The Minimalist Hospital Bag

 














The checklist for the hospital or birth centre is always a top priority for my clients; often it is one of the first questions they ask me when we are meeting for our first prenatal sessions.
Generally, I tell them the basics and as we work through our preparations, I add and take away items once I have a better idea of their birth preferences and lifestyle choices.
 
Since I am a minimalist and generally prescribe to the ‘less-is-more’ model, I have compiled this Hospital Packing List with that in mind.  Remember that everything you pack will eventually have to be unpacked and unpacking is the worst, especially with a new baby.
 
 
Keeping in mind these parameters for packing, feel free to make personal adjustments to your own list.
 
 
Where are you giving Birth? -  Hospitals and Birth Centers are often completely different in what they offer in terms of both supplies and ambiance.  Get familiar with your choice of venue by inquiring with your care provider or your Doula.
 
How long are you planning on staying? -  It goes without saying that birth cannot be planned, but if you know for sure that a surgical birth is in your future, plan to stay for 3 days.  If a Vaginal birth is your goal, 1-2 days is the average hospital stay. 
 
Who will be staying with you?  Do you have a partner that will be staying in the room with you or will they be leaving to shower, nap and fuel up at home?
 
Taking all of the above into consideration.  Here is my checklist
 
Labour Bag
 
This can be a small backpack or tote with all of your easily accessible tools to aid your comfort during labour.  As a Doula, I help my clients to develop a plan that includes tools to help facilitate a happy healthy birth.  Bonus:  I have my own tools and tricks that I bring along with me, so that you do not have to pack and unpack unnecessary items.

• ID, Insurance Cards and Birth Preferences Worksheet
• Slippers and Robe (to walk the halls during labour and once baby is in arms) keep in mind that you will need to thoroughly wash these items once they enter your home again.
• Pillow and Blanket (to help bring the comfort of home to the hospital)
• Comfortable clothing to labour in
• A Bikini for the shower/ bath if you aren’t comfortable with the idea of full or partial nudity.
• Music with headphones and Bluetooth speaker
• Sound machine can help you create a calm environment for labour and rest once baby arrives
• Portable fan to keep you cool during labour
• Water bottle hydrate hydrate hydrate
• Oils for massage scent free is often appreciated and is a safer option for infants
• Warm socks cold feet are no fun but warm feet = happiness
• Lip balm lips can become very dry fairly quickly when you are focusing on intentional breathing
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, mints and or mouthwash
• Hair ties
• Eyeglasses/contact lenses
• Paper and pencil you may want to make notes during your stay
• Camera, batteries/charger
• !!!SNACKS!!!  Healthy, nourishing snacks to stay fueled through labour
• Sour candies on a stick

 
 
 
Postpartum Suitcase
 
These are the items you will want close at hand for once baby has arrived. 

• Pajamas that open in the front for easier skin to skin and breastfeeding/chestfeeding
• Nursing bras, bralettes or low impact sports bras with front clasps if possible
• Nursing pads these protect your clothing from expelled breastmilk between or during feeds
• Toiletries keep it simple unless a full face of makeup is what makes you feel like yourself
• Going home outfit you will still likely be in pregnancy clothing
• Perineum spray can be super lovely but the birth centre and hospital does provide a peri bottle
• Magazine or book if you are planning a longer stay.  Or a Netflix subscripton

 
Baby Items

• Blanket/receiving blanket
• Wipes
• Newborn + 0/3 onesies  4-5 should be plenty even if you are planning a longer stay
• Mittens/socks socks work well as mittens too
• Hats
• Going home outfit
• Car seat it is advised to visit a professional to walk you through how to safely install your carseat

 
Partner

• Toothbrush/toothpaste, mint and or mouthwash
• Swim trunks or bathing suit if wanting to support partner in the shower or tub; nudity for mom is acceptable but not for support people in most cases
• !!!Snacks!!! you need to keep your energy up
• Toiletries if remaining at the hospital/birth center overnight
• Clothing if remaining at the hospital/ birth center overnight

 
 
That’s it!  Please feel free to leave any questions below and to the readers that have packed a hospital/birth centre bag, did I forget anything?

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