I have been asked SO many times what to pack in a hospital/ labor bag I figured I would do a personalized post to tell you what I personally pack and have found to be very helpful. Below is a picture of my most recent hospital bag. Being that this is my 4th time, I've learned a thing or two as to what I need and don't need. I hope my checklist helps you out. (keep in mind I pack on the heavy side as I rather have things I don't end up using, than to need things I didn't pack)
Clothing:
-Two changes of clothes for mama for just in case. This includes comfy yoga pants and maternity tops
-Nursing bra
-Baby's going home outfit
-Robe. I like to wear this so Im not flashing anyone while walking the halls in my open back hospital gown
-Flip flops (Im a flip flop kind of girl anyway but this is a good idea to have for shower time. No one likes to put their bare feet in the shower of the hospital... YUCK!)
Toiletries:
-Shampoo
-Conditioner
-Deodorant
-Toothpaste
-Eye makeup remover
(I like the travel sizes of these items found at Target)
-Razor for shaving
-Toothbrush
-2 to 3 hair ties
-Small hair brush
-Chapstick
-makeup (if your like me and wanna look decent coming home)
Paperwork:(yes I bring papers)
-10 copies of my birth plan (Its always good to have extras as some get thrown away, misplaced and there may even be a few shift changes with the nurses)
-5 copies of my "No Artificial Nipples" sign to promote breastfeeding and avoid nipple confusion. I take extras as some nurses have been known to take my signs down and I have to repost. You can feel free to use my sign if you would like. (You can find it here)
*or you can use something similar like this picture below
-Quick reference guide to using essential oils in labor and delivery as well as in postpartum care. (You can find this here)
-Insurance card
Labor Aids:
-Rice pack for heat therapy
-Gel slippers for hot or cold foot compresses
-Massage tools
-My favorite essential oils. Keep in mind to bring your carrier oil too. I use coconut oil. And if you use any accessories like defusers or spray bottles bring them as well.
-Hand held fan
-Electric fan
-Electric candle to set the mood
-2 wash cloths from home (make sure to bring colored wash cloths to distinguish yours from the hospitals)
-Eye beanbag with lavender to promote calmness
-Comb. This is helpful to squeeze during labor as it hits just the right pressure points in your palm
(and though its not in my bag, my biggest labor aid is MY DOULA!!)
Breastfeeding Supplies:
*No need to bring a breast pump. The hospital has one you can use
Tip: if oatmeal is on the menu at your hospital order it. Oatmeal aids in milk production!!
-Minimum of 6 tea bags of Mother's Milk Tea. I start drinking this the moment I get sent to recovery. Just ask for a cup of hot water. (do not begin drinking this any time in your pregnancy)
-Lansinoh nipple cream for sore or tender breasts
-Mother Love's More Milk Plus to promote milk production
-Medela's SNS (supplemental nursing system) to assit if breastfeeding isnt going as smoothly as planned (comes with medical tape)
*if your baby will not latch and you cannot use an SNS, you can still avoid using artificial nipples to feed your baby. You can use a spoon, medicine cup or my favorite a needless syringe. Just stick your pinky in the baby's mouth to trigger the sucking reflex and then slowly squirt the breast milk, or if you need to supplement with formula, into the baby's mouth
-Cooling breast pads that assist with tender or sore breasts
-Nursing pads
-And although mentioned earlier, make sure you bring a nursing bra
*Another great breastfeeding resource is to ask for help from the lactation consultant on site. Most hospitals have one. Take advantage of this wonderful resource.
Other Supplies:
-Batteries for non chargeable items
-Chargers for cell phones, laptops and any other electronics
-Spare change just in case your cell is dead and you need to make a call
-Pillows from home. I feel more comfortable using my pillows from home, especially my body pillow for after delivery. Just make sure to bring them home with you after.
