Your beautiful baby is coming soon: 20-plus hospital must-haves for labor

As we all know when we hit that last trimester the countdown is real and we start nesting! Packing our hospital bags, organizing the nursery, washing the bottles, and cleaning our homes. We are just preparing for our bundle of joys and packing our last-minute items. We love to make sure we have all the essentials,

One thing that I always do for my pregnant friends and family is pack a mommy bag! It was done for me and the best thing anyone could've done my whole pregnancy, so now I do it for others. I make sure to add toiletries and they're favorite snacks

As a doula and a mommy I want to make sure you have all of your mommy essentials so here are some links to the products that I've picked out personally.

Postpartum Essentials

Mommy Bags

Baby Essentials

When preparing your hospital bag for labor and delivery, it's essential to pack everything you'll need to ensure your comfort and well-being during this important time. Here's a checklist of hospital must-haves for labor:

Mommy essential for labor and delivery

1. Identification and Documents

• Driver's license or ID

• Health insurance card

• Hospital registration paperwork (if required)

2. Comfortable Clothing

• Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to wear during labor

• A robe

• Slippers or non-slip socks

• Nursing

bras, breastfeeding pads, nipple cream (if breastfeeding)

• Pillow and blanket

3. Personal Items

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant)

• Hair ties or headbands

• Lip balm

• Face wash or wipes

• Glasses or contact lenses and supplies

• Peri bottle

• stool softeners (that first poo and sometimes a couple of weeks after really hurts)

4. Electronics

• Phone

• camera

• charger

• headphones

5. Snack and drinks

• reusable water bottle (trust me you'll need to say hydrated)

• Healthy snacks (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)

Essentials For Your Partner or Support Person

1. Comfortable Clothing

• Comfy and layered clothing for your partner, as labor rooms can be cool.

1. Personal Items

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)

• Change of clothes

• Snacks and drinks

• Entertainment (book, tablet, or phone)

Baby essentials for labor and delivery

1. Baby Clothes

• Outfit for the trip home

• Onesies and sleepers

• Baby hat

• Socks or booties

• Swaddle blankets

• breastfeeding pillow (I used it for comfort and sat the baby in at times)

• Diapers and Wipes: (the hospital will provide these but I just like to be over prepared)
  

2. Feeding Supplies

• If you plan to breastfeed, consider bringing a nursing pillow and nipple cream.

• If you plan to formula-feed, bring pre-measured formula and sterilized bottles.

3. Car Seat

• A properly installed infant car seat is essential for the journey home.

4. Important Contacts

• Have a list of important contacts, including your pediatrician's number.

Remember that you may be in the hospital for a few days, so it's essential to pack enough supplies for both you and your baby. Additionally, consider any personal preferences or specific items you feel would make your labor and postpartum experience more comfortable and enjoyable.