Shreveport, Louisiana Newborn Session | Hospital Bag For Birth

Packing a hospital bag is an exciting and practical step, especially as your due date or scheduled hospital stay approaches. Having the right items on hand can make your experience more comfortable and less stressful. Here's a casual guide to help you pack your hospital bag without overdoing it.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Essentials

1. For You: Comfort is Key

• Comfortable Clothing: After delivery, you'll want something loose and soft. Think pajamas, a robe, or a flowy dress. Opt for dark colors to hide any potential stains.

• Nursing Bra and Pads: If you plan to breastfeed, a comfortable nursing bra is a must. Nursing pads will help with any leakage.

• Socks and Slippers: Hospitals can be chilly, so warm socks and easy-to-slip-on slippers will keep your feet cozy.

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo, and your favorite body lotion can help you feel refreshed.

• Lip Balm: Hospitals are dry, and chapped lips can be a surprising discomfort.

• Hair Ties or Headband: Keep your hair out of your face during labor.

• Going-Home Outfit: Choose something loose-fitting and comfortable, like maternity leggings and a soft top.

2. For Baby: Tiny Essentials

• Onesies and Sleepers: Newborn clothes, including a couple of onesies and footed sleepers, will be needed for your stay and the trip home.

• Receiving Blanket: A soft blanket to wrap your little one in for that first car ride.

• Going-Home Outfit: A special outfit for baby’s first day outside the hospital.

• Diapers and Wipes: Most hospitals provide these, but it’s always nice to have extras just in case.

• Car Seat: Make sure it’s properly installed and ready to go when you’re discharged.

3. For Your Partner: Be Prepared

• Comfortable Clothing: Your partner will be spending long hours with you, so they’ll need comfy clothes too.

• Snacks: Hospitals may not have the best variety of food on hand, and hunger can strike at any time.

• Phone Charger: It's a must for all the birth announcements, photos, and calls.

• Entertainment: Books, headphones, or even a tablet to help pass the time.

Nice-to-Have Extras

• Pillow from Home: Hospital pillows can be a bit stiff or flat. Bringing your own can make sleep more comfortable.

• Essential Oils or Diffuser: If scents like lavender or eucalyptus help you relax, pack them!

• Portable Speaker or Headphones: Create a calming playlist to listen to during labor or while resting.

• Birth Plan: If you have a written birth plan, make sure it’s in your bag so you can share it with the medical team.

Things You Can Leave Behind

• Jewelry and Valuables: You won’t need them, and it’s best to avoid the worry of misplacing anything.

• Books or Magazines (if you’re not a reader): While some find time to read during labor, many find they’re too preoccupied.

• Pre-pregnancy Clothes: Remember, your body won’t bounce back instantly, so pack loose-fitting clothes for the return trip home.