Prepare as much as you can, but stay flexible.

If there is anything I learned through the Labor and Delivery process, it is that flexibility is extremely important at keeping your emotions and anxieties at bay. Know your convictions and preferences when it comes to your birthing experience--but at the end of the day you and your baby's health is the priority and sometimes that includes changing your plans!! I was induced and labored for 29 hours before I met my precious little man. The following list of items is what I would recommend based off my personal experience of a medicated vaginal delivery in a hospital setting.

At the hospital...

There are two main experiences at the hospital Labor and Delivery, and Postpartum Recovery. Labor and Delivery differs greatly between all mamas, but Postpartum Recovery is typically around 48hrs. We made the mistake of packing our entire house and bringing it with us to Labor and Delivery (I'm joking, but seriously I packed WAY more than I needed, but hey, I was a first time mom!). I read all of the lists on Pinterest and packed and repacked, only to use a handful of items and to get made fun of by the nurses about "moving in". Don't be like first-time mom me, learn from my mistakes! There are a few items I recommend to take with you when you are going into labor, but leave the rest in the car for your partner to grab once you've had the baby and are moved to the recovery suites!

Labor and Delivery

Whether you go into labor naturally or are induced, you will spend some time in the Labor and Delivery unit. You will have nurses and doctors checking on you routinely to check your progress. If you are wanting and epidural, make sure to communicate that to your nurse and they will make sure you get it before it is too late!!


Packing list

  1. Labor and Delivery Gown (make sure that whatever you order has front and back access--some hospitals will not let you wear them if they do not have back access)
  2. Birthing Ball (the hospital provides these if you want to use theirs, but I wanted to use my own)
  3. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, non-scented lotion, shower stuff, hairbrush, makeup, etc) Some will argue it doesn't matter, but I felt better being able to brush my teeth/hair, and refresh my makeup about mid-way through labor. I felt more put together and confident rather than just feeling like a mess. You know yourself to know if that's something you would like to have/do! I knew my husband and mom would be taking lots of pictures, and I didn't want to look obnoxious, but that's just me! You do you :)
  4. Blanket (it was pretty chilly in the room, and it was nice to have a little piece of home for comfort! But make sure its washable lol!)
  5. Fuzzy Socks/House shoes (the floor is kinda cold and even though I'm sure they sterilize, it felt cleaner to not be walking on the floor barefooted)
  6. Phones/camera (don't forget the chargers and extra SD cards!) Something I did ahead of time was create a playlist of some of my favorite songs to play in-between or during contractions to help distract your mind from the pain!
  7. Your own drinking cup (they provide a giant hospital mug that they fill with ice water, but I thought drinking out of it tasted like plastic lol! So they would fill it with ice water then my husband would pour it into my own Hydroflask.
  8. Snacks/Clear Liquids- Once the nurses deem that you are indeed in labor, you are no longer allowed to eat solid foods, so eat a good meal before you get to the hospital because you'll need your energy! You are allowed however to eat/drink clear liquids so water, gatorades, broth, jello, etc. Bring your own gatorade, but they have everything else for you there! I would recommend bringing your favorite snacks for immediately after labor because you'll be hungry! Everyone talks about how their first meal after labor is amazing--but my baby was born at 11:55PM and even the hospital cafeteria was closed! They did find me a turkey sandwich from somewhere---but it wasn't the glorious meal I thought it would be!! So bring a few of your favorite snacks!

Postpartum Recovery

After delivery of your precious baby, they give you a little bit of time to regain some strength, make sure you can walk and use the restroom, then they help you pack up your items and wheelchair you down to the Postpartum Recovery unit! This is when you would want your partner to go grab the rest of your luggage!


PACKING LIST

  1. Blanket and Pillow (I'm big on comfort so having these things from home helped me relax)
  2. Toiletries (from previous packing list)
  3. Clothes (think comfortable and nursing) I bought 2 nursing tanks, 2 "nighttime" nursing bras, and one night gown with nursing clips. Depending on the season, you'll want some big comfy shorts/sweats, an open sweater (for easier access for nursing), extra large underwear (2 sizes bigger than your normally wear), extra socks for cleanliness of walking on the floor, etc.
  4. Mama Self-Care items (The hospital provides you with the basics of what you need while you're at the hospital, but you will want to have a supply of these things at home!
  5. Depends-- Grab a pack of ladies depends in a size bigger than what you normally wear--they help hold in all the cooling/healing items listed below!
  6. Padsicles--you can buy these online/at Target, but they are sooo soothing. There are articles on Pinterest of how to make your own--I did not do that but I'm sure it would be more cost effective!!
  7. Tucks Pads-- ( I used the off brand and they worked great!)
  8. Bidet--This will help cleanse without using toilet paper! You can also use it in the bathtub!
  9. I HIGHLY recommend the Frida Mom brand at Target--just go there and check out that isle! They also have great breast feeding supplies!
  10. Breast feeding--There are a lot of opinions about breastfeeding, my opinion is, do what's best for your baby! I did not feel like my baby was getting the food he needed so I supplemented with formula a couple times at the hospital--I will make another blog post about more specifics with breast feeding. But the items I wish I had at the hospital were:
  11. Nipple shields
  12. Lanolin nipple cream
  13. Breast pump (check with your insurance to see if you can get one free or at a reduced cost!)
  14. Medication Management--while at the hospital, the nurses will come and give you the medication you need at the right time, but when you leave it will be up to you to keep track of your medication. I used and app on my phone to track my medication schedule!