Doula-Informed Hospital Bag Checklist
As your pregnancy approaches its final weeks, having peace of mind becomes especially valuable. While gathering baby items and preparing meals for the postpartum period are important steps, another essential task is packing your hospital bag.
In my experience as a doula, I’ve seen how easily things can be forgotten when bags are packed either too early or in a last-minute rush. On the other hand, I’ve also seen families arrive with far more than they need, which can create added stress in an already tender moment. To help avoid both underpacking and overpacking, I recommend preparing your bag during your 37th week of pregnancy and keeping your checklist nearby for any thoughtful additions.
Whether you are preparing for labor, birth, or the journey home, I have created a Doula-Informed Hospital Bag Checklist to help guide you in packing for yourself, your baby, and your support team.
For the Birthing Person
Comfort and Environment
Cozy robe or loose button-up shirt for comfort and easy skin-to-skin
Non-slip socks or slippers
Pillow from home with a familiar pillowcase (a grounding sensory anchor)
Battery-operated candles or soft fairy lights
Essential oil roller or cloth with a familiar scent (lavender, citrus, or your favorite calming oil)
Small speaker or playlist with music or affirmations
Labor Support
Lip balm
Hair ties or headband
Reusable water bottle with a straw (easier to sip during labor)
Massage tools (like a tennis ball or massage roller)
Heat pack or rice sock (check with your hospital if microwaves are available)
Postpartum Needs
Comfortable postpartum underwear (the hospital provides mesh, but some prefer their own)
Adult diapers if preferred (hospital will provide pads)
Nipple balm or lanolin (optional, especially if nursing)
Pre-expressed colostrum, if collected.
Loose, comfortable clothes or nursing-friendly pajamas
A phone charger
Snack Ideas for Labor and Postpartum
Nutritious, comforting, and easy to eat
Electrolyte drinks (coconut water, labor-aid mixes, or plain water with lemon)
Protein bars or energy bites (look for low-sugar, high-protein options)
Dried fruit (apricots, mango, dates)
Nuts or trail mix (easy to munch and full of healthy fats)
Applesauce or fruit pouches
Rice cakes or crackers with nut butter
Hard-boiled eggs or cheese sticks (if refrigeration is available)
Bone broth or soup in a thermos
Herbal teas for hydration and calming
Something comforting for after birth, like dark chocolate or a favorite treat
For the Partner or Support Person
Comfortable change of clothes
Refillable water bottle and snacks
Toiletries and medications
Phone charger and headphones
List of birth preferences and important contact numbers
For the Baby
Two soft sleepers (one newborn and one 0–3 months)
Going-home outfit
Swaddle or receiving blanket
Newborn hat and socks
Infant car seat (properly installed)
If formula feeding by choice, small ready-to-feed bottles (optional, as hospitals usually provide these)
What You Don’t Need to Pack
Breast pump (milk typically comes in around day 3 to 5 postpartum. In the early days, your baby will feed at the breast and receive colostrum, a thick and nutrient-rich first milk that is perfectly suited to your newborn's needs. A pump is not usually necessary at this stage, and hospital-grade pumps are available if medically required)
Diapers and wipes (the hospital provides these)
Too many baby clothes (skin-to-skin is encouraged)
