What is a “Go Bag”?

A “Go Bag” is a must for pregnant women. It is a bag you have prepared prior to going into labor that is easily accessible. It should contain all the things you may need or want with you for labor and for your hospital stay following giving birth. Important items to include are also things for your labor partner as well as your new addition.

 

Why is it Important?

Because labor is so unpredictable, preparing for the hospital will be important because once those contractions start, the last thing you will want to worry about it what to take with you to the hospital. Packing a go bag can also be a healthy part of nesting. It may help make you feel more at ease, especially if this is your first child.

 

When Should I Pack One?

Most professionals suggest packing your bag between 2-3 weeks before your due date.

 

What About Things I Want to Take But Can’t Pack?

There may be some things you want to make sure you have with you at the hospital but cannot pre-pack such as your cell phone and charger, birthing ball, favorite pillow, etc. For the things that you use every day and cannot pre-pack in addition to the things that are just too big to pack, add a bright piece of paper to the top of your bag and make note of all the last minute things you don’t want to forget.

 

What Should I Include in the Bag?

It is important to include things for both you and the person who will be joining you during labor (whether it be the father of the baby, a parent, or friend) as well as some special items for the baby. Keep in mind, hospitals may have different policies about thing such as birthing balls and or video recording during labor so check with your OBGYN for any restrictions before packing your bag.

 

Below is a recommended list of items to include:

DURING LABOR

  • Lip balm (during labor, lips often feel dry and chapped so having chapstick handy is a must!)
  • Hair tie (you may find having your hair in a pony tail is the most manageable during labor)
  • Birth plan (if you have one)
  • Pair of warm socks with rubber non-skid grips on the bottom (you may be surprised but feet often get cold during labor)
  • Body lotion or massage oil
  • Music of your choice if you find listening to it may help with labor
  • Birthing ball if the hospital allows you to bring one as it can really help alleviate pressure in the early and middle staged of labor
  • Cell phone & don’t forget the charger
  • List of friends & family to call if their numbers aren’t in your phone
  • Baby footprint section of baby book (nurses usually are happy to add your baby’s footprint to the page if you bring it in with you)

 

FOR YOU

  • 2-3 front opening nightgowns or tops with comfortable yoga pants (front opening tops/gowns are important for women who are planning to nurse) KEEP IN MIND – comfort is key and think about what may be too tight around the waist in the case of needed a C-section
  • Flip-flops or slippers
  • Bathrobe or shawl
  • Very comfortable underwear. Many women say they prefer getting “granny panties”. Again comfort is key in the days following giving birth. Strangely enough, you may even prefer the mesh version the hospital provides as things will be pretty messy for a while after childbirth.
  • Heavy duty sanitary pads (if you have a favorite brand you may find you prefer those to the ones the hospital provides)
  • If you plan to nurse, be sure to pack nursing bras as well as a nursing cover if you want to cover up when guest arrive
  • Toiletries and cosmetics (you may just want to feel more like yourself while staying in the hospital and having your own toothbrush and shampoo and a little makeup for photos can go a long way to making you feel better)
  • Laptop with movies or books and magazines (sometimes there just isn’t anything on the hospital tv channels and while your little one sleeps you may want something to do)
  • Comfortable outfit to wear home. Again comfort is key! You may find your maternity clothes may give you the level of comfort that you want right after giving birth.

 

FOR LABOR PARTNER

  • Pack snacks or change for vending machines
  • Phone & charger
  • Change of clothes
  • Toiletries

 

FOR YOUR BABY

  • Most of the time it is easiest to use the outfits and wraps the hospital provides but if you have a special outfit or blanket you want to have photos of the baby in you may want to bring that (button up tops are best to give the umbilical cord as much air as possible to help it dry out)
  • Hospital will provide diapers, wipes and formula and will even encourage you to take home all the left over supplies in your room when you leave
  • If you have other children who will be coming to visit, sometimes having a little gift from the baby to the siblings is a nice way to ease the transition to having a new addition to the family and makes the older siblings feel very special
  • Going home outfit, including hat and blanket. Newborn clothing can be tight fitting for infants who are more than 7lbs so a 0-3 month outfit may be best. Infants are not yet able to regulate well and it is usually suggested to dress an infant in one more layer of clothes than you have on for the first few months.

 

Ask Others

Asking other mothers what they recommend you pack in your go bag can also be helpful and give you some insight for what you might experience at the hospital.

 

Extremely Important NOT to Forget Your Car Seat!

The same time you begin to pack your go bag is the same time to plan on installing your car seat in your car. Because car seats can be unexpectedly difficult to install CORRECTLY, we suggest installing it and then taking it to local organization that will double check to be sure it is properly installed and safe for you to use. The majority of police stations and fire stations will happily check your car seat. For a list of local places you can have your car seat checked, click here.