A Guide to Packing Your Hospital Bag - Essentials and More

By the end of your third trimester, you are probably in the nesting phasing, getting your ducks in a row before the baby pops. One of the most essential things to do is to pack that hospital bags. Here are some things you would likely want to bring. You also don't want to overpack and bring a lot back and forth from the hospital, so pick what you bring.

1 - Paperwork
This includes your picture ID, insurance card, any work related paperwork, hospital paperwork you will need. Also include your birth plan and your strep B test results.

2 - Clothing
Pack a few change of clothes, socks/slippers, bathrobe, night gowns or whatever you feel comfortable in. Opt for clothing that open in front and nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding. Bring panties you don't care to stain. The hospital provides mesh panties so you can also just use those.

Don't forget that going home outfit for both you and the baby. You might not feel great, but look good for those pictures heading home.

For the baby, you may also want to bring bodysuits that fasten up the front, socks, booties, mittens, and a hat, a blanket, jacket or snowsuit to keep your baby warm on the way home.

3 - Toiletries
This includes towels, hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, hair clips, hair ties, glasses and contact lenses (if you need them).

Lip balm is also a must have since your lips do get chapped during labor with all the breathing. You likely will be chewing on ice chips to keep you cool and hydrated, but that won't do much for your lips.

If you want to look picture perfect and won't be too traumatized after a long labor process, you can bring cosmetics to make that first picture of you and your little one absolutely perfect. Even if you don't have it in you to put on a full face, some lip color won't hurt, so bring along a lipstick or lip gloss.

But let's not forget your stretch mark cream. The nurses usually comes by to message your belly a bit to make sure your body is expelling blood. You may want to do some of that on your own and slap on some of that stretch mark cream to help your skin's elasticity out as your belly contracts.

Bring heavy duty maxi-pads. Hospitals provide these, but if you prefer your own, bring them.

4 - Breastfeeding
If you plan to breastfeed, pack nursing bras, breast pads, lanolin cream (for tender nipples), and a feeding cover/swaddle blanket. Bringing a nursing pillow can help as well.

5 -Towel you don't care about and garbage bag (or weewee pads)
Use the garbage bag and towel to line your car so that you don't have to worry about cleaning your car in case your water breaks or is already broken. 

6 - Gifts for older siblings.
If this is not your first, it's nice to have gifts for the older siblings when they visit and first meet the new member of their tribe. 

7 - Relaxation items
This will include a birthing ball, essential oils, a soothing heat pack, or anything that can help you relax during the hours you are in labor and after labor. Bring your own pillow if that helps you relax. And eyemask and earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

Bring message oils so your partner can help rub you down. Bring a diffuser and essential oils if you enjoy aromatherapy.

8 - Electronics and entertainment
Bring your kindle, your tablet, your phone, books and magazines. These will keep you entertained during the long waits.

Also bring a camera for those precious first photo ops.

Don't forget the chargers. 

9 - Snacks
Bring light snacks to keep your energy and stamina up during and after labor. Pack some for your partner too. You both will be pretty hungry and exhausted.

During labor you are not supposed to eat solids in case you need an emergency C-section. Solids won't go well with anesthetics. Snacks that would be acceptable are more liquid, like soup or applesauce. After labor, you can snack on anything you would like.

10 - For your partner
Don't forget to pack for your partner as well. This includes snacks, entertainment, and anything to help them relax.