What to Pack for Your Hospital Stay

Paperwork

• Photo ID, health insurance card and any other necessary forms
• Birth preferences (birth plan)

Personal comfort items

• Lip balm
• Hand-held massager
• Knowing your focal point while giving birth
• Music for relaxation and wireless speaker (see the video below for song suggestions)

Common personal items

• Glasses (if you normally wear contact lens)
• Reading glasses if needed
• Nightgown (if you plan to breastfeed, bring one that allows for nursing)
• Bathrobe, slippers and/or anti-slip socks
• Toiletries: toothbrush, hair brush, lip balm, lotion and shampoo

Support person items

• Fresh clothes, including sleepwear and slippers/socks
• Snacks and beverages
• Coins, cash, credit card for cafeteria and/or vending machines
• Camera with extra battery and/or charger
• Chargers for electronics
• Phone numbers of friends and family, if not already stored in your phone
• Entertainment: books, audio books, writing material and electronics

Common personal items

• Bathrobe, slippers and/or socks
• Several pairs of underwear (to plan for bleeding after delivery)
• Comfortable clothes (sweatpants, yoga pants or other relaxed fit clothes)

Baby items

• Properly installed rear-facing, California approved car seat (required by law)
• Name of pediatrician (If you have not preselected a pediatrician, one will be assigned)
• Outfit including soft cap to keep head warm
• Receiving blanket
• Diaper bag stocked with key essentials for trip home, especially if not going directly home

• Jewelry or other valuables
• Medications and/or vitamins (please be sure all prescription medication is noted with your caregiver)
• Diapers (initially provided by hospital)
• Breastpump (if it is necessary during your stay, one will be provided to you)