Birth Bag Must Haves for the Hospital

Between pregnancy brain and all the prep work for having a new baby, it is easy to forget birth bag essentials. Whether you are birthing in a hospital, in a center, or even just preparing your home, these are some items you will want to have on hand.

The hospital/center provides…

Let’s start with what you DON’T need. Go ahead and check a few things off of your list. It is up to you whether to use what the hospital gives you or to bring your own to make you more comfortable (and avoid hospital food).

A hospital gown! You may prefer to bring a more comfortable, homey outfit for birth, like a comfortable sleeveless dress (to stay cool and accessible). Birth gowns are awesome – with snap-down tops and backs – but not necessary. Women looking for modesty will likely prefer having their backside more covered than a tie-up hospital gown.

Pillows & blankets If you have a comfort blanket or prefer poofy-er pillows

Mesh panties, pads, ice packs, & peri bottle – These are great! Be sure to take some home with you!

Snacks, meals, and drinks for mother/birthing person. My family’s tradition is after birth mom gets ANYTHING she wants to eat. An ice-cream Sunday with all the toppings? You bet. A midnight Taco Bell run? What sauce? But, her birthplace will provide for her basic needs.

If you are choosing to eat and drink during labor (more info here) against the doctor’s recommendation then it may be simplest to bring your own food rather than wait for the staff to feed you. Especially if the labor and delivery unit isn’t accustomed to providing meals.

Aside from some sneaky snacks, your partner will most likely be on their own. Bring some snacks with you and don’t be afraid to scout out the deli/cafeteria downstairs or order some take out. And if mom prefers to eat her favorite foods she may prefer this as well.

Baby formula. Formula companies actually provide free formula to hospitals to attract more customers, so if you plan to use formula bring some home. If your hospital is designated Baby-Friendly then you may need to request formula be brought to your room.

Birth balls. Many hospitals provide peanut balls, birth balls, and/or squat bars. Birth centers will most likely have these and may have additional stools and tools. I usually bring a ball pump with me because the balls are usually under-inflated and a pump is easier to pack than a ball.

Locally East Alabama Medical Center and Baptist East provide balls (they are often stored in the shower). Baptist South and Piedmont have balls, but they are not always available, so I would leave one in your car just in case. 

Pro tip – dress your peanut ball in an extra hospital gown to keep it from sticking to your legs.

Bath towel and basic toiletries. They probably won’t be luxury, but they’ll get you clean and dry

Diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, receiving blankets, baby hats, and baby undershirts. All of the baby’s basic needs will be met. If you want to take some adorable photos you may want some wardrobe options.

Birth Bag Items to Keep in the Car

• A full tank of gas
• Towels and a trash bag (in case your water breaks)
• An installed car seat for baby (many hospitals check these before they send you home)
• Any extra pillows/blankets you may want
• Your packed bag (and try to avoid the temptation to use items out of it – it is too easy to forget to put them back)

Birth Bag Items for the Mother

• ID and insurance card
• Pre-completed intake paperwork (if possible)
• Printouts of your birth preferences (3 or 4 copies)
• Glasses/contacts
• Essential oils/diffuser
• Pain medications (bringing your own over-the-counter meds may save you some hospital fees)
• Headband/hair ties – birth is a workout – expect to get warm
• Soft headphones
• Relaxing music
• Toiletries
• A relaxing postpartum outfit/robe (easy to lower to breastfeed in)
• Loose clothing for postpartum and return home
• Comfortable shoes/slippers
• Water bottle/Gatorade
• Lip balm
• Rebozo
• If birthing in water possibly a swimsuit
• Your breast pump – You probably won’t need it, but it’s good to be prepared. 
• Comfort helpers from the doula bag listed below (if you won’t have a doula with you)

Birth Bag Items for the Baby

• Newborn picture-taking outfits
• A going-home outfit
• A blanket from home (being introduced to bacteria from home will help establish the baby’s microbiome and boost their immune system)

Birth Bag Tips for Partner and Family Members

• Be the keeper-of-the-paperwork. Insurance, ID, intake forms, birth preferences, copy of advanced directives (if applicable), or newborn care plan. Along with these, plan on helping answer intake questions or ask staff to wait until between contractions when necessary.
• Entertainment – reading material, playing cards, sudoku puzzles for slow inductions or postpartum. Remember to follow mom’s lead. If she is fully focused on birth or baby focus with her. If she is bored then these activities can be fun for both of you and help pass the waiting time
• Two changes of clothes
• Affirmations list/ideas of ways to love on mom
• Breath mints/gum
• Toiletries
• Batteries/chargers
• Camera
• Glasses/contacts

In the Doula’s Birth Bag:

I can’t speak for all doulas, but I provide these:

• Music speakers
• Electric tea lights
• Hand fan
• Rebozo
• Birth-ball pump
• Honey/Agave sticks (for a quick energy boost)
• Massage tools (a tennis ball works great!)
• Bendy straws
• A book of labor positions

You’ve got this!

Remember, due dates are just an estimate. Aim to have your bag in the car and ready to go around 37 weeks!