Hospital Bag Packing List for Labor and Postpartum

As I’m writing this, I’m 35 weeks pregnant with my third little boy, and I can’t believe that it’s getting so close to his arrival! I learned a lot from my previous deliveries, so I wanted to share my hospital bag packing list for labor and postpartum. I remember feeling very overwhelmed as I prepared for my first delivery and really didn’t know what I should bring with me. Now that I have two deliveries under my belt, I feel like I know what I’ll actually want and use during my hospital stay. I hope this list helps you!

For Labor

This is the second birth that I will have a doula with me, in addition to my husband, as a support person. I love Rocket City Doulas so much and wouldn’t even consider birthing without a doula’s help in the future. My doula has helped me decide what I should bring with me to help with pain management (I aim for medication-free births as a personal preference). So for labor, I have a few items that I’ll use as needed to relieve pain and keep me focused on the end goal – meeting my sweet little boy!

  • Birth Plan – I wrote out a detailed birth plan of my preferences for my baby and me during labor and postpartum to help my midwife and nurses remember my desires for my birth. Of course, only God knows how this labor will go, so I hold these plans loosely and trust in his plan above all!
  • Heating Pad – This comes in handy if back labor presents itself like it did with my second birth. That heating pad was a lifesaver!
  • Combs – This technique was new to me when I read about it! Squeezing hair combs between your palm and fingers can help alleviate some of the sensation of contractions. I’ll link an article here to better explain the science of it!
  • Tennis Ball – My husband or doula can use this to help with any back pain I’m having.
  • Photos – I have photos printed of the first times I held my older kids after they were born. I’m taking them with me to motivate me to push through to the end and remind me of what’s to come – holding and snuggling my new son!

For Postpartum

Does anyone else actually enjoy their hospital stay postpartum? Just me? I actually look forward to this part of the birthing process! I like knowing that baby and I are taken care of and that our only responsibilities for a couple of days are to bond and rest. Many mamas can’t wait to get out and go home (which I understand!), but for me this has always been a couple of days to just breathe and take in my baby. I like to make my stay comfortable with the items I bring, but I also don’t overpack and only bring what I actually plan to use. My hospital provides all of the practical postpartum items like pads, a peri bottle, and a sitz bath. This list may look different for you, but here’s what I’m bringing this time.

  • Two pairs of button down pajamas – these and these – For my other deliveries, I wore a nursing gown and robe for most of my stay. This time I think I’ll prefer a top and pants, and these two pajama sets are so buttery soft. I sized up from my normal size to make sure they’ll fit a postpartum body. And the button down tops will be super convenient for nursing!
  • Slippers
  • Nursing Bra
  • Nursing Pads
  • Underwear
  • Flip flops for the shower
  • Comfy socks
  • Depends
  • Snacks – I’m always starving after delivery, so I like to have some yummy snacks for between meals. My favorite are the white chocolate macadamia nut bars Luna Bars!
  • Pillow and blanket – The hospital obviously has these, but theirs aren’t super comfy!
  • Phone Charger
  • Extension Cord
  • Book – I may not open it once, but I’m hoping to read The Lazy Genius Way before the New Year, so this may be a good time!
  • Leggings to go home in – I haven’t worn these yet, but they have great reviews and look perfect for postpartum!
  • Oversized sweater to go home in
  • Shoes to go home in
Hospital Bag Packing List for Labor and Postpartum from a Third Time Mom

Toiletries

After delivery, I want to feel as much like myself as I possibly can, so I pack travel sizes of my usual toiletries.

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Face Wash
  • Moisturizer
  • Lip Balm
  • Dry Shampoo
  • Razor
  • Makeup Remover Wipes
  • Deodorant
  • Loofa
  • Makeup Bag (last minute grab before we leave for the hospital)

For Baby

Funny story – when I had my first son, I didn’t know I was allowed to change his clothes. So he wore the little shirt given by the hospital the whole time! I honestly didn’t mind because he was swaddled up the entire stay, but I’ve got some clothes for this little guy to wear this time. 🙂 My hospital provides us with swaddles, a sleep sack, diapers, and wipes, so I don’t bring those.

Camera Bag

Of course, as a photographer, I’m going to bring my camera bag to document this time! I may not feel like taking a ton of photos, but I definitely want to capture the first hours and day of our son’s life. If you’re interested, here’s what I’ll be using!

  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Canon 1V
  • Sigma 35 mm 1.4 Lens
  • Canon 50 mm 1.4 Lens
  • Portra 400 Film
  • Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Film

I’m curious to know if there’s anything I left off my list that you took or plan to take, and I hope that you find this helpful!


Are you expecting? I’m so excited for you! It’s never too soon to start thinking about maternity and newborn photos.

If you would like to reserve your 2022 maternity, newborn, motherhood, or family session, please fill out my contact form here. I will get in contact with you soon to discuss the details of your session and begin planning!

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  1. Grace says:

    I love seeing that film on the list!!! 😍

  2. Tasi Ransom says:

    I too didn’t know if I could change the baby’s clothes the first time around. 😅 Love this list. An extension cord is a good one!

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