How to Pack for Labor and Delivery

As the big day approaches and the end of your pregnancy draws near, details and preparations may keep you busy. When you plan a delivery at a hospital or birthing center, you will need to pack a bag full of essential items you want handy when giving birth to your baby. By taking care of this task before going into labor, you won̵7;t need to worry about forgetting anything.

Things You'll Need

  • Duffel bag or small suitcase
  • Smaller tote bag
  • Sports bra
  • Socks
  • Lip balm
  • Lotion
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Hairbrush
  • Elastic hair band
  • Deodorant
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Cosmetics
  • Pillow
  • Notebook
  • Pen
  • Breath mints
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Telephone numbers
  • Digital camera
  • Camcorder
  • Personal audio player
  • Charging cables
  • Book
  • Focal point
  • Extra clothing
  • Snacks
  • Personal identification
  • Insurance card
  • Money
  • Cell phone
  • Charger
  • Birth plan

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the clothing accessories you think you might need or want during labor and delivery into the duffel bag or small suitcase. If you intend to labor or deliver in a tub, pack a sports bra to wear in the water. Pack socks to wear to keep your feet warm. Most women labor and deliver in a hospital gown, so it̵7;s not necessary to pack clothing to wear during this time.

    • 2

      Pack personal comfort items in the smaller tote bag. Add items such as lip balm, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, a hairbrush, an elastic hair band, deodorant, glasses, contact lenses and cosmetics, if desired.

    • 3

      Add incidental items you may use during labor to your larger bag, such as a pillow, a notebook and pen, breath mints, a laptop or tablet, telephone numbers, a digital camera, a camcorder, a personal audio player, all charging cables, a book and a focal point if you want an object to focus on during contractions.

    • 4

      Bring items for your support person or partner to use during labor and delivery. Items such as a change of clothes, personal toiletries and snacks would be beneficial for your partner to have.

    • 5

      Pack your personal identification, your insurance card and a few dollars for unexpected purchases. Pack your birth plan, also, to enable you to give it to hospital personnel when you arrive. Don't forget your cell phone and charger.

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