Hospital Bag Packing Made Easy

Your Downloadable Checklist!

Whether you're planning to check yourself out of hospital rather quickly following birth or your recovery requires a longer stay, being prepared goes a long way!  Thinking you packed something only to look in your bag and discover it's not there can be really inconvenient!  

I usually recommend people pack their hospital bag before 37 weeks.  This allows you time to pick up any items you may not have and worst case scenario, your bag is ready should your baby arrive prematurely.

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST

When preparing for birth, ask your hospital the weight limit of their birth balls aka exercise balls they often have available for labor.  Plus size folks may need to bring their own anti-burst ball which can be easily sourced online.  If using a labor wrap (sometimes called a Rebozo), ensure it is a suitable length for you and size up if needed.  I encourage expecting parents to bring not only the essentials like clothing, snacks, money, phone chargers etc. but also these items which will encourage a more comfortable, oxytocin-promoting experience.  

Oxytocin is one of the key hormones that helps labor start and progress.  It encourages more regular, frequent and efficient contractions.  If you feel relaxed, comfortable, loved, looked after and safe, your labor is more likely to progress with fewer medical interventions (and stress!).  Items such as those needed to facilitate music or hypnobirthing tracks, LED candles, a photo of your older children, essential oils, a massager, favorite pillow, etc. can all help create a really lovely space and help with different comfort measures techniques.

Get your FREE, printable hospital bag checklist below!  Having a home birth?  You can print your list of essentials below as well!