Knowing What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Packing your hospital bag for birth is almost a rite of passage. How do you know what to pack? There are lots of lists out there of what to pack in your hospital bag for birth. If you’re planning a hospital birth, chances are your hospital has even provided a list for you. But as a birth doula, I am going to share a few unusual tips for your packing list. Each of these unusual items will help make your birth experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

1. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.

If you give birth in a hospital, you will likely face restrictions on eating and drinking during your labor. This is especially true with an induction or an epidural. Hospitals restrict food and drink to reduce the risk if you need anesthesia. However, enduring hours of labor without sustenance can be frustrating and tiring.

Even if you can’t eat anything, you can usually still have clear liquids. Typically, this means ice chips and clear drinks like Sprite, apple juice, or Gatorade. If you’re lucky, the hospital might give you a popsicle or some Jell-o. While these liquids will do a little bit to stave off starvation, they aren’t very satisfying. Plain broths usually count as “clear liquids,” yet they will feel more nourishing. So throw a can of broth in your hospital bag and ask your nurse to heat it up for you!

2. A night light.

You may have heard that in labor, a calm, dim environment is best for promoting feelings of safety and oxytocin. You can pack Christmas or LED candles to create a calm, relaxing environment in your hospital room.

But what happens when you have to go to the bathroom? You’ll throw on the harshest, brightest lights, knocking you out of your carefully cultivated coziness. But if you bring a night light for the bathroom, you won’t have to turn on the bright lights to pee.

3. A pool noodle.

You may be thinking, “A pool noodle? I thought I was reading about what to pack in your hospital bag for birth!” Well, yes, indeed! A pool noodle is not just for swimming, it is also a great aid for back pain in labor.

Counter-pressure, applied to an area that is experiencing pain, is a great way to help with labor pain. This is especially true for contractions that hurt mainly in your back. Doulas spend a LOT of their time providing counter-pressure because it usually feels so good to the person in labor.

But if you tire and want to sit in the bed for a while, your doula can’t reach your back. A 1-foot length of pool noodle slipped between your back and the bed can help while you’re sitting in bed. Pool noodles are easily cut, so you can pack one in your hospital bag, while keeping more pieces at home.

4. Your own pillow.

This one is controversial. It’s true that the hospital will provide a pillow for you. As a doula, I like to use a lot of pillows to help you get comfortable. And without a doubt, they never have enough pillows at the hospital. What’s more, having your own pillow can be a nice comfort from home. Remember, homey reminders help create that safe, cozy environment that is so important for labor. However, birth can get messy, so you might want t to keep your pillow in a dark colored pillowcase.

5. A TENS machine.

This one isn’t for everyone, but for those people who like it, they really like it. I recommend trying it out during pregnancy to see if you like it. If you do, you will want to put a TENS machine in your hospital bag for birth. You can find it inexpensively in the pain relief section at a larger drug store.

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and it works by passing a tiny electrical current through the skin. This current blocks the nerves sending pain signals to the brain. You have a small handheld controller that attaches to sticky pads on your lower back. It is considered a safe and effective drug-free pain relief option for labor. (TENS is also promoted for pain relief in other circumstances, so you can continue to use your machine after you have your baby.) Some people don’t like the tingly feeling this gives, which is why I recommend trying it out first. One time that a TENS unit is especially helpful is during the car ride to the hospital. It gives you one comfort measure that you can still control while buckled into the car.

Final Thoughts on What to Pack for Your Hospital Birth

When thinking about what to pack in your hospital bag for birth, these unexpected items can make a big difference in your comfort and experience. From the warmth of a nourishing broth to the soothing effects of a TENS machine, these five unique suggestions can help you feel more supported and in control during labor.

Before I sign off, I want to mention one more item. This item is not unusual but it is very important not to forget. A charger for your phone, ideally one with a long cord, will help make sure you don’t run out of power just when you need to call your doula, crank up your labor playlist, or send the first baby picture to your sister. Go ahead and pick up an extra charging cord and tuck it in your hospital bag now. You can thank me later.

As you prepare for this transformative moment, consider packing these unique items. A little extra creativity in preparation can go a long way in making your birth experience smoother and more empowering.

We’ll be talking about these ideas and more in our childbirth classes starting April 3. I’d love to have you join us! You can learn more and register on our Childbirth and Newborn Care Classes webpage.