The Do’s and Don’ts of Packing Your Hospital Bag for Birth
Updated: Jun 14, 2022
Packing your hospital bag is a milestone of pregnancy. Once that bag is packed, you’ll be one step closer to welcoming your baby. Learn what to expect, what to pack, and what to leave at home so you can prepare confidently for your birthing experience in the hospital.
TIMING TRUTHS
Do draft up a checklist in advance and pack your hospital bag when you’re around 36 weeks pregnant, give or take a few weeks depending on when is convenient in your schedule. Once packed, show your partner where the bag is so it can be grabbed easily in case of emergency. Make sure your driver’s license, insurance card, and contact information for your baby’s pediatrician are all stashed in your wallet to bring on the big day as well.
Don’t pack your hospital bag too early because when the time comes, you might forget or second-guess what you packed. Also, try not to wait until it’s too late. Once you’re in labor, your mind will be in no state to follow a packing list, and your partner might let some essentials slip through the cracks!
LABOR COMFORTS
Do check with your hospital in advance if you’d like to wear your own labor and delivery gown, as some hospitals require that you wear the gown that they provide. If you’re interested in natural labor methods, check with your hospital if a birthing ball will be available. Avoid being bothered by long hair in your face while in the throes of labor by packing a ponytail holder or headband. If your labor stalls for hours, have a good book or magazine on hand to divert your attention.
Don’t worry that you’ll be bored and need a large supply of activities like games or devices. (Speaking of devices, don’t forget your chargers!) Between answering texts and calls from loved ones and greeting a steady stream of healthcare professionals, you probably won’t have much downtime before the real action starts.
RECOVERY COMFORTS
Do bring easy slip-on shoes or non-skid socks for walking around your postpartum room, as well as flip-flops for the shower. After childbirth, your body will most likely look and feel five months pregnant for a while, so pack maternity clothes or forgiving pants with an elastic waistband. A cozy bathrobe is a good choice since you can wrap it around your baby during skin-to-skin time.
Don’t pack pants that might put pressure on the lower abdominal area, which is where an incision would be in case of a C-section. Don’t bother packing underwear or pads since the hospital will give you an ample supply of disposable, stretchy, gauze-like underwear that holds monstrous pads and ice packs in place. Regular period pads won’t cut it in the first few days postpartum!