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Simplified Hospital Bag Essentials - Labor & Delivery

Purple Star emoji 19 items
If you are like me, you want to have what you need at the hospital with you, but don't want to lug around a bunch of extra stuff that you won't get much use out of. Here are the essentials to keep yourself as comfortable as possible while you bring a...
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Labor & Delivery

I liked having my bag sorted out for Pre-Birth (Labor/Delivery) and Post Birth. This section has the items that you'll be glad you have with you during labor.

 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
This is a great fan that can be used in the hospital while giving birth, but doubles as a clip on stroller fan once baby is here! So much better than the cheap stroller fans from alternate brands where the fan dies quickly when you really need it.
RYOBI Clamp Fan / Stroller Fan
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
You might find this as a helpful pain management tool while experiencing contractions during labor. This handy device can also be used for other muscle issues later on too! ***Make sure to check with your doctor before using while pregnant as it coul...
Tens Machine - 20 modes
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
I love this heating pad because its BIG! It also has a 2 hour auto shut off feature that I use all the time in bed. Highly recommend for getting through contractions.
XL Heating Pad - 12" x 24"
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
If you prefer something a little more comfy than what the hospital provides, this delivery gown is the way to go.
Labor and Delivery Gown
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
If you've got long hair, you will likely want it up and out of your face during contractions and pushing. Of course, these hair ties are great for use after birth too! I love these specifically because they do not leave a mark on my fine hair the way...
Hair Tie

Post Labor

I liked having my bag sorted out for Pre-Birth (Labor/Delivery) and Post Birth. This section has the items that you'll be glad you have with you once you've given birth.

 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
You might find these much more comfortable than the mesh undies the hospital gives you!
Rael Disposable Underwear / Adult Diaper - Organic
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
If you are like me then you will be running very hot and don't want any clothes clinging to your body. A robe is perfect for the hospital since the nurses will be doing regular checks “down there” and you may want easy access to your chest for skin t...
Long Lightweight Robe
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
Hospitals tend to be quite dry so having some chapstick on hand may save you from experiencing cracked/dry lips.
Experiment Softwear Vegan Smoothing Lip Balm
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
Have this on hand if you intend to breastfeed since those first few weeks of feeding can be quite painful. In between BF sessions, you wear these to soothe sore/painful nipples.
Silver Nursing Cups - Silverette
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
This nursing pillow will be much more comfortable than shoving hospital pillows underneath your arms while attempting to breastfeed for the first time!
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow - Deluxe
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
Between, this and the silverettes, you are saving your nipples if you plan to breastfeed!
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter

Packing Essentials

This section has items that you will use the whole time or will help you stay organized so you can find what you need when you need it!

 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
We love anything that can be used for all different scenarios, not just as a hospital bag. This canvas tote fits the bill. Its large, zips, stays sitting up even when its full and machine washable.
LL Bean - Canvas Tote Bag, Zip Top, Large
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
These were super useful so that we could put everything in one bag but easily find baby items, my spouses items, and my items. Plus, you can use them for all kinds of travel in the future too.
REI Expandable Packing Cube Set
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
You never know how many outlets you'll have in your room so this charging block is handy because it only requires one outlet but can charge multiple devices.
Anker - Wall Charging Block for Multiple Cables
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
There may only be 1 or 2 outlets you can use in the hospital room and who knows how close they are to your bed/chair. I'd recommend a very long charging cable for you and your partners phone so that it will definitely reach you comfortably.
10ft iPhone USB-C to Lightning Cable (2 pack)
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
This eye mask completely blocks light and puts zero pressure on your eyes while doing it.
Sleep Eye Mask
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
You get checked on constantly during labor and post birth, including the middle of the night when you should be trying to get some much needed shut eye. This egg light is great so that the hospital staff doesn't have to turn on the overhead light eac...
Egg Night Light
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
If you have a birthing partner with you who needs medication, I'd highly recommend this. The hospital will give mom/baby the medication they need, but if your partner has daily medication, allergies, or a headache they might be SOL. This is handy so ...
Pill Organizer - Travel Portable
 
Ellen Gorham profile picture
Once again, love an item that will be repurposed and used after the fact too! This sound machine has 22 different (non-looping!!) sounds and will help to block out all of the beeping and foot traffic of the hospital as you try and get some rest!
White Noise Sound Machine