Hospital Bag Packing List
You will need to pack for the birthing person, partner/support team, and baby. You should have multiple days-worth of items, so that you can feel fresh over the course of your multi-day stay. Here are my suggestions:
Labor Bag Checklist:
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Birth Preferences (2 copies)
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Insurance Card
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ID
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Birth Place Paperwork
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Other paperwork specifically requested by your hospital
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Eyeglasses and/or Contact Solution and Case
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Cell Phone and Charger
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Bathrobe
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Socks and/or Slippers
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Hairbands/Ties
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Lip Moisturizer
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Snacks and Drinks (high calorie foods and electrolyte beverages)
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Sleeping Item From Home (Pillow or Blanket)
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A speaker for music
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Aromatherapy and/or Essential Oils
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Belly Binder (if using postpartum)
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Focal Point Cards or Lights
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Basic Toiletries (toothbrush, lip balm, deodorant, brush/comb)
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Bralette or Bathing Suit Top (for water comfort measures and coverage for photography)
For Partner:
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Directions/Map of the Hospital and Where to Park
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ID
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Insurance Card
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Cell Phone and Charger
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Snacks and Drinks (separate to birthing person's)
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Mints or Chewing Gum (the birthing person may experience extra-sensitivity to odors during labor)
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Basic Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant)
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2 days of clothing, including a sweatshirt or fleece (hospital rooms get cold when people are laboring!!)
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Bathing Suit (in case you help the birthing person in the tub or shower during labor)
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Earplugs and Eye Mask
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Reusable Water Bottle
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Camera
Postpartum Bag Checklist:
If your labor room is small, you can leave this bag in your car until after your baby is born to prevent clutter. The hospital may be able to provide some essentials but bring the following items (just to be safe)!
For Pregnant Person:
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Nightgown
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More snacks
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Nursing clothing (bra)
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Breast Pads
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Maternity Underwear
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Toiletries, Makeup
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Comfortable, loose going-home outfit and shoes
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Bath Towel
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Flip Flops
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Arnica 30c for healing
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Nipple Balm
For Baby:
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Infant Car Seat
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Going-Home Outfit
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Receiving Blanket
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Pair of Socks or Booties
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Baby Nail Clippers or Emery Board
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Baby Book for Footprints, if you want
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Extra Cap
My Favorite Snacks
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Cheese
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Nuts or nut butter packets
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Protein bar
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Peanut M&Ms
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Dried Fruit
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Pre-made smoothie drinks
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Bone broth or miso soup
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Muffins or pastries
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Instant oatmeal cup
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Cut veggies or baby carrots
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Hummus
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A post-birth celebration food!
If you opt for an epidural, you will only be able to consume "clears." Hearty broth can be a satiating option to combat hunger.