Hospital bag checklist for childbirth

Your due date is fast approaching and you want to be ready to walk out that door when labor starts. As someone who LOVES lists and always over packs, I have reduced the amount of things that I recommend to only the essentials. As a Doula in Middle Georgia, I see so many bags being brought in and only a few things that are actually needed. Obviously, you do you and take all that makes you comfortable.

Here is a checklist of things you may want to take along to the hospital during labor.

• Don’t forget the car seat! Have it installed and ready to use by week 36
• Your birthplan. Have at least 3 copies along.
• -Id, insurance card & Wallet
• Toiletries
• Extra hair ties
• Chapstick
• Fan or white noise machine
• Robe or a pj shirt that opens in the front
• Nursing bra or tank
• Comfy clothes for postpartum ( plan to still wear pregnancy clothes for a bit)
• Cell phone, chargers & extension cords
• All the items you plan to use for comfort measures (play list, comb, tens unit,ect)
• Nipple cream
• Breast pads
• Drinks & lots of snacks
• Your comfy pillows and blankets
• Depends are so amazing and comfortable
• Going home outfit and blanket for baby
• Pacifier
• boppy (or just an extra pillow for breastfeeding support)

Hospitals provide….. Diapers, wipes, blankets, pads, mesh undies,peri bottle, birth ball & peanut ball..

Comfort Items I carry in my Doula bag to births.

• Battery operated tea lights
• Oils and diffuser
• Massage lotion and tools
• Honey sticks
• Hard candies
• Hand held fan

What are your must have's for your labor bag?