Navigating what to bring for your hospital stay

The question of what to bring to the hospital can be a daunting one and we’re here to help. You are carrying your baby (still in utero!) and that’s more than enough – partners and doulas will need to lug the rest, while also providing labor support, so no one wants to overpack. On the other hand, you want to feel comfortable when you are going through a major life transition. This is when the small things matter, so how will you know what is most important to have? We’ve put together a list of key items that the hospital system will provide for you as well as the Midwife & OB-approved items that we always have in our go-bags.

What the hospital will provide during your stay – Essentials you don’t need to pack:

For You: Comfort items

• Socks with grippy sole, for you and/or partner
• Generic brand toothpaste and toothbrush
• Towels
• Light cotton blanket
• 1 pillow

For You: Postpartum care essentials

• PeriCare bottle
• Tucks pads
• Maxi pads
• Sitz bath (to take home)
• Stretchy one-size-fits-all mesh underwear
• Lansinoh nipple ointment (thick protective paste)
• Breast pump (if needed)

For Your Baby: Hospital-provided newborn essentials

• Pampers newborn size diapers
• Cotton onesies
• Cotton hat
• Formula (if requested, Pediatric Team to provide)

Midwife & OBGYN-approved essentials you should consider packing in advance: 

Clothing items

• Comfortable clothes for postpartum (loose elastic pants, button up pajama shirt for easy breastfeeding, layers such as zip up sweatshirt)
• One clean comfortable outfit to leave the hospital in
• Change of clothes for partner
• Nursing bra

Toiletries, personal care and snacks

• Hair tie / headband
• Lip balm
• Toothbrush / paste / mints or sucking candy
• Coconut oil (small container) for diaper changes
• Snacks + drinks

Support tools for labor

• Water bottle (with straw)
• Music speaker (if desired)
• Massage oil or lotion
• Hot water bottle / microwavable hot sock
• Birth ball

Newborn essentials

• Car seat for the baby’s journey home from the hospital (if applicable)
• Small pack of disposable wipes for diaper changes
• One outfit for baby to go home in
• Blanket for baby if winter

Day-of Essentials: Don’t forget these key items

Put a sticky note on your bag and have your partner or anyone joining you in the hospital pack these items day of:

• Personal ID/wallet/insurance Card
• Hospital paperwork
• Cell phone and long charger
• Pillow
• Perishable snacks

For additional tips, check out our blog post Oula’s Guide to Creating Comfort at the Hospital.