So you’ve reached that point where you need to pack a hospital bag. The baby books and blogs say you should be prepared because babies run on their own time and you never know when they will show up. But what do you pack? In all honesty, it’s personal preference but it can be hard to know what you will or won’t need.

The important thing to remember is that you are headed to the hospital, not a 5 star resort. You won’t need fancy outfits and all your accessories. There is limited space in hospital rooms not to mention how messy things can get! So while you may want some comforts from home, you also want practical items that you can use. These are the things I found most useful:

Must Haves:

1. Sandals/Slippers

Something that is easy to slip on/off your feet. You will be in and out of your bed, getting baby, going to the washroom, puttering around the hospital and you want something that’s easy to get on and off. Waterproof is probably better as well, because there will be spills and messes.

2. Water Bottle

I feel like I say this all the time but you need to stay hydrated. Especially during/after labour. Having your own bottle helps. Plus it gives something for your partner to do (go fill it up!)

3. Dry Shampoo/Face Wash/Deodorant

You may or may not have time to shower but you will want to freshen up. So don’t forget the essentials, there will be a lot going on but a swipe of deodorant and clean face will go a long way!

4. Phone Charger

You’re going to want to send/receive messages, take pictures and stay up to date with things going on outside your hospital room so don’t forget to keep that phone charged!

5. Going Home Outfits (Mom & Baby)

The clothes you wore into the hospital may not be the clothes you want to go home in so don’t forget to pack extra. Remember you won’t be a hippo when you leave but you also won’t be back to pre pregnancy size. So choose something stretchy.

You’ll also want something for baby! Again, practical but cute, (which is way easier to do for baby than postpartum mama). If it’s cold (it was -22 when we brought E home) be sure to pack a warm onesie for them. And if it’s hot, pack something lighter. Don’t go overboard with a complicated outfit, now is not the time for bows and tights and fancy shoes.

Optional Items

1. Comfortable Clothing

I lived in the hospital gowns when I delivered E. I really didn’t care. That and the hospital did the laundry so it was less for me to do when I got home! You may want some home comforts tho, stretchy pants, a robe or maybe some fuzzy socks. Just remember being a new mom (or mom with a new baby) can be messy so if it’s a beloved item that has sentimental value, you may not want to expose it to the elements of motherhood in the hospital.

2. Under Garments

Typically the hospital will supply you with disposable underwear but if you have a particular preference, bring your own! Same for nursing…bras, tank tops, shirts, etc. The hospital doesn’t supply these (obviously) and you may need them if you plan to nurse.

3. Snacks

Depending how long your stay is, you may want snacks from home. Obviously the hospital feeds you but it’s nice to have your favourite options to munch on. Plus your spouse may need something to eat. Keep it simple though, don’t plan for charcuterie boards or spinach dip! Good old cereal bars or homemade cookies are always a good option.

4. Makeup

You may want to fix yourself up for pictures at some point so packing a little kit for makeup is a good idea. I would keep it simple, you likely won’t have space or good lighting to actually do makeup, not to mention time! A little bit of mascara and blush can go a long way though.

I also wouldn’t suggest doing makeup in preparation for labour. You’ll be hot and sweaty, there likely will be tears (of pain and of joy) so don’t create more of a mess that you will have to clean up later.

5. Hair Products

I’m talking ponytails, clips, bobby pins, headbands, things to get your hair out of your face. You also want easy hairstyles in the hospital, don’t plan to have time (or energy) to curl your hair everyday.

6. Diapers & Postpartum Care

Typically the hospital will supply some of these items. They may not be top quality but they will have them. I mostly used what they gave me (again, free stuff!) but having your own can be more comfortable. Same for baby, pack some diapers just in case.

Unnecessary Items

In my experience, you don’t actually need a lot for your stay. Unless you know you will be there for several days (in which case you will want more home comforts) don’t overpack. I made this mistake the first time and it was so annoying rummaging in my bag to find essential items. Not to mention packing up afterwards was hard. Baby, postpartum brain/body and lack of sleep made it difficult to focus and ensure I had everything!

I did not use (or did not bring):

• Nursing pillow
• Pillows for sleep
• Books (for reading)
• Journaling or keepsake books
• Camera
• Robe
• Multiple changes of clothing
• Headphones/speakers
• Jewelry

What I would recommend is having additional items in a bag but left at home. If there are things you are unsure about, leave them but make it accessible for someone to pick them up should you have to stay longer than anticipated.

A Few Other Things:

If you can, do your hair before baby comes. When I was in the early stages of labour with E I took the longest shower of my entire life, making sure I was squeaky clean and then tied my hair back good and tight, pulling the front pieces into a twist so they were off my face. Best decision I made. My hair stayed that way for 3 days.

Have a plan for food during/after labour. I was starving by the time E was born. They told me not to eat too much during labour because I may throw up. No. I should have eaten the delicious blueberry muffin my husband had picked up (I took a few bites) because I was so hungry! I’m not a puker and I should have known better than to turn away food. If you know you tend to throw up then by all means listen to the advice of the nurses but if not, fuel that body!

Stay hydrated. Am I saying it again? Yes, I am. I made the mistake of not drinking enough during labour and was pretty dehydrated afterwards, even with the fluids they pump into you. I kicked myself afterwards. I even had my water bottle in the delivery room with me! So drink drink drink those fluids.

Pack maternity leave documents. If you need things signed by a doctor to prove (as if giving birth isn’t proof enough) that you gave birth, be sure you have them packed. I kept everything in a little folder to keep it altogether and had a list on a sticky note so I knew what all needed signed. It seems ridiculous but you don’t want to forget because you will need these things!

Keep It Simple!

The name of the game is to make your life easier. Giving birth is exhausting, you come out on the other side with a body that needs to heal and a baby that needs to be fed. Not to mention raging hormones and all the postpartum care that needs to happen. It can be hard to plan for this because every experience is different so be ready to be flexible and pack items you think will help you through it! And remember, you got this mama!

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