What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

If you’re having a baby in Huntville, Alabama soon, you might be wondering what to pack in your hospital bag. It can seem overwhelming to think what you might want or need as you give birth and recover. Everyone has their own recommendations and ideas. As a mom of four who has given birth in the Huntsville area three times, I have some ideas on what you should (and shouldn’t) pack in your bag.

The hospitals in our area are wonderful (I’ve given birth at three separate ones, so I know from experience)! Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood, and Decatur-Morgan all took such great care of my babies and me. I felt seen and heard, valued, and safe. And I learned along the way what I would definitely pack again, and what I would probably leave at home.

What to Pack in Your Labor Bag

I would recommend two separate bags: one for labor and one for your postpartum stay. There’s no need to take everything in at the same time. So have a smaller bag for what you may want during labor, and then send someone back to the car for your postpartum bag when you’re moved to that room.

In my experience, most everything you would want for labor is already there in terms of birth balls, peanut balls, etc. So you don’t need to bring your own. But there are a few things I had with me that helped me through my four labors and deliveries.

• Birth Plan – Make multiple copies of your birth plan that you’ve gone over and had signed off by your provider. Give one to the nurse when you get there, and if a shift change occurs, give one to the new nurse, too. This ensures that your desires are known and keeps you from having to repeat yourself.
• Snacks – If your provider allows (most do from my experience), pack a light snack that can give you some energy if your labor is long. Honey sticks were my favorite.
• Alcohol Wipes or Essential Oils – Depending on your preferences, alcohol wipes or peppermint essential oils can help with the nausea that can come in later stages of labor. I used both and had great success with curbing the nausea.
• Combs – This one seems random, but if you’re planning a medication-free birth, squeezing combs in your hands can take some of the edge off the contractions.
• ID and Insurance – You’ll need to show these upon checking in at the hospital, so just make sure you know where they are for when you head to the hospital.
• Playlist – This one isn’t really for your bag, but I did love having a playlist that I listened to throughout pregnancy and then during labor. It was extremely calming to me and helped me connect with my babies.
• Chargers – Labor can last awhile. Bring a charger that’s extra long!
• Handheld Fan – It’s normal to feel really warm as you labor. I liked having a handheld fan to cool me off. Just make sure to have extra batteries or the charger in case it runs out of charge!

What to Pack in Your Postpartum Bag

The postpartum bag is where I found it really easy to overpack! I didn’t know how I’d feel or what would be comfortable to me after giving birth, so I tended to pack extra. Hospitals will have what you need for physical recovery, like a peri bottle, pads, and a sitz bath for soaking. But if you’re wondering what to pack in your postpartum hospital bag, I’d definitely recommend bringing these from home:

• Robe – Whether you have comfortable clothing on under or just want to be in your robe, I think it’s great to have that extra layer. It can be chilly in the hospital, but it’s also normal to feel hot as your hormones level out after labor, so having that robe can be great.
• Nursing Bra – Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, have a comfortable bra. It makes a big difference.
• A couple of loungewear sets – Again, since I didn’t know if I would feel hot or cold, I brought two sets. One was lighter and short sleeved, and the other was a little warmer with long sleeves. I liked knowing I could change if I wanted to.
• Snacks – The hospital food is fine, but I wanted some snacks between meals for sure! My favorites were protein and granola bars.
• Slippers – To keep your feet warm when you walk around
• Toiletries – The first shower after a baby is like no other. Bring your favorites to pamper yourself a little. You deserve it!
• Heating Pad – There can be quite a bit of cramping for a few days postpartum, and a heating pad helped me so much.
• Blanket and Pillow – The hospital’s aren’t great. Bring some from home.
• Going Home Outfit – Dress up or dress down, but take something you feel comfortable in to drive home.

What to Pack for Baby

You truly do not need to pack a lot for baby. Diapers and wipes are provided, and they let you take them home. I chose to bring my own in only because I had a preference on what we used based on experience with my first couple of kids, but if you’re not picky just use what the hospital has! They also have burp cloths, suctions for extra mucous babies often have after birth, hats, and even little shirts for baby to wear. Here’s what I brought:

• Diapers and Wipes – Again, only if you have a preference. I like to use Millie Moon diapers and Water Wipes.
• Swaddle – The hospital provides blankets, but if you’re baby is bigger, these don’t work the best. I brought one from home just in case (and with my third baby, I did need it!).
• Baby Nail File – Their nails can be long, and babies scratch themselves pretty easily.
• Outfit(s) – I brought a couple of newborn size outfits. They were very simple and soft, just little gowns and sleepers.
• Burt’s Bees Booties – They don’t have to be these, but I like these better than socks. They stay on much better!
• Going Home Outfit – I liked having a monogrammed outfit that my mom got for each of my babies to come home in. You definitely don’t have to do monogrammed, but have something for baby to go home in!
• Bonus Ideas: hand/footprint kit (the hospital will do footprints for you, but not handprints), announcement sign, door hanger

There you are! My recommendations for labor, postpartum, and baby bags for your hospital stay! If you have questions about what to pack in your hospital bag, let me know!

Mallory Bell is a Huntsville newborn photographer providing maternity, newborn, family, and Fresh 48 sessions. Learn more here.