-Disposable camera just in case your cellphone doesnt have a camera or its not available
-Tape to put up my "No Artificial Nipples" sign
-Small cooler to preserve and transport my placenta home. (Please note the placenta should be frozen no longer than 24 hours after delivery. So more than likely someone will have to drive it home for you)
Postpartum supplies:
-Red raspberry leaf capsules to promote a toned uterus (I start taking this in the last few weeks of pregnancy as well)
-Stool Softener (keep in mind this does NOT make you go. It only makes it easier to go. Trust me, you will love this for your first BM after delivery)
-Postpartum girdle/ belly binder. This helps give me support in my tummy area. After so many months of having a big round tummy and now it's suddenly empty, my abs tend to feel like mush and this really helps me stay comfortable
Some items your hospital will probably provide to you for postpartum care:
-Numbing spray for the perineum
-A peri bottle to help with going pee so that it doesnt burn
-Mesh panties (one size fits all) They are great so that you dont ruin your underwear
-Jumbo sanitary pads (don't bring your own. Normal pads will not cut it with postpartum bleeding)
*If possible I would recommend you ask for extra of any of the above listed items. Grab as many as they will give you. It will come in handy.
I personally love the perineal ice packs. Im always disappointed when they run out so I make some of my own. What I do is buy a large pack of thick pads, usually Kotex, and then buy my favorite brand of witch hazel which can be found here. (Ill post more about witch hazel in a bit) I usually have to buy two bottles of witch hazel to be able to distribute it to all the pads in a large pack. Once they all have been soaked simple place in your freezer and they are ready to use when you come home from the hospital. Keep in mind the ones from the hospital stay colder longer, but by the time you run out of the supply they gave you, you should not be so sore. So this still helps tremendously.
About witch hazel for postpartum care
If you've had stitches or tears, they will hurt while they're healing. Whatever you do, don't wipe over your stitches! Wiping over your stitches is just painful. Don't even think about doing it. You can gently (very gently) blot your stitches dry after cleaning yourself with water. Witch hazel pads can help cut down the sting, but remember to blot instead of wipe.
Instead of a commercial peri-care spray you can also simply fill a little spray bottle with witch hazel and spray away. This spray is a healing and safer choice than many store bought sprays.
After you use the bathroom grab that postpartum vaginal perineal bottle the hospital or your midwife gave you. Fill the bottle with warm water and a dash of witch hazel - squirt onto your perineal area to cleanse and help reduce swelling. Witch hazel pads and sprays can also be used to help treat and sooth postnatal hemorrhoids as well. Follow the directions above except apply pads and sprays to the hemorrhoids.
Also when purchasing witch hazel note the alcohol content. I personally like to get alcohol free. Most have at least 14%. But considering how sensitive and raw it is down there after childbirth, I personally dont want any alcohol down there.
For Baby:
-As mentioned earlier, a going home outfit for baby
-Car seat. Hospitals will not let you go home without one.
-Baby nail clippers as some babies are born with super long nails and already have scratched themselves right after birth.
*you dont really need to bring a whole lot of baby supplies as the hospital will give you enough for a few days. They typically will give you plenty of diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, bulb syringe, comb, hat and little bucket to bathe them with. I think thats about it. Anything you want to bring would just be just that... a want, not a need. So I think you should be all set with what they give you. And again, ask for extras and get as many as you can get.
Last but not least make sure dad has a bag of his necessities too. Here are some items that were helpful to my husband:
The Dad's Checklist:
-Couple of changes of clothes
-Socks and undies
-Toiletreis that may include: shampoo, body wash, deodorant, razor, tooth brush and toothpaste
-Spare change
-Chargers
-Cell phone
-Laptop/ laptop case
-Batteries for non chargeable items
-Pillow for the sofa bed
-Snacks
-MP3 Player
-Comfy shoes
And its not so much as a bag item as it is a tip. Make sure dad has the car with a full tank of gas. No one wants to run out of gas on the way to or from the hospital. Also a side note: you may also want to check the hospitals parking areas and any limitations. With my first, our stay was longer than anticipated. After 5 days we came to find a collection of parking tickets on the car. Find out ahead of time where you should park for more than just visitation.
Well there it is. My complete list. I hope you get some benefit from this and happy birthing!
