A Doula's Advice on What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

A Doula's Advice on What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Nearing the end of your pregnancy and want to get ready for your trip to the hospital? Look no further. After giving birth in the hospital twice myself and supporting countless mothers on this same journey, here is my best advice for what you should consider packing to have your best birth!

1) Electric Heating Pad: This little gem has helped ease the pain and discomfort not only of period cramps but BACK LABOR tremendously. Worth its weight in gold, you can find one almost anywhere and it’s about the size of a small pillow cover that’s electric with different heat settings. I always plug it in for my clients in the outlet right behind the bed (at your head) and leave it hanging out at their pillow until it’s nice and warm. Once active labor starts in full swing I wrap it around their lower back while simultaneously providing counter-pressure. Their hips and sacrum are immediately relieved by the sweet heat provided which makes this a MUST for any hospital bag!

2) Hospital Gown: Okay i’ll admit it; I didn’t know that this was a thing until this year. Soft, super stretchy hospital gowns (in a variety of different colors) are for sale at places like Amazon. I’ve stared at my laboring moms in envy over how comfortable they are in these gowns! And the fact that you can choose the size that works best for your body?! I mean, imagine that. They have the same clasps for quick emergency openings at the chest and back, unlike the hard, stiff, grossly-designed hospital ones. Another plus? You will have a breastfeeding-friendly overs-sized gown to wear during those first postpartum weeks. Talk about sexy! Seriously though, these are amazing.

3) Towels: If you don’t want to feel like a baby hippo with a hospital towel wrapped around you, I implore you to pack at least one large plush towel for you and your partner to share during your stay.

4) Quick snacks: The mere thought of telling a woman who is about to exert the most energy she ever has in her lifetime to “not eat or drink for the duration of labor” makes me furious. This is a personal decision as your provider may have their own opinion - but if you can’t see yourself going between 10 and 40 hours without anything to eat, I strongly implore you to pack snacks. Think high protein, high fat snacks that will give you that energy when you need it most. Ones that can be eaten fairly quickly with no residual smells… I like Lara Bars and my kid’s veggie & apple sauce packets.

5) All electronic things: Extra-long charger cables, phones, etc.

6) Diffuser and Essential Oils: This goes without saying but setting up your birthing space is essential for an amazing birth! The smell of your favorite aromas can help relax and ease your mind as well as all those supporting you during this journey.

7) Slippers/flip-flops: Hospital floors are gross, cold, hard things to walk on being barefoot. Being in the shower often helps comfort laboring moms but if you’re concerned about your feet on the shower floor/drain pack a pair of (non-slip!) flip-flops.

8) PILLOWS. For the life of me I will never understand why, when hospitals make so much money annually from insurance companies, it is always a fight to get a damn pillow. Doulas everywhere are shaking their heads in unison right now. Pack your own breastfeeding pillow if you have one and more importantly 3-4 comfortable pillows from home for both you and your partner to sleep with. I recommend using old pillowcases that you’re okay with setting on fire after your hospital stay.

9) Lotion/massage oil: Hospital air doesn’t have a lot of humidity and so your skin and lips start to feel extremely dry… not to mention the heavy breathing and panting you may naturally be doing. Pack a good travel-sized lotion or oil that you can quickly schmear on your lips or request a foot rub with.

10) Blindfolds & Earplugs: The beeping and lighting in a hospital room make it quite impossible to catch a snooze when you or your partner need it. These will help when you have a spare 30-60 minutes to close your eyes… I cannot stress enough how badly you will need your sleep!

These are just 10 of my top recommended items which are of course an addition to things like baby’s going home outfit, one or two onesies, carseat & breastfeeding pillow.

Hope you have a FANTASTIC birth and feel free to share this post with any other mammas you know!