This blog will help you pack for L+D and Maternity when you go to the hospital to deliver your baby. Written by FIT4MOM Bergen social media coordinator, mom of 3, and L+D nurse, Bri.
What to Pack for the Hospital
For Mom:
Important paperwork:
ID
Insurance card
Pediatrician information (if not connected to the hospital)
Living will (if you have one)
Birth plan (if you have one, this is totally optional, make sure to share your wishes with your partner as well)
Clothing:
Labor gown (if desired but not necessary)
Nursing bra (and a pumping bra if planning on pumping)
Socks (preferably with grips)
2 outfits to sleep in (I prefer 1 night gown and 1 pj set that has buttons: make sure they are easy to nurse or pump in if you are nursing/pumping)
Pair of comfortable pants/shorts
Robe or zip up sweatshirt
Slippers and/or flip flops (to walk around in)
Outfit to go home in (comfortable top, stretchy shorts/pants, bra (made for nursing or tight if not), breast pads, socks (if needed with the shoes you wear to the hospital).
Toiletteries:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Razer
Face wash/wipes
Moisturizer
Deodorant
Perfume
Lotion
Light makeup (if preferred)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Chapstick
Nail file
Hairbrush
Hair dryer (I prefer a mini travel one)
Extra hair elastic, headband, or hair clips
Dry shampoo
Glasses, contacts, contacts case, solution, eye drops (if needed)
Electronics:
Phone charger (extra long cord - x2 one for you and one for your partner)
Sound machine (with charger)
Night light (with charger)
Portable fan (and charger)
Tens machine (while in active labor of desired - and charger)
Kindle (or an actual book - and charger)
Headphones (and charger)
Speaker (if desired - and charger)
Other:
Pillow (if desired - for you and partner)
Blanket (if desired)
Water bottle (for you and partner)
Gum (especially if having a CS)
Mints
Snacks (bone broth packets: for when you can’t eat in labor or directly after CS, candy, and any other snacks for you and your partner while on maternity)
Thank you gift for delivering nurse and/or snacks for nurses station (totally optional; nurses truly appreciate just taking care of you).
If you want to do something for your nurse but not give a physical gift, kind words/cards, emails to their managers, and daisy nominations are great options!
For Baby:
*need very little for baby as the hospital provides most things for you!*
Memory book or items you want baby footprints on
Outfit for pictures in the hospital (if desired)
Items for hospital pictures (example: name sign, blanket, and/or stuffed animal)
Outfit to go home in (include mittens if the outfit doesn’t have hand covers and a blanket if weather is cold)
Gifts to/from siblings (if needed)
Car seat (leave in car until day of discharge)
For Partner:
Enough outfits for 3-5 days in hospital (shirts, pants/shorts, underwear, socks) (unless they plan on going home)
Pajamas
Kindle, book, headphones, computer, or other entertainment
Medications (Tylenol, Advil, tums, etc.) (hospital cannot give partner any medications so bring everything they might need)
Toiletries (follow list under mom)
Chargers
Do Not Need:
* These should be provided in the hospital but check with your provided before delivery and pack if needed*
Underwear/pads (you will want to use the ones provided - make sure to take these home)
Pump
Birthing/peanut balls
Pacifiers
Bottles/formula
Diapers
Wipes
Nipple cream
Breast pads
Witch hazel and ice packs
