What to pack for my labor in the hospital?

When heading to the hospital, plan to be gone for 2 days for a vaginal birth and up to 5 days for a cesarean birth. If you have a support person, the hospital may not allow for them to leave and come back with extra food or items forgotten from home, particularly in the era of COVID.

Here's a ✨ PACKING LIST FOR CALM BIRTH VIBES✨

✅ favorite pillow

✅ cards and ID

✅ music and favorite movies or shoews

✅ phone charger

✅ slippers, comfy socks

✅ underwear

✅ your birth plan

✅ your own maternity gown (check out Etsy!)

✅ something that smells like home

✅ ear plugs (to block out all the beeping)

✅ toiletries (glasses, contacts, toothbrush, moisturizer, chap stick, deodorant, face wash)

✅ loose warm clothes (3-5 days)

✅ elastics/clips/bands to keep your hair back

✅ snacks and water bottle

✅ weighted blanket (if you use one)

✅ car seat and baby's pediatrician info

✅ your partner and/or doula!

Since hospitals typically provide these things, you don't need:

❌Diapers

❌Wipes

❌Pacifiers

❌Bottles

❌Diaper cream

❌Blankets

❌Hats

❌Breast pump

About the Author: Kathleen Stern is a certified birth and postpartum doula, founder of Boston Area Doulas, and chronic under-packer.