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
Disclaimer: Doulas are not medical personnel and do not diagnose, perform any medical exams or clinical tasks. Information presented above is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional.
For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com