What to Pack for the Hospital - Downloadable checklist
Only what nourishes, restores, and grounds you — for mama, baby, and partner.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
PROVERBS 31:25
You are ready for this!
A note before you pack
This list is intentionally short. Hospitals supply more than you think, and a lighter bag means a calmer arrival. Pack what truly replenishes you — food, comfort, and presence — and let the rest go.
FOR MAMA
Nourishment & Replenishment
Dates and honey sticks — natural energy for labor
Electrolyte packets or coconut water — hydration between surges
Bone broth or soup in a thermos — warm, easy postpartum nourishment Kettle Fire, Packets
A few favorite snacks — nothing new — comfort over novelty
Reusable water bottle with straw — one-handed sipping
Herbal tea bags (NORA or NOA, red raspberry leaf) — for hydration, comfort and replenishment. Instruction for tea
Mini Crockpot (20 ounce or 1.5 quart size is perfect) — to heat the broth or soups
Comfort & Body
Nursing-friendly gown or robe — softer and more comfortable than a hospital gown
Going-home outfit — loose, soft, forgiving, think lounge wear
Nursing Bra — something soft
Toiletries travel kit — don’t forget toothbrush, hair brush, hair tie, lip balm, deodorant, face wash
Phone charger with a long cord
Spirit & Mind
Affirmation cards — see the set included in this guide
Pocket Bible or devotional card
Playlist downloaded offline — for laboring and for skin-to-skin
Leave behind: a full toiletry bag, multiple outfit changes, pads, nice underwear, and anything you'd be sad to lose.
Less to manage is less to think about.
FOR BABY
Going-home outfit + one backup of a different size — season-appropriate
Car seat — installed and checked ahead of time
No need to pack diapers as the hospital supplies these for your baby
FOR PARTNER / SPOUSE
Nourishment & Replenishment
Snacks that don't need refrigeration — labor can outlast the cafeteria hours
Refillable water bottle
A few dollars in cash or a card — vending machines and parking
Comfort
Change of clothes + a warm layer — hospital rooms run cold and laboring mamas run warm
Pillow and light blanket — for the chair or fold-out bed, just in case the hospital is running low
Toiletries — toothbrush, deodorant
Phone charger and a portable battery
Their Role
This affirmation guide — read aloud during labor when words are hard to find
A list of who to call/text — so they're not searching for numbers in the moment
Camera or a phone at the ready — for the first sacred moments
Rechargeable mini electric fan with bendable arms — Mama will need this during labor, especially pushing
If you want to feel prepared for birth and have extra education and support reach out for doula support!
If you don’t want to miss out on having these first moments documented, I offer birth photography and videography as stand alone services and I also offer it as an add on service when I am your doula. :)
Interested? Let’s Chat!
Downloadable list to print - includes scripture affirmation cards
