Welcome to the MamasteFit Blog! Are you ready to pack your hospital bag for your upcoming delivery, but unsure what to include? As a student midwife and labor and delivery nurse with over 10 years of experience, I’m going to go through a thorough list of must-have items for your hospital stay. We will cover the bare minimum essentials you’ll need for labor, postpartum care, and bringing your baby home, along with some bonus items for added comfort. From a comfy pillow to specific snacks and hygiene products, get all the practical advice you need to prepare for your big day!
Your Own Pillow: Comfort Above All
Hospital pillows often resemble flat pancakes. If you’re facing an induction or a first-time birth that could stretch into a two-day stay, a comfortable pillow is non-negotiable. Pack a favorite pillow with a washable cover so you can rest and sleep more soundly—your body (and mind) will thank you.
Labor Essentials: Build a Dedicated Labor Bag
Pack a separate “labor bag” with items to help you cope with contractions and labor positions. Include anything that aligns with your birth plan (epidural vs. unmedicated):
TENS unit (if you plan to use electrical nerve stimulation)
Rebozo or birth shawl for pelvic support and comfort
Massage oil or birth comb for tactile relief
Heating pad or hot/cold packs
Bluetooth speaker with your birth playlist
When it’s time to switch from labor to postpartum mode, simply swap out this bag for your main hospital bag.
Phone Charger with a Long Cord
Hospital outlets can be far from the bed. A long charging cable lets you keep your phone within reach—perfect for calling loved ones, scrolling for distraction, or capturing early photos of baby. Bring whatever charger matches your phone (Apple, Android, etc.) and consider a multi-port adapter if both you and your partner need to charge devices.
Postpartum Apparel: From Hospital Gown to Going-Home Outfit
After labor, you’ll live in a hospital gown—so pack:
A cozy robe for modesty and warmth during breastfeeding or nursing visits.
An outfit to go home in, ideally loose-fitting or maternity-friendly.
Optional nursing bra(s)—one per day is a good rule of thumb. Brands like Bodily or BaoBei are our favorite for comfort and support.
Baby’s Going-Home Gear
Packing for baby is simple but essential:
Onesie or outfit for the trip home (e.g., a special going home outfit)
Baby blanket (weather-dependent) to secure in the car seat
Infant car seat—either pre-installed in the car or ready to bring into the hospital room before discharge.
Hospitals will provide plenty of diapers and wipes for your stay, but if you have a preferred brand, make sure to bring those with you.
Toiletries & Hygiene Kit
Hospitals stock basic essentials, but if you prefer your own products, pack:
Toothbrush & toothpaste (though they’ll supply these if you forget)
Deodorant—consider Primally Pure (code: MAMASTEFIT) to stay fresh during postpartum
Body wash, shampoo & conditioner—your regular brands beat hospital baby shampoo
Face-care items if you maintain a multi-step skin routine
Store these in a compact toiletry bag. If your partner will stay overnight, include their essentials here too.
Postpartum Care Extras (Optional but Nice-to-Have)
Peri bottle (curved tip models like Bodily’s allow easier cleansing)
Disposable underwear (Rael or similar brands offer adult “diaper” convenience)
Mesh panties & pads (if you’d rather use hospital supplies)
Shower shoes for communal showers
Water bottle—a refillable one you love
Snacks—especially if labor runs long and you need quick nutrition
These extras aren’t mandatory, but they can boost your comfort and confidence during recovery.
Partner’s Essentials
Your birth partner can come and go; you cannot. They may need:
Change of clothes and toiletries
Phone charger
Snacks & entertainment (if shifts stretch beyond a few hours)
They can always dash home if they forget something—but it’s smoother if they pack a small bag ahead of time.
Final Tips & Resources
Call ahead to your hospital’s labor & delivery unit to confirm what they provide: mesh underwear, peri bottles, ice packs, infant diapers and wipes, and basic toiletries.
Free Birth Planning Guide—download our comprehensive guide with a detailed checklist and customizable birth plan.
Childbirth Education & Fitness Bundles—learn the science of labor, partner support techniques, and follow along with prenatal workouts. Use code YOUTUBE10 for 10% off (or 25% off when bundled).
Packing smart means you can focus on what really matters: welcoming your baby into your arms. Here’s to a smooth labor, restful recovery, and the unforgettable joy of meeting your little one!
Additional Resources
Prenatal Support Courses
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
- 9h+ of Video
- Support Group
- Close Captioning
- 5 Workouts/Week
- Gym Workouts
- Self-Paced
Instructor
GINA
Workout on-demand with our prenatal fitness workout videos! Each workout is 30-40 minutes to follow along as you exercise at the same time!
- Birth Prep
- All Trimesters
- Mobility Work
Instructor
GINA
Find comfort and relief from pelvic girdle pain throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period! This program incorporates myofascial sling focused exercises to stabilize across the pelvic girdle joints.
- 3 Weeks
- On Demand Workout Videos to Follow