After a long nine months, it’s finally time to meet your newborn! But first, you’ll want to get everything organized before heading to the hospital. When your supplies are ready in advance, you’ll feel a little less nervous about this life-changing day. Following all the anticipation and a roller coaster of emotions, the big day is here, and this hospital bag checklist will help ensure that your birth plan goes smoothly.

5 Essentials for Your Hospital Bag Checklist 

1. Loose-Fitting Clothing

After you bring another life into the world, your body will feel sore and tired. When packing for the hospital, ensure that you choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If possible, you may want to wear a robe or shirt that opens in the front for an easy medical examination and breastfeeding. Keep in mind that if your clothing requires you to stand or lean forward when you’re undressing, it can be extremely painful to manuever.

2. Sleep Mask and Earplugs

Although workers try to keep hospitals quiet, the hospital staff will be taking care of other patients all night, and it can get noisier than you think. That’s why we recommend packing a sleeping mask and earplugs. After childbirth, you’ll want to sleep as much as possible for fast recovery, especially while in the hospital with support from medical staff. Once you get home, you may be unable to rest for very long because you won’t have 24/7 hospital care for you and the baby. 

3. Personal Hygiene Items

Giving birth is mentally and emotionally taxing, but bringing your personal hygiene products can put you at ease. Taking a long, hot shower with your favorite body wash and hair care products will feel much better than anything the hospital provides. Some women also enjoy bringing their makeup and hair care products for a more comfortable experience.

4. Post-Partum Underwear

Most hospitals give mothers disposable mesh underwear just after delivery, but it typically is not as high-quality as other options. It’s often a better option to bring your own disposable, post-partum underwear and pads. There are also post-partum briefs, which are particularly resistant to leakage.

5. Baby Items 

The hospital will provide the most important items after your baby is born, but you will need to bring the baby’s clothing and a car seat for the ride home. You might also want to bring diaper cream, baby lotion, and a couple of extra diapers. Depending on the weather, you may want to pack a baby hat for sun protection or a sweater if it’s chilly outside.

Midwife Support from OB2ME

These are just a few of the most essential items you’ll need when heading to the hospital, along with things that will make your stay more comfortable. Fortunately, the hospital will probably provide you with some basic toiletries, so you won’t need to drag your entire bathroom along. But some new mothers prefer to bring their preferred items for extra comfort, so use your best discretion to decide what will put you at ease after the intense physical experience of childbirth.

At OB2Me, we can help you make decisions both big and small as you prepare for motherhood. We offer private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery care to support you with convenient prenatal and postpartum care for both you and your family. We are also available to help you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2Me provides multiple packages and services to best fit your needs and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Just contact our team today to see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference!