Who this is for
- You're planning a hospital birth
- You want to feel as comfortable as possible in an uncomfortable situation
- You appreciate the little things that make a difference
The environment stack
These are the things that transform a sterile hospital room into something more bearable. Nurses literally commented on the "spa vibes" in my room.
1. LED candles
Flameless LED Candles
Real candles aren't allowed in hospitals. These give you the ambiance without the fire hazard. Scatter a few around the room.
Pro tip
Ask staff to turn off the overhead lights and keep only the spotlight. This makes a huge difference. The combination of low light + LED candles creates an actually calm atmosphere.
2. Portable bluetooth speaker + playlist
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Make sure you have a playlist ready BEFORE you go into labor. You won't want to deal with this in the moment.
3. Hand held fan
Handheld Fan
This is your partner's job - to fan you during labor. You will get hot. This helps.
4. Lightweight robe
Lightweight Robe
You'll want this instead of the hospital gowns. NOT silk (too hot). NOT too thick or long. I couldn't find a good thin organic cotton one, but that would be ideal.
5. Room scent
Essential Oil Roller or Room Spray
Whatever you like. Hospitals smell like hospitals. A familiar scent can help ground you.
The essentials
For you (laboring person)
- Change of clothing x 2 - You will want to change after birth
- Nursing bra or soft bra - Skip underwire
- Toiletries - Your own shampoo, face wash, toothbrush. Hospital stuff is basic
- Phone charger (long cord) - Outlets are never where you need them
- Hair ties - You'll want your hair out of your face
- Lip balm - Hospitals are dry
- Glasses/contacts - If you wear them
For your partner
- Change of clothing x 2
- Pillow from home - Hospital pillows are terrible
- Maybe a sheet from home - The pull-out couch is not comfortable
- Phone charger
- Toiletries
Snacks
Critical
Hospital food is not the moment. Bring your own snacks. You can also DoorDash/UberEats, but your partner will have to fetch from the lobby.
- Protein bars
- Trail mix
- Crackers
- Dried fruit
- Whatever sounds good to you (you might be in labor for a while)
Postpartum supplies (to have ready)
The hospital will provide some of this, but have more ready at home.
Adult disposable diapers
Always Discreet
Humiliating, but honestly SO much better than pads. Our doula got us on this tip. It's way more comfortable. Get mesh underwear to go over them.
What I'd do differently
- Print multiple copies of your birth preferences - Yes, I'm serious. Nurses change shifts. Having copies to hand out ensures everyone knows your wishes.
- Pack less for baby - The hospital provides diapers, swaddles, hats. You mainly need a going-home outfit.
- Bring a nursing pillow - Hospital ones are fine but yours is better if you have space
What you don't need to bring
- Tons of baby clothes - One or two outfits max. They'll be swaddled most of the time.
- Baby blankets - Hospital provides
- Diapers/wipes - Hospital provides
- Formula (unless specific brand) - Hospital has it if you need it
The short list (if you're skimming)
- LED candles
- Bluetooth speaker + playlist
- Hand held fan (partner's job)
- Lightweight robe
- Room scent
- Snacks (hospital food is not the moment)
- Change of clothes for both parents x 2
- Pillow from home for partner
- Adult diapers (trust me)
- Phone chargers with long cords
What changed
We changed our minds about epidurals. I had "no epidural" energy going in. I had an epidural and recommend it. Every birth is different - have preferences, not rigid plans.