Hospital Bag

With only 5 weeks left until the big day, I've got the hospital bag packed and ready to go!

I've included a breakdown of what's in my bag.  Though it's not listed anywhere, you'll also want to bring some favorite snacks for you and your hubby.

Everything I need for labor is packed in a small tote bag.  I plan to stay home during early labor, so I want those supplies easily accessible.  Everything else will be packed in a carry-on suitcase that can stay in the car for hubby to grab later.


For Labor  (packed in small tote bag)

• Birth plan
• Insurance card
• Driver's license
• Hair ties/bobby pins
• Battery-powered massager
• Sugar-free candies (your mouth may get very dry during labor)
• Tube sock with tennis balls (recommended by our birth instructor for back massaging)
• Essential oils (this set comes with a different oil blend for each stage of labor and directions on how to use it)
• Sports bra (I plan to use the hydro-tub and may want this to keep things in place)
• Phone with music playlist for labor
• Bluetooth speaker

For Mom

• 2 pairs maternity PJ pants
• 2 nursing tanks
• Nursing gown (in case I have a c-section and don't want to wear pants)
• Robe
• Socks
• Nursing bra
• Nursing pads
• Nipple cream
• Shower flip flops
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Hair brush
• Lotion
• Face wash/wipes
• Chapstick
• Makeup
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Going home outfit

For Dad

• Pjs
• Socks
• Boxers
• 2 t-shirts
• Hoodie
• Flip flops
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Shorts (for him to wear in the hydro-tub)  
• Blanket/pillow
• Going home outfit

For Baby

• Car seat with infant insert
• Boppy (if you're breastfeeding)
• Going home outfit
• Nail clippers/nail file 
• Olive oil (prevents first few tar-like poops from sticking to their butts)
• Baby book (if you want them to do baby's footprints for you)
• Baby blanket*
• Infant sleepers* 
• Hat*
• Socks*
• Mittens*
• Swaddle me/sleep sack*

*Based on what my hospital provides, these items are optional.  I am bringing them to get some cute pictures of baby in the hospital.  

Technology

• Tablet
• Phones
• Camera
• Chargers
• Nightlight (great for breastfeeding)

Birth Plan

While we wanted a birth plan, we also wanted to keep it simple.  We started with a thank you note to the staff and then listed off items that are important to us.  If you are not sure what you want or don't want as part of your plan, I recommend this birth plan menu as a good place to start.