IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR BABY TO HERE AND YOU'RE WONDERING WHAT TO PACK, BELOW I HAVE MY PERSONAL 5 MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR YOUR UPCOMING HOSPITAL OR BIRTH CENTER BIRTH.
NUMBER ONE: YOUR OWN PILLOW
Let’s be honest—those hospital pillows are often flatter than pancakes. Bringing your own pillow from home can make a big difference, especially if your labor progresses slowly. It gives you a comfortable place to rest and possibly catch a little sleep before your baby’s arrival. Plus, once baby is born and you're in the postpartum room, you're going to want to rest. Labor is exhausting, and most hospital stays require a minimum of 24 hours after birth, so having your own pillow for comfort is a small luxury you won’t want to skip.
NUMBER TWO: BABY'S GOING HOME OUTFIT
This one is extra special. For me, the going-home outfit was a way to announce my baby’s name. With my son, we used a little gown and cap, which worked perfectly for revealing his name on social media—our family already knew, but it was a fun reveal! For our daughter, I kept the name a secret from everyone, and we used a cute onesie with her name on it, paired with shorts and a bow (perfect for Texas heat in July). Whether you're planning a formal photoshoot or just snapping pictures with your phone, a cute outfit makes all the difference. It doesn’t have to be fancy—I'm sentimental and love keeping meaningful clothing, but even a simple onesie or pajama outfit will do the trick!
NUMBER THREE: PHONE CHARGER
If you’re anything like me, you probably can't survive without your phone. Whether you're scrolling through social media or keeping your family updated via FaceTime, you’ll need a charger. Many hospitals have limited support persons, so you might find yourself using your phone to keep loved ones informed. Having a charger nearby ensures your phone stays powered up for those first moments and photos you don’t want to miss!
NUMBER FOUR: SNACKS! SNACKS! SNACKS!
Hospitals often restrict food during labor (not for the one above), but let’s be real—you can eat if you want to (they just might not love it). In a birth center or home birth setting, snacking is encouraged, which definitely helps keep you energized during a long labor. But even if you choose not to eat during labor, once your baby arrives, you'll be starving! I learned this the hard way when I had to eat vending machine snacks at 5 a.m. after having my son. While I appreciated the food, I would have much preferred my own snacks. If you’re at a birth center, they’ll likely have snacks on hand, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own, especially if you have favorites.
NUMBER FIVE: COMFORTABLE CLOTHES
First things first—bring comfy socks! Hospitals provide non-slip socks, but they’re rarely warm, so pack a cozy pair. After delivery, comfort is key. Learn from my experience—I brought tight leggings and a fitted shirt post-birth, which was far from comfortable after pushing out a baby! Pack loose, comfortable clothes that you'll feel at ease in. If leggings are your thing, great. If sweatpants or your partner’s lounging pants are what you need, then bring those! For breastfeeding moms, don’t forget your nursing bras, and start practicing while you're in the hospital or birth center. If you're not planning to breastfeed, a snug sports bra can help with managing milk supply.
A little extra & Fun: A Small Nerf Gun
If you're in a hospital, your partner will probably fall asleep at some point, no matter how close they are. And they’ll swear they didn’t hear you! Keep a small Nerf gun handy for a fun wake-up call. It’s sure to get a laugh and gently nudge them back into action when you need them most!
