What I Packed in my Hospital Bag (Including Snacks)
Almost two years ago I was preparing for the birth of my second baby. I actually started this post the day before she arrived, not realizing I was in early labor! My plan was to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean). Thankfully I was a good candidate; my first child was born via C-section because he was in breech position. Since I never even had contractions with my first, I took a ‘comfort measures during labor’ class with my husband at the hospital where I was delivering and hired a birth doula (this is the practice I worked with). I also had a check-in with my pelvic floor physical therapist and three weekly sessions of acupuncture leading up to my due date with my acupuncturist who specializes in reproductive health. These are all resources I am privileged and grateful to have had access to.
The following is a list of what I packed in my hospital bag to get through labor, delivery and the first few days postpartum. There are a few ‘comfort measures’ items that I never ended up using, mostly because my labor progressed quickly and I delivered in triage so I didn’t have time to use them. (Also when my husband attempted to rub my back with the massager in the throes of labor, I yelled “Don’t touch me!”)
Is there anything you would add to the list below? If you’re not in this stage of your life, please forward to others who might find it helpful!
SNACKS + DRINKS
Listen - labor is a marathon! Have you chatted with your OB or midwife about your hospital’s policy on eating during labor? I’ve spent several years as a hospital dietitian and as silly as it may sound, one of my first questions as we got closer to my due date was, “Will I be allowed to eat? How long will I have to be NPO or on clear liquids?” Some hospitals recommend laboring patients are NPO (nothing by mouth) while others allow clear liquids (apple juice, ice pops, etc). Researchers have noted that as labor gets stronger, women seem to naturally limit their food intake, which was true for me. By the time my husband brought me the sandwich I requested, I was not hungry at all, but I did crush a grape juice box as I reluctantly got into the car to drive to the hospital. I was glad to at least have glucose (energy) for the physically demanding experience that is birthing a human. (I also packed that delicious Danke sandwich and ate it almost immediately after delivery.)
NOTE: If you’re having a C-section, your OB will advise you on when to be NPO before the procedure.
Hospital Bag Packing List (from a prenatal & postpartum dietitian nutritionist)
Snacks (some of my preferred brands; budget tip - they’re all shelf stable so stock up when they’re on sale!)
Energy bars (88 Acres, FODY)
Granola (Purely Elizabeth, KitchFix, 88 Acres)
Nut/seed butter pouches (Justin’s, 88 Acres)
Whole grain or seed-based crackers (Simple Mills, Mary’s Gone Crackers)
Chia squeeze pouches (Mamma Chia)
Salty whole-grain snacks (Quinn pretzels, Love Corn)
☐ Clear Liquids
Drink Simple maple water
Honest grape juice
Coco5 electrolyte drink (I also had Gatorade organic in my bag but I think it’s been discontinued!)
Good Pop popsicles
EVERYTHING ELSE
Mama
☐ Robe (mine was gray but I would suggest black or a darker color that doesn’t show blood or greasy ‘perineal balm’ stains!)
☐ Slippers (an old pair I wasn’t worried about dirtying)
☐ Flip flops for showering/walking around floors
☐ Pajamas (Gap Body modal button down top, pants and shorts plus a ribbed cotton tank; I also wore a nursing nightgown to the hospital which I labored in at home)
☐ 1-2 Nursing Bras (Storq’s Everyday Bra was my favorite with both babies)
☐ Eye mask & ear plugs
☐ Hair ties/clips
☐ Lip balm and refreshing facial spray (for my dry skin/lips)
☐ Toiletries - shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face moisturizer, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant
☐ Makeup bag
☐ Travel hair dryer, round & Wet hairbrush
☐ Pillow (for sleeping)
☐ Nursing pillow (optional since the hospital has plenty of pillows but I found this easier to prop up baby)
☐ Nipple cream (MotherLove was my favorite)
☐ Going home outfit (maternity joggers, tank and sweatshirt)
☐ Underwear (I loved the Gap breathe high rise in a size up; also heavy/overnight period underwear like Thinx or ModiBodi are a great option and help reduce waste but may be easier to use at home)
☐ Thin overnight maxi-pads with wings (I used Rael and Seventh Generation most often - the hospital provides pads but they’re GIGANTIC so I liked having a less obtrusive option!)
Comfort measures for labor/soothing distractions
☐ 2-piece bathing suit (for shower/tub during labor with midwives)
☐ Essential oils for aromatherapy (lavender, peppermint)
☐ Lavender lower back wrap (could be heated in microwave)
☐ Massager
☐ Bluetooth speaker for music with playlist on cell phone
Baby
☐ Newborn hat, onesie, top & pants set
☐ Swaddle blanket for going home
☐ Car seat
(The hospital provided diapers, wipes, swaddle blankets and newborn hats as well as mesh undies, pads, peri spray bottle and ice packs)
Miscellaneous
☐ Printed birth plan
☐ Health insurance card & ID
☐ Cell phone and extra long charging cord
☐ Optional laptop/tablet
☐ Partner stuff - clothes, bathing suit, sleeping bag, toiletries
This post contains referral links. I’m not paid or sponsored by Modibodi or Thinx, but if you make a purchase with the links above, we both get a discount.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only. Please speak with your doctor or dietitian for personalized medical or nutrition advice.
