Everyone always wants to know…”what do we take with us to the hospital when we have our baby??” The simple answer is….not much.

Seriously, the hospital provides stuff for the baby and you really need what you want for your personal care and what you need during labor. Your doula won’t fit into a suitcase (and please don’t try), so already the most important thing you bring with you for labor will not need to be packed. However, we get it. Lists are good! So here is one. Enjoy!

What to Bring to the Hospital

 insurance information

 eyeglasses and/or extra contacts

 hair band/clip

 chapstick

 bathrobe or comfortable clothes for labor

 comfortable pillows

 socks and/or slippers (hospital floors are less than sanitary)

 reading material

 massage oils, lotions and other comfort aides for labor. (If you are using a doula, she will probably bring these items with her.)

 snacks

 camera

 bra for nursing

 change of clothes for both parents

 cell phone and appropriate chargers

 something for everyone to wear home

 birth ball, or even a peanut ball if planning an epidural

 basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo

 makeup, hair brushes etc. (it’s ok to care about that when you have a baby!)

 water bottles (optional - but you do need to drink and you might not like the hospital cups)

The hospital will provide:

 hat/clothes/blankets for baby during his stay

 diapers

 sanitary pads and other items

 receiving blankets

 nose suction and thermometer (usually)

Have other things that you think we forgot? Let us know, we’ll add them.

Happy Packing!

We believe the most important thing you bring to your birth may be your doula! Want to find out more about having a doula? Reach out and we can talk about that!

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