What Should an Expecting Mother Pack for Labor & Delivery?

Perhaps you packed for weekend hotel stays and two-night camping trips in the past, but no overnight trip prepares for an upcoming hospital stay to give birth. Preparing for labor and delivery is often nerve-wracking for an expectant mother -- especially if it's the first time you're doing this. Packing your suitcase far in advance can help ease your mind and give you one less cause for worry and concern as the big day approaches.

  1. Pre-Labor Items

    • Just as you would for any hospital stay, you'll need to pack your health insurance information and a photo ID. Bring a copy of any pre-registration paperwork from the hospital, copies of your written birth plan and some cash for parking and vending machines. Pack a big, cozy robe, socks and slippers to wear with your hospital gown. In case your labor progresses slowly, pack a few distracting entertainment items like gossip magazines. Bring a baby book and extra pens so you can record an entry just before the baby arrives. A fully charged MP3 player loaded with a calming playlist should provide some comfort during labor. Add your cell phone charger in case your phone is low on juice when your water breaks. You might also need breath mints in case you vomit during labor, suggests the American Pregnancy Association, as well as hard candy for dry mouth.

    Your Partner's Items

    • Your partner might choose to pack his own bag, but if he doesn't, add a few things to your bag to ensure that he can stay by your side instead of running home for essential items. Pack him a full change of clothes, a toothbrush, a phone charger and a camera to document the event. Add some nonperishable snacks like granola bars and bottled water; you shouldn't eat just before labor, but having food on hand means your partner and family won't have to leave your side to visit the cafeteria. Massage during childbirth can relieve some of your labor pain, notes the March of Dimes, so pack some lotion or oil if you'd like your partner to try giving you a massage. Pack a bathing suit for your partner if you plan to have a water birth.

    Post-Labor Items

    • While the hospital is likely to supply some of the things you'll need after labor like sanitary napkins and nipple cream, but it's wise to pack both these items in case the hospital doesn't. Pack several pairs of large underwear, a nightgown, a few nursing bras, breast pads and two loose outfits to wear after delivery and on your way home. A soft maternity dress or a cozy sweater and sweatpants will be far more comfortable than a pair of tight jeans. Also pack a toothbrush, toothpaste and your essential toiletries like shampoo and lotions without strong odors; leave your perfume at home. Since newborns learn to recognize their mother's smell within the first few days, according to Boston Children's Hospital, let your baby become familiar with your natural odor instead of heavy, artificial scents.

    For Baby

    • Reserve some space in your bag for your newborn's necessities. Pack several newborn diapers and a container of wipes; the hospital should provide some, but as you'll soon learn, it's always helpful to have some of your own diapering supplies on hand just in case. Your baby will also need an undershirt or two, a going-home outfit, booties, socks and a hat. Bring a receiving blanket to keep her warm, as well as a bunting if the weather is chilly. If have several blankets that have significance -- like hand-me-downs from your own infancy, or hand-knitted blankets made by close friends -- bring a few to use at different times. Each blanket change is an opportunity for a new photo shoot. You should also have a car seat installed in the backseat of your car by the time your hospital bag is packed.

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