth photographer! But still bring, just in case!)

In Conclusion….

Remember: Your hospital bag doesn’t need to be perfect or packed days in advance. It’s about having what feels right for you so you can focus on welcoming your little one surrounded by comfort and care.

What did YOU bring in YOUR hospital bag?? 🙂

Here are some other blog posts that might be helpful!

 

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Pregnancy Podcasts to Get You Through Labor!