Labor & Delivery: What to Bring

I feel a little late to the party when it comes to posting what I packed in my labor & delivery hospital bag since I needed it over 3 weeks ago but I have had a few mamas-to-be ask about what all I packed, so I figured I would share! I cannot take full credit for this list though, because I researched what to pack as well! I also took my sister’s advice on items to bring since she had recently delivered her baby boy.

I am actually proud of myself for not over-packing. However, I feel I would have been short on a couple items had I had an emergency c-section rather than a vaginal delivery, as I would have been in the hospital longer than I was. So, you may want to bring extra clothing items just in case you end up staying longer. Our hospital stay from from Friday midday to Sunday midday. I will list everything I packed and whether or not I felt like I actually needed/used it!

My Bag

Nightgowns – I did use these! Make sure to get some that are nursing-friendly if you plan on breastfeeding. I brought two that buttoned down for easy nursing access. I was glad I had two because Morgan spit up on one of them, of course! Here is one of the gowns I wore, and still wear.

Robes – I also brought two robes and felt like these were easier to wear for nursing than the nightgowns. I liked wearing my black one the most! I would stick with dark colors for most of the clothing you bring in case anything gets on them…

Nursing Bras – I brought two nursing bras but found that when I wore a nightgown or robe over them, it just made for an extra layer to remove for nursing, so I ended up going bra-less most of the time when I wore a nightgown or robe, OR I just wore the nursing bra alone! I have 4 of the cutest nursing bralettes you’ve ever seen – here they are! Size up because your boobs will grow even more when your milk comes in and a tight fit is the last thing you want when they are engorged.

Side note: Once your milk “comes in” about 3-5 days after delivery, you will probably not want to go braless as you will be leaking a lot!

Going Home Outfit – Remember, you will look about 6 months pregnant when you leave the hospital (disappointing, I know), so opt for a looser-fitting top or dress! I went with a loose brown dress and definitely still looked pregnant, but who cares – every mama has been there! I tried finding a dress that was nursing-friendly and couldn’t find one, but I ended up changing into a robe as soon as I got home anyway, so it didn’t matter. The dress was mostly just for our first family picture!

Hospital Gown – Definitely optional, but I was so glad I had mine! The nurses loved it, too. You do have to make sure the gown is like the one the hospital would offer, meaning it has to be able to unbutton completely in case of an emergency surgery. I was so disappointed that I had to get into the hospital’s gown because I didn’t bring my cute one with me, LOL, but I didn’t have to wait long before my mom brought all of our bags and I changed right into my cute one and all was well again 😉 My sister gave me the Amazon link to where she found her gown and I bought the same one, but a different pattern – here it is!

Slippers – I felt gross even thinking about walking around barefoot in my room and then climbing into a clean bed, so one of my first hospital bag purchases were some comfy slippers!

Shower Sandals – For the same reason as above, I also purchased shoes to wear in the shower. I really liked these and definitely plan to use them again (looking at you, campground shower houses).

Small Fan – It stressed me out to think about being hot during labor & delivery so I wanted to have a small fan just in case. Brett and I also like a little fan noise when we sleep! This one uses a USB to work! It’s also super cute AND I still use it in the nursery while I am nursing so that I can have some cool air on me without making Morgan too chilly.

Diffuser & Oils – Might as well diffuse your favorite scents in the room – you’re going to be there a while! The nurses loved the way the room smelled, too. Below are the oils I brought and I used all except the stress-away. I came so close to using Panaway on my back for my back labor pains but ended up using a tingling lotion instead. The far left one is a labor blend that one of my student’s moms made me – helichrysum, fennel, peppermint, Ylang Ylang, and Clary sage.

Toiletry Bag – I actually had two small travel bags full of things like makeup, glasses and contacts, face lotion, essential etc. The same things you would need for a weekend stay somewhere. Definitely bring travel size toiletries for the shower – you will feel so much better after taking a shower!!!

Phone Charger – Everyone says to bring an extra-long cord but I did just fine with my normal one. You won’t want to be that close to your phone the whole time anyway!

Snacks – The hospital will have a cafeteria but if you’re hungry after hours, you better have a snack packed! I only had a small lunch (just in case I did go into labor that day lol) the day Morgan was born and then once he was delivered, it was 9pm and the cafeteria was closed. They did actually offer me some snacks they had on hand like hummus and pretzels, string cheese, Italian ice, etc., so I ate those as well as the ones I brought. I didn’t get crazy with my snacks – I just brought Belvita breakfast cookies and granola bars! Luckily, Brett and my mom were able to eat some Chipotle while I was in labor!

X Nipple Shields – I did not use these in the hospital because for one, I didn’t feel like I needed them, and two, I heard they can cause nipple confusion. But if you feel like you want to bring them just in case, they don’t take up much room!

X Disposable Nursing Pads – I also didn’t need these because my milk didn’t “come in” until a few days after birth, so I wasn’t leaking at all. But they also don’t take up much room so if you want to bring some just in case, go for it!

Baby Bag

Really all you need is a going home outfit/picture taking outfit of your choice for your little baby! I brought several different ones because I’m indecisive. I also packed mittens for his little hands, socks, hats, and blankets.

Other

Blanket and pillow – They obviously provide these things but it’s nice to use your own snuggly things from home. Also bring them for dad!

Boppy Nursing Pillow – If you plan to breastfeed, anyway.

Postpartum

I considered bringing postpartum care items but decided to leave them home because I had heard from multiple people that the hospital provides you will everything you need.

I will add that I purchased some undies that help keep everything in place “down there” and I love them! I did not use them in the hospital though – I knew I would want to just use the disposable ones. I used them after I returned home!

The items they provided at the hospital (and let me take home) were a peri bottle, pads, cooling packs, anti-itch/burn spray, Tucks cooling pads, disposable underwear, hair & body wash, and chapstick. I especially wanted to bring home the Tucks cooling pads! I took home everything I could and put it all in a “postpartum box” in the bathroom at home.

A couple postpartum things I purchased that I didn’t use as much as I thought I would were a donut pillow and a belly band to help keep all my insides “in place” because everything feels so loose in there! The donut pillow sometimes made me even more uncomfortable than I already was and just opted for my soft recliner. As for the belly band, the one I bought was kind of stiff and uncomfortable so I just didn’t use it.

I hope this is helpful to you mamas-to-be! I wish you all the best with labor & delivery and your new life as a MAMA!