Hospital/Birthing Center Checklist

What to Pack For Labor

• A stopwatch or a watch with a second hand. This will help you time your contractions.
• Hard candies or lollipops. These will help keep your mouth moist.
• Lip balm. This will keep your lips moist.
• A small paper bag. This will help if you hyperventilate. You or your coach should let your health care provider know if you hyperventilate during labor.
• Warm socks
• Hair tie. This is helpful if you have long hair.
• Mouthwash. You might need this to freshen your mouth.

Your coach needs to pack:

• Hand-held massager and lotions to massage you with
• Hairbrush. Your coach can soothe you by brushing your hair.
• Snacks
• Phone numbers of the people you want called after the baby is born
• Music playlist on your phone. Music could help you relax during labor.
• Camera. This may or may not be allowed. You may or may not want to use them.

What to Pack For After Delivery

• Nightgown(s). If you plan to nurse, take nightgowns that open in the front.
• Underpants, nursing bras, and nursing pads
• Robe or bed jacket and slippers
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Comb, barrettes, hair bands, and other items you use for your hair, including shampoo
• Soap in a soap dish or plastic bag
• Skin lotion
• Deodorant
• Makeup, perfume, powder
• Hand held mirror
• Clothes to wear home. Maternity clothes will still fit best.
• Contact list on your phone for people you may want to call.
• Sanitary napkins
• Enough money to pay for small hospital services. Examples: TV, newborn pictures, and magazines.
• Snacks like fresh fruit, dried fruit, and whole wheat crackers. You’ll be doubly glad to have snacks around if you are nursing.

For taking the baby home:

• An outfit of clothes. Example: an undershirt, a one-piece sleeper with legs, and a newborn diaper.
• Outer wear. Example: a cap, booties, receiving blanket(s), and a warm blanket if the weather is cold.