As the weeks tick by and the labor and delivery day nears, it is wise to think ahead and pack a bag that will be ready for that unexpected moment of baby’s arrival. Around weeks 36-37 of pregnancy are best to pack the hospital bag; baby may not come until well into week 41, but baby also could come three weeks early! Without knowing exactly when your body will begin labor, having a hospital bag packed and ready to go allows mom to worry about one less thing in the final weeks before baby arrives.
Ideas of What to Pack in a Hospital Bag When Having a Baby
Many new mothers are anxious about all of the unknowns inherent in having a new baby. Unless birth is a planned C-Section, exactly how labor and delivery will go is largely unknown. Women can think ahead to birth though, and anticipate what items they might need to make their hospital stay as pleasant as possible
- Nightgowns: The hospital will provide gowns to labor in, but feel free to bring your own clothes as well. Run to the nearest discount store and buy an inexpensive nightgown that you can use to walk around the hospital hallways and deliver in, that way when you throw it away afterwards it won’t be too difficult. Your own nightgown will provide more comfort and discretion than an open hospital gown would.
- Sports bra: If the hospital or birthing center where you are delivering has tubs available, use them! You can wear a swim suit or t-shirt in the tubs, but a sports bra is a convenient alternative when laboring in the tub.
- Birth plan: Birth plans are simply documents that state your hopes of how you want labor and delivery to go and will help the hospital staff in assisting you. Try to make it more of a ‘wish list’ than a ‘please don’t do’ list; a positive perspective helps all involved.
- Focal point: In the midst of contractions many women use a focal point to zero all of their energy into one spot. It can be as simple as a spot on the wall or a fixture in the room, but many women choose to bring their own focal point. These can be an empowering word or phrase, a picture of your baby’s ultrasound, or a picture of you competing in an athletic event. Anything motivational that will help you make it through the next contraction with the goal in mind.
- Rice pillow: Rice pillows aid in labor because they can be heated up and then placed where the body is experiencing the most discomfort.
- Linen spray: Any sort of aromatherapy can be a calming and relaxing presence for laboring moms. Sprays are recommended over body lotions in case that if mom doesn’t like the smell, it can be more easily taken away than if the smell was on her skin from scented lotion.
- Massager: A small massager is wise to throw into a hospital bag for labor because this will aid the father or birth partner to press into the areas of mom’s body that need the most pressure relief.
- Music: Music can change the atmosphere of the room from a tense environment into one of empowerment and calm. It can give the laboring mom an external cue to focus on, rather than the internal pain she is in from labor.
- Camera: Do not forget this item! You will absolutely want to document the arrival of the new baby.
- List of people to contact: Think through who you want to notify when the baby is born. You can even create a phone tree where you only end up having to tell a few people, and they know who they need to contact on your behalf.
- 2 Changes of clothes: A stay in the hospital after a new baby is typically 48 hours for a vaginal delivery and 72 hours for a cesarean section. Bring clothes that are loose fitting and comfortable, something that might have fit when you were about 6 months pregnant.
- Nursing bra/tank tops: The new world of nursing and taking care of a newborn baby awaits- don’t forget this necessary item!
- Pillow: Those hospital beds can be uncomfortable, and having an item that reminds you of home can be a soothing presence.
- Toiletries: Again, you will be staying in the hospital for several days so bring toothbrush/toothpaste, make-up, face wash, etc.
- Pajamas: For comfort and for a reminder of home.
- Books: Many moms use the time in the hospital to read up on how to care for newborns, how to breastfeed, etc.
Pack Your Hospital Bag Early to Prevent Unnecessary Stress
There are many things to think about as your delivery day approaches. Having a bag containing exactly what you want to have on hand in the hospital is important. Think about the two separate events- what you need for labor versus what you need for the hospital stay once the baby comes. Being prepared and packed will allow you to focus on the excitement of welcoming baby whenever he or she decides that they are ready to come!
Sarah Sandifer - Sarah Sandifer is a freelance writer, a teacher, an Army Wife, a home decorator, an avid cook, and an athlete. She loves teaching high ...
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