Printable List: What to pack for labor and delivery?
Women's Care
Longtime Telfair BirthPlace labor and delivery nurse suggests what to bring, what not to bring and what’s provided when it’s time to give birth
Your due date is a few weeks away. Have you thought about what to pack? The good news is there’s no need to over think it, and there’s certainly no need to over pack.
“Really, less is more. Some people bring two or three suitcases, but remember, it’s not that large of a space,” says LaCameo Miller, Telfair BirthPlace nurse and educator at St. Joseph’s/Candler. 
Miller, who’s been a Telfair BirthPlace nurse since 2007, is here to help. She suggests thinking practical and pack the essentials that will be helpful and help keep mom, baby and your support partner comfortable.
For example, mom can’t eat while she’s waiting to deliver or in the process. But she can have something like a lollipop, so you may want to pack that. Also, mom’s lips tend to get very dry, so Miller suggests bringing some lip balm.
And think of dad too. Mom may not be able to eat before delivery, but dad may want to pack a snack or two. Just keep it in mind that rooms don’t have refrigerators so think of foods like nuts and crackers, Miller suggest.
Here are some of things to consider for pre-delivery:
- One or two pillows with colorful or printed patterns that makes them stand apart from the standard hospital pillow (keep your support person in mind too)
- Blanket, especially if you are cold natured
- Hand-held or small back massager
- Small, hand-held or clip-on fan (must be battery operated only)
- A hair tie to pull your hair back if you get hot and sweaty
- Snacks for dad and lollipops for mom
- Lip balm
- Valid driver’s license or ID
- Toothbrush and tooth paste
What to pack for after-delivery:
- Outfit(s) for your new bundle of joy, especially including the going home outfit and photography
- Baby blanket
- Pajamas or gown for mom to wear
- Outfit for mom to wear home
- Slippers
- Snacks
- Pillows and if you plan to use, a baby boppy
What you may also want to consider:
- Shampoo and other toiletries
- Some moms want to wear makeup
- Cell phone charger
- Shower shoes
- Ink pen
And have the car seat ready in the car. It’s typically not necessary to bring the car seat to the room unless instructed so by your nurse. Mom and baby will be safely escorted to your car upon discharge.
What the hospital provides:
- Soap
- Underwear, pads and panties for mom (you are welcome to bring more)
- Non-slip socks
- Gowns
- Two pillows
- Diapers
- T-shirt for baby
- Wipes
- Baby shampoo
- Formula
- Meals and drinks (as appropriate) – for mom; your support person will be responsible for their own meals
What we encourage you not to pack
- Purse and/or wallet – but keep in mind you will need your identification card
- Money – but keep in mind you may want a few dollars for the vending machines
- Other valuables such as jewelry
We don’t want you to stress if you forget something or don’t pack enough (or too much). Miller says oftentimes dad has to run home to check siblings or pets and can grab mom something she forgot.
She also reminds moms you are typically not going to be here for that long.
“Some moms have a momma bag and then a bag for baby, and then some have one giant one,” Miller says. “It’s all how you want to set it up, but remember, you’re not going to be here a week or two.”
The Telfair BirthPlace goes over all this and more in their monthly Tea & Tour events at Candler Hospital. If you are interested in signing up, see upcoming tours here.
Download and print this handy checklist when it’s time to pack for labor
Coming Thursday: Now that you know what to bring, we’ll tell you what the expect during labor and delivery at the Telfair BirthPlace.