Wintertide Birth Services

As your due date approaches, packing a hospital bag becomes a priority. You want to have your bag packed and ready to go by around 34 weeks. Having the right items can make your hospital stay more comfortable and stress-free. Here’s a local doula’s guide on what to pack for your hospital delivery.

For the Mom-to-Be

1. Important Documents

• ID and Insurance Card: These are necessary for hospital admission.
• Birth Plan: If you have one, bring multiple copies for your healthcare team. Make sure you go over this with your provider BEFORE birth. Then make sure your nurses actually READ the birth plan. Keep it to less then a page if possible.

2. Comfort Items

• Robe and Comfortable Nightgown: Choose something easy to nurse in. You can always stay in the hospital gown but it is nice to have your own clothing to change in to.
• Slippers and Socks: Hospitals can be cold, and these will keep your feet warm.
• Pillow: Bring one from home because the hospital ones are not comfy.
• Eye Mask and Earplugs: To help you rest in a bright, noisy hospital environment. This is especially good for a prolonged stay due to induction or cesarean birth.
• Other Comfort Items: Consider bringing a favorite blanket or any other item that reminds you of home. Make a music play list for yourself and bring a portable speaker. Bring fairy lights or electric candles to set the mood. This is your birth space, make it how you want it. For more ideas on comfort items, check out this blog post HERE.

3. Personal Hygiene

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, face wash, and any other personal hygiene products.
• Lip Balm: Hospitals can be dry, and labor often leads to chapped lips.
• Hair Ties or Headbands: To keep your hair out of your face during labor.

4. Post-Delivery Essentials

• Nursing Bras and Pads: If you plan to breastfeed, these are crucial.
• Nursing Pillow: The hospital just has flat pillows so if you have a nice nursing pillow you want to use, bring it.
• Comfortable, Loose-Fitting Clothes: For the trip home and for comfort during your stay. Don’t pack anything that can’t be washed. After birth we have a lot of fluids that sometimes get on to clothing.
• Maternity Pads: The hospital will provide some, but having your preferred brand can be helpful.
• Adult Diapers or High-Waisted Underwear: Many moms find these more comfortable and secure than hospital-provided options.

5. Snacks and Drinks

• Snacks: Labor can be long, and hospital food might not be to your taste. Bring healthy snacks with protein such as jerky, nuts, or cheese cubes, as well as sweet snacks such as chocolate covered nuts or your favorite candy. You never know what you are going to want in the moment.
• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential.
• Other Drinks: Bring some drinks with electrolytes in them such as coconut water or Gatorade.

For the Baby

1. Clothing

• Onesies: Pack a few, as babies can be messy.
• Going-Home Outfit: Choose something cute but practical.
• Hat and Mittens: Newborns lose heat quickly, so keep them cozy.

2. Baby Care Essentials

• Diapers and Wipes: The hospital provides these, but having your preferred brand might be comforting.
• Blanket: For warmth and comfort.
• Car Seat: Ensure it’s properly installed in your car ahead of time.

For the Partner

1. Comfort and Convenience

• Change of Clothes: For the hospital stay and journey home.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, deodorant, and other personal items.
• Pillow and Blanket: Hospital accommodations for partners can be sparse.
• Snacks and Drinks: Labor can be long, and hospital cafeterias have limited hours. You can’t support your partner if you are running on empty. Take care of yourself!

2. Entertainment and Essentials

• Books, Magazines, or Tablets: For downtime especially if you are having an induction.
• Chargers: For phones, tablets, and other electronics.

Miscellaneous

1. Technology and Communication

• Phone and Charger: To stay in touch with family and friends.
• Laptop or Tablet: For entertainment or work, if necessary. This is especially nice for an induction which can be long and rather boring in the beginning.

2. Placenta Encapsulation

• Cooler: To store the bagged placenta in
• 2 Gallon Sized Ziplock Style Bags: To put placenta in before it is put in the cooler.

For Siblings

Don’t forget to pack an away bag for your older children if they are staying somewhere other then home during your birth. I won’t list everything, but here are some you might not have thought of.

• Comfort Items: Make sure to pack their favorite stories, plushies, night light, etc. so they can feel at home while staying with family.
• A Toy or Two: If they are very young, pack something they don’t have to share with others while they are away
• Favorite Snacks: Everyone loves having a taste of home when they are away. Don’t forget to include some of their favorite snacks or have the person watching them, pick some up.

Tips for Packing

• Pack Early: Have your bag ready by the 34-week mark to avoid last-minute stress.
• Separate Bags: Use different bags for mom, siblings, baby, and partner to keep things organized.
• Check Hospital Policies: Some hospitals have restrictions on what you can bring, so check beforehand. Our Tacoma hospitals are pretty chill but check anyways, just in case. One thing to note, hospitals do not allow open flames of any sort so electric candles only.

Packing for the hospital delivery doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use this checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and comfortable experience. If you would like more education and information to support your upcoming birth, check out my Tacoma Birth Guide HERE.