When you’re about 8 months pregnant, it’s a good idea to have everything packed and ready to go with you when it’s time to go to the hospital. You may want to pack two bags: one to have with you during labor and one for after you give birth.
Print this recommended checklist of things you’ll need or may want.
For Labor
- Picture ID
- Your birth plan
- Insurance card
- Hospital paperwork
- Eyeglasses (You may want to leave contact lenses at home.)
- A loose, comfortable nightgown or two, sleeveless or with short, loose sleeves; robe and slippers (We provide gowns and socks if you prefer.)
- Optional: your own pillow, music, electric tea candles, a picture, something to read or watch
For Your Partner/Labor Coach
- Camera, with batteries, charger and memory card
- Toiletries
- Comfortable shoes
- A few changes of comfortable clothes
- Snacks
- Something to read or watch
- Money/credit card for parking
- Change for vending machines
- Bathing suit (in case you want a partner’s help and support while bathing/showering during labor)
After You Deliver
- Fresh nightgown
- Cell phone/charger or prepaid phone card
- List of family and friends to call
- Toiletries
- Nursing or regular bras
- Maternity underpants (with heavy-duty sanitary pads at home). Stretch panties are provided.
- Photos of your other children
- Notepad or journal and pen
- Comfortable, roomy going-home outfit and flat shoes
For Your Baby
- Installed car seat
- Going-home outfit with legs (so car seat straps will fit), socks or booties, soft cap
- Receiving blanket
What NOT to Bring
- Jewelry
- Lots of cash
- Other valuables
- Medications of any kind (Talk to your caregiver. If there is something you need, the hospital will provide it.)
- Diapers
- Breast pump (We will provide one if needed while you are at the hospital.)
- Birthing ball (We will provide one.)
