Hospital and Birth Center Bag Checklist

As a doula-tog I get asked fairly often what should go in the hospital or birth center bag. I thought I would go ahead and share this list of things I have found to be handy! I recommend for anyone planning an out of hospital birth (at either a birth center or at home) to also have a hospital bag ready in the event plans have to change.

When to Pack
You should have your bag ready between 35 and 37 weeks in case baby decides to come early.
Have your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point. It's not a bad idea to have sample size toiletries packed ahead of time so you don't forget things like your deodorant and/or toothbrush. 
You should also have your car seat installed by this time. Most fire stations and some police stations offer free car seat inspections to make sure it's properly installed.

​What to Pack In Your Bag
I find it's easiest to pack per person, one at a time. 
For You:

• Comfy clothes - I would recommend packing 2 supportive nursing bras (or sports bras/wireless bras if you aren't planning to nurse). If you plan to use the gown in the hospital you won't need to worry about what to wear during labor, but for birth center families I recommend a good comfortable labor gown (which is also a great option for hospital births - they just need to have easy access to opening the back and opening the belly for monitoring as well as snap releases to give access to the chest for breastfeeding). A loose nightie, or a comfortable top and lightweight joggers or pajama pants or shorts are also good options for birth center births. If you plan to labor in water pack a swimsuit top or an extra bra that is easy to remove (think wet bra we will be trying to help you get out of after birth so you can put something dry on to move to the bed with your new baby). Slippers, grippy socks (yoga socks with grippy bottoms), slip on shoes, and flip flops are good options for walking around the birth center and/or your hospital room. Keep in mind your clothing and/or footwear may get blood and other fluids on it, so it should be something you are ok with getting stained possibly.
• A robe - hospitals can be COLD. For birth center clients sometimes we walk the halls or out in the park/parking lot around the center. A robe for modesty and comfort is always good to have on hand.
• Toiletries - Sample size items work GREAT so that you can pack in advance and not forget anything last minute. Pack a brush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, extra hair ties, and wipes, breath strips and/or gum, contacts or glasses if you wear them, any medications you need (or that your partner may need), hand sanitizer.

• ​​Birth plan - Print and bring a couple of copies for your nurses and one to put on the wall as a quick reference (you can slip it into a page protector and tape it to a wall or on the board at the hospital). I do recommend birth center families pack some as well just in case a transfer becomes necessary.
• An extra-long cell phone charging cord - While most birth centers will be similar to a room in a home, hospital rooms are notorious for having electrical outlet in strange places not close at all to the bed. It's also wise to have a fully charged phone for all the face-timing with excited friends and family.
• Sustenance - Pack a refillable water bottle. A juice, coconut water, or electrolyte water are also good options. Quick snacks with decent protein and some carbs for energy are also good to have for either location. Examples are nut mixes, trail mix, dried fruit, honey sticks, peanut butter, cheese sticks, etc.
• Pillows and a towel (for yourself and your partner) - This isn't so much for birth center births, they usually have nice towels and pillows. That said, hospital towels and pillows are another story altogether. I also recommend bringing a blanket for the hospital. It might be good for the birth center, but most have nice ones. Hospital blankets aren't particularly cozy, just be aware it may get dirty.

• ​Nipple cream - If you’re planning to breastfeed, you'll want some on hand.
• Depends - The hospital will provide you with pads postpartum and chux during labor, but adult diapers tend to be more comfortable and secure. They also afford you the freedom to move around without leaking if your water is broken. It may be worth looking into a postpartum care kit like the ones available through Frida Mom.
• A playlist and a portable speaker - A playlist can be a lifesaver during labor. Keep in mind labor can be long, especially first labors, so make sure your list is long enough that you aren't hearing the same song 20 times. You might even make a couple of lists, one with more upbeat inspiring songs that you can move around to and one that is more calming and encouraging. Basically whatever you think you'll enjoy listening to.
• Odds and Ends: A fan is always a good idea. Battery powered, or one your doula or partner can fan you with works. Cards or a book to read so you can keep yourself occupied through a longer induction (if you are planning to have an epidural). You might consider bringing a diffuser if you enjoy essential oils, although I usually recommend putting a few drops of the oil you would diffuse on a cotton ball or washcloth and placing that in a zip-lock baggie so you can have it available, but if someone is allergic to it or if you become overwhelmed you can remove the smell immediately. Many women find a tens unit invaluable for labor. There may be a way to rent one, your doula may own one, or you may opt to purchase one of your own. They can be great outside of labor as well! Massage tools can be hand savers! A tennis ball can work great for this as well. Twinkle lights, birth affirmations, and led candles are all relatively small and can help set a calmer mood in the hospital or the birth center. 

For Baby:

• A car seat -  This is non-negotiable—they won’t let you take your baby home from the hospital or birth center without a car seat. Have the base properly installed and inspected around 35 weeks or so. You can do this at a fire station or some police stations. The seat itself can be removed from the base if it's an infant seat.
• A going-home outfit - Babies come in all kinds of sizes. Don't count on the last ultrasound to be correct either, I can't tell you how often they are 2+ lbs off! I'd pack an outfit in newborn size and one in preemie size. If you anticipate that baby is larger than average, you can always pack a third outfit in 0-3 mo. There is a lot of debate about the need for hats, so I'd encourage research and deciding what works for you, but the hospital and many birth centers will have a hat for baby. Socks are also good to have on hand. 
• Your pediatrician’s contact information - Your provider will ask you for this information several times, so it’s good to have it handy. Include the email or fax number for the pediatrician’s office so they can easily forward your baby’s medical records.
• Do not bring diapers or wipes! The hospital or birth center has all the diapers and wipes you’ll need while you're there. ​

For Your Partner/Support Person:
If you have a partner or support person attending the birth and staying in the hospital or birthing center with you, remind them to pack some things as well. In addition to comfortable clothes and toiletries, here are some things to bring.

• Swim trunks and a change of clothes - if you are planning a birth center birth your partner may want to get in the birth pool. It's always a good idea for them to have something suitable for that as well as clean dry clothes to wear when they get out. Comfort is important as they may be moving around and squatting and helping you labor as well. They should have clothing that facilitates that.
• If you are have a photographer or videographer - One small word about clothing choices if you plan to have your birth documented. As a photographer I recommend avoiding any logos or graphics that you may end up regretting later, as well as super bright/loud colors or patterns. Your expression seeing your baby for the first time, or the moment you hold him or her for the first time doesn't look quite the same if they are sporting a neon-yellow glow from your shirt. LOL I also recommend ditching the ball cap if at all possible. It's ultimately your story, and I am totally ok with whatever you choose to wear, but I have had MANY couples later lament a bright outfit or not being able to see their partner's face because of the hat shadow. Just food for thought!
• Book/iPad/laptop/headphones/entertainment - Download a few new podcasts to listen to or have some work to do in case there is some down time. There may not be an opportunity to do any of that, but it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 
• A lightweight sleeping bag or blanket and pillow - Hospital sheets and pillows can be scratchy and thin.
• SNACKAGE - That's right, it has it's own section! A good rule of thumb is salty, sweet, protein, and healthy. Many hospitals will allow you to keep something in a fridge and every birth center I've ever been in will encourage you to bring food for both yourself and for your partner. Labor is a lot of work for everyone, so we need to keep energy up! Babies come at all hours of the day and night, and sometimes when you have a chance to eat a bite the cafeteria and restaurants are closed. Take some time to check out what restaurants are close to where you plan to give birth and check out their hours, whether or not the deliver, if you can have food picked up by a service, etc. It's never too soon to plan that first post-birth meal! 

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Whew! It may seem daunting to prep all of these things so many weeks ahead, but once you have it all ready, you can tuck it in a closet and forget about it until your baby says it's go time!