by Carrie Hike
What should I pack for a birth at Mission Hospital?
Before you reach week 38 in your pregnancy, your hospital bags should be packed and ready to go. Your bag can contain anything that you feel will make your labor, birth, and subsequent stay at the hospital more comfortable. Generally, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, first time moms stay about 48 hours.
Most parents end up packing way more than they actually use, but it's hard to know how long you will be at the hospital, especially in the cases of long labors and NICU stays. It's good to be prepared. This list covers the basics...
Most parents end up packing way more than they actually use, but it's hard to know how long you will be at the hospital, especially in the cases of long labors and NICU stays. It's good to be prepared. This list covers the basics...
For the Mother's Use During Labor
- birth plan/preferences
- insurance card and paperwork
- pillow from home
- personal focal points (pictures, figurines, affirmations, blessingway necklace) to focus on during contractions
- toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- lip balm
- hair ties
- honey sticks, granola bars, electrolyte drinks, snacks
- clothes that you would like to labor in (if you don't want to wear a hospital gown. Many of our clients like Pretty Pushers, or a comfortable sports bra with a soft cotton, knee length, old navy skirt or pajama pants. )
- robe or sweatshirt
- pajamas
- a couple pairs of cozy socks or slippers. Sometimes they get wet and you may want to change them.
- Comfort measures, such as rice packs or massage tools, essential oils, and homeopathic birth remedies (if you have a doula, she will have some of these. Ask what she has in her doula bag before you buy your own.)
For the Partner
- cell phones and charger
- music/playlist
- snacks, drinks, water bottle
- toiletries
- a light jacket or hoodie (it can be cold in the hospital room.)
- change of clothes
- camera
- swimsuit for accompanying mother in shower or birthing tub
For the Mother's Use Postpartum
- Cosmetics, toiletries
- Sanitary pads for postpartum bleeding
- Going-home clothing (you will still fit in your maternity clothes)
- Gowns that open in front for breastfeeding (unless you prefer hospital gowns)
- Nipple cream, or coconut oil
- Snack foods
- Nursing bras
For the Baby
- Going home outfit
- Receiving blanket
- Onesies
- Newborn diapers (if choosing cloth or chlorine free)
- Car Seat (must be installed already)
Optional Items
These items are not necessary, but can be nice to have!
- Towels (Mission hospital towels are small and scratchy)
- Toilet Paper (the toilet paper is rough on tender post birth parts)
- Sleep Mask
- Nursing Pillow
- Pillow
- Baby Wash (Babies are not born dirty, and the vernix on their skin is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, but if you choose to bathe your baby, the hospital uses Johnson's and Johnson's, which contains known and dangerous toxins. You can ask for the baby to be just washed with water, or bring your own chemical free baby wash. We like this super safe one.)
- Coconut Oil (This is good for both your nipples, and the babies bottom. A little coconut oil on the babies bottom helps make the meconium diaper changes a lot easier. Meconium is very sticky!)
Tip:
Items for the mother and partner during labor should be packed separately
from items for after the birth -- the other bags can be kept in the car, and partner can exchange the bags after the birth.)
So what do you think? Did we leave anything off that you feel is a must have?
Items for the mother and partner during labor should be packed separately
from items for after the birth -- the other bags can be kept in the car, and partner can exchange the bags after the birth.)
So what do you think? Did we leave anything off that you feel is a must have?
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