printed copy of birth preferences

Print a copy, and hang it somewhere visible for care providers to reference.

eye mask and EARPLUGS

It can be bright and noisy in the hospital. use in early labor, or use for partner to catch some Zzzs.

LoTION

Hospital air can be very dry. have lotion on hand to soothe the late-night itchy skin.

COMFORTABLE CLOTHES

Soft, loose-fitting clothing will be most comfortable in hospital, and for going home in. nursing tanks are a great idea if you will be breastfeeding.

Mints or gum

During active labor, smells can be very overwhelming for the birther. take care of your breath! (no hard feelings).

toiletries

Hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, etc. It can be useful to pack a separate toiletry bag with travel-sized items.

Wallet (WITH ID!)

Provincial Health Card, Identification, cash for cafeteria, change for vending machine. Maybe you want to order pizza?

PAds, undies, diapers

The diapers are for you! No shame here. It can sometimes be more comfortable than having to adjust a pad and undies every time you move.

nursing bra

If you will be breastfeeding, make sure you pack some nursing bras.

towel

Hospital towels are tiny, thin, and NOT luxurious. Why not bring a thick bath sheet to cozy up in after showering?.

change of clothes for partner

The partner doesn’t get a gown, and the hospital doesn’t have extra clothes for them in the event of a mess. An extra set of clothes is a great idea, and it feels nice to freshen up!

birth affirmations

Your hospital room can be cozy! feel free to bring birth affirmations to hang or display. These can be cards, artwork, etc.

lightweight sleeping bag + Pillow

Birth can be long. Hospitals don’t have hotel beds, sadly! It can also be chilly. Bring a lightweight sleeping bag and comfy pillow in case partner needs to snooze.

hair ties

There is nothing more annoying than unruly hair in your face while you’re trying to have a baby! Put a couple hair ties on the handle of your brush in advance.

massage oil

A favorite massage oil is comforting during labor. And a foot rub afterwards is DIVINE!.

slippers

After your baby is born, you could be getting in and out of bed often. Bring some slippers with a bit of support, that are easy to slide on and off.

baby bottles

if you will be bottle feeding, it’s great to bring your preferred choice of baby bottle with you.

flip flops

Flip flops are handy if you don’t like the idea of going barefoot in the hospital shower.

Lanolin or other nipple cream

Some hospitals will provide nipple cream. But if you have a brand preference or skin sensitivities, bring your own.

HAIR DRYER

It’s more comfortable if you can make sure your hair is dry before crawling back into that bed and dozing off.

PHONE CHARGER(S)

Even if you and your partner have the same phone, it’s always handy to have 2 chargers. bonus points for an extra-long cord!

fairy lights

Make yourselves at home! A hospital room doesn’t need to be a sterile, boring place. Bonus points if they’re battery operated (don’t forget batteries).

paper fan

A collapsible paper fan doesn’t take up much room, but is so lovely during the sweaty parts of labor.

Pillow

Let’s face it, hospitals are not all about luxury and comfort. Bring a pillow with your favorite color bed linens. They look nicer in photos, too! ;)

Food

Labor and birth are tiring. Depending what you’ve chosen to eat or drink during labor, it is helpful to have a selection of snacks for you and partner to minimize going in and out of the room.

prescription medication

Don’t forget your prescription medication, especially if it is dosed daily. It can be helpful to lay out 1 week of meds in a pill container that gets stashed in your birth bag.

birth ball/peanut ball

Some hospitals will provide birth and/or peanut balls. if you’re more comfortable to bring your own, please do!

glasses/contacts + Supplies

You are going to want to stare at your beautiful baby all day and night - make sure you can see properly!

hydration

Bring a refillable water bottle for yourself and your partner. Coconut water, Gatorade, and other electrolyte drinks are also a great idea.

portable speaker and charger

Who said you can’t have a great birthday party in a hospital? Bring those tunes, and don’t forget your charger!

entertainment

Entertainment is especially important to plan for if you are having an induction. Depending when you arrive to the hospital, you might have time to play a few rounds of crazy 8’s, or read a magazine. Load up some favorite shows on the iPad or tablet.

lip balm

The birthers lips can get quite dry during labor. that dry hospital air, and all of that hard breathing!

bath robe

A bath robe is so lovely after birth. comfy, warm, and easy access for skin-to-skin.

placenta encapsulation kit

If you are having your placenta encapsulated, don’t forget the kit you received from this service provider.

nursing pads

Having nursing pads in the hospital will protect your clothing and bras. Nobody wants to go home with their top wet from leaky breasts.

tea lights

The battery operated kind, please ;)

essential oils

Essential oils can be helpful in labor. The smell can also be quickly overwhelming for the birther. Bring your oils, some cotton balls, and a small plastic container in case you need to quickly contain + remove the smell.

breastfeeding pillow

A pillow designed for breastfeeding can be much easier to use in the earlier days. Some of them strap right onto you, so you never have to worry about it shifting away.

car seat

Make sure your baby’s car seat is installed well before the onset of labor. You could even have it checked by a local car seat expert for peace of mind.

mementos

Not all of your loved ones can attend your birth, but it may be comforting to bring some framed photos, or small mementos from those who are cheering you on from afar!