What to pack in your “hospital bag”: 5 hot takes to make your life easier

If you’re birthing for the first time or it’s been a while since you did it, it can be overwhelming to decide what to pack in your hospital bag! A google search or watching videos on social media isn’t super helpful either because every list is different. Here are my hot takes on what to bring with you (or not) to thrive during labor and birth at a hospital or birth center. Scroll down to the bottom for what I’ll pack in my hospital bag for my next baby!

Hot take #1: You only NEED 3 things

1. change of clothes for you

2. outfit for baby to go home in

3. carseat

Hot take #2: Bring what will make you comfortable!

Have a favorite pair of pajamas or a robe that is the coziest thing you’ve put on your body? Bring it. Attached to your nightly skincare routine? Pack it all! Planning to watch The Office while in early labor to distract you? Make sure you have a screen & charger to keep you laughing. Don’t ignore your creature comforts–sometimes they’re just the thing to get you through.

Hot take #3: You need less than you think.

Depending on your birthing location (mainly hospital vs birth center) you will likely have access to most things you could need for you and baby. All birthing settings should provide after care for vaginal or surgical births (mesh underwear, pads, witch hazel pads, bandages, pain medication, etc) and basic baby care (diapers, wipes, swaddle blankets). You should ask your provider ahead of time about these things, and plan to bring these necessities only if you have preferred products or brands.

A note on number of outfits you bring (for you and baby): you will likely remain in the hospital for 2-3 days after birth, or in the birth center for 3-6 hours after birth. You may be excited to bathe every day you’re there or you may want to freshen up once after baby is born and then wait until you get back to your own bathroom. How many outfits you bring is up to you, though I assure you no one (including you) will remember if you wore the same cozy sweats for 48 hours.

Hot take #4: Bring your own food no matter where you birth.

Snacks are essential for keeping your energy up during labor! Think easy to stomach, nutrient dense foods and drinks like coconut water, electrolytes, broths, honey sticks, bananas, oatmeal packets, smoothies. Also highly recommended is a water bottle with a straw, since it’s more than likely someone (like your doula!) will have to remind you to take little sips throughout your labor to stay hydrated. 

After birth you may be able to order food from the cafeteria if in a hospital setting, but most folks find it really satisfying to eat something familiar–either a meal brought from home and reheated or takeout from a favorite local restaurant.

Hot take #5: What you don’t need (unless you want it)

Here are some things I see included in many “hospital bag” lists that are not necessary, unless they make you feel comfy!

-your own labor gown (you can labor in whatever clothing you want! Including a gown the hospital provides! Or no clothing at all!)
-button down pajamas “to make breastfeeding easier” since any piece of clothing can be compatible with nursing (or no clothing at all!) I would, however, recommend a stretchy bra or two that can be pulled to the side or a nursing specific bra.
-an extra long phone charging cord (you’ll probably forget where you even put your phone tbh)
-shower shoes (unless public showers give you the “ick,” but hospital & birth center showers are hardly “public”)
-your own pillows or blankets

What I’m bringing to the hospital with me next time:

-loads of coconut water for hydration during & after labor + my favorite snack bars to nibble
-water bottle with a straw
-one comfy outfit for after the post-birth shower + one extra outfit as backup (spit up, leaky boobs, night sweats, etc)
-stretchy nursing bra instead of one with clips since nursing at the beginning takes lots of hands and I don’t want to be fussing with my clothes
-toothbrush, face lotion, deodorant, hair elastics
-my fave nipple butter
-a portable night light to keep the mood calm during labor and avoid harsh overhead lights during middle of the night feedings & diaper changes
-one outfit for baby
-carseat
-ID & health insurance card for me, health insurance info for baby if setup beforehand