Making it the last of your worries

It’s never too early to pack your hospital bag, labor comes at the most unexpected times. We recommend that you pack a bag for labor and leave a separate packed bag for postpartum in the car or with someone else. This prevents you from leaving items behind and dragging all of your stuff around the labor and birth wing. Keep in mind that some of these items will be provided by the hospital, however every hospital is different. Besides it’s always better to pack your personal items and be safe than sorry. Here are a list of items recommended for your hospital trip, feel free to add or delete items that you may feel necessary.

Your Labor Bag
• Pillows from home that you will be able to identify
• Music to relax you with a CD player
• Camera with film and batteries
• Camcorder with charged batteries and accessories
• Signed copies of your birth plan
• Your own colored wash cloths
• Waterproof pads for the car ride
• Nightgown or big shirt to wear during labor, although a hospital gown will be provided
• Lip Balm
• Massage tools (Oils, massagers, etc.)
• Baby Book for getting the foot prints and filling out
• Focal Point (If you want one)
• Socks for mom
• Snacks or drinks for labor support (suckers or hard candy)
• Your Postpartum Bag
• Nursing bras and pads
• Breastfeeding book
• Going home outfit with cap and booties for baby
• Receiving blanket (bring a warm blanket if cold outside)
• More film (gift shop film is pricey)
• Your own personal robe and maternity gown
• Sanitary pads (buy the super absorbent for the first few days)
• Several pairs of roomy underwear
• Slippers
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Hairbrush
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Any other toiletries, cosmetics or hairstyling equipment you want
• Car Seat with instructions
• List of people to call after the baby is born
• Calling card for long distance calls
• Going home outfit for mom (make sure you wear something loose and comfortable)
• Birth Announcements, stamps, and envelopes