After seeing thousands of patients have their baby in the hospital — today, I want to share 3 things people don’t think to bring to the hospital, but they’ll find them very helpful if they DO bring them. You won’t see this on a basic hospital lists (and you can certainly live with out them) but lots of patients find it helpful!
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Hilary — the curly head here at Pulling Curls®, but lots of you also know me as The Pregnancy Nurse® — I’ve seen a LOT of hospital bags, including packing 3 of my own, so I am an expert on this one!
Grab my free Hospital Packing List so you know exactly what else to bring on the big day.
Portable Fan
Every hospital is SO different. Some have absolutely great air flow and good A/C and some of them really struggle (especially here in Phoenix on extra hot days). Having a portable fan can be a lifesaver. Now there’s a few options:
💨 Don’t discount a hand fan — these can often bring the best airflow, they’re super portable — and honestly your partner can fan you (and frankly — you deserve it!). I’ve definitely used various things to fan a patient in labor. 🙂
💨 You can also use a handheld one like this. These are great for brief needs.
💨 But, my favorite is a chargeable one like this. You can clip it to your siderail and have it blow right in your face when you need it — leaving everyone else free to tend to other needs. Honestly, I love ours like this. I’ve taken it camping, and on cruises. It’s a handy thing to have on hand either way.
Pro Tip: SOME hospitals have small fans in the room — it’s smart to ask if this is something they have and can provide, or if bringing your own would be smart. I love a hospital tour!
These can be handy both in labor, but also postpartum. You can often have what feels like hot flashes as your body is trying to get rid of all the extra fluids you’ve been carrying around, and a fan can feel great!
Looking for more labor tips? — be sure to check out these posts:
- How Your Partner Can Support a Happier Pregnancy
- Best Birth Class for a Natural Hospital Birth
- What if My Water Breaks in Public?
- What to Do in Early Labor (Before You Go to the Hospital)
- Worried About Birth, but Don’t Have a Lot of Time to Prep?
Washable Footwear
The hospital will (or should) provide some grippy socks that you can wear as you walk from the bed to your bathroom. The floor can get slippery with all the fluids in the room (believe me) — so, these are great. But honestly, they’re cheap and I find they often get stretched out or twisted on patient’s feet.
They can be super annoying.
Also, as you heat up during labor (or postpartum) the idea of something on your feet is NOT appealing to a lot of people.
I’m a big fan of a pair of flip flops or crocs that you can wear into the restroom (and possibly also to shower).
Personally, cheap flip flops aren’t my favorite, and I’d still want ones that I’m not married to — so something like this would be my choice.
What’s important in footwear:
- They could get dirty — like really dirty. You’ll want something that you can either toss, or clean off with soap and water.
- Don’t wear a favorite — got favorite socks? Don’t bring them. I’ve tossed more pairs of patient’s socks than I’m happy to report.
- Gravity is their nemesis. Fluids just flow down and often land on slippers, socks, or whatever you think is smart to bring — so see #1 on this list.
Too often I had patients trying to wear their outside shoes — it was just sad, so grab some cheap flipflops or crocs to put in your hospital bag.
Labor Movement Cards
Just like any big test — you get to the big moment and suddenly everything you ever learned about Shakespeare is just gone. You had all these ideas about how to move in labor, and incorporate movement in your labor — but you have no idea what those were, now that you’re gone.
Which is why labor movement cards are the win >> Just some little reminders on ways you could move to help labor progress. I’m a big fan of them.
The Labor Movement Cards are included in my Online Prenatal Class for Couples — so you and your partner will know exactly how to use them when the time comes.
It’s just so easy to forget about things that you KNOW are important when you get into the unknown environment in the hospital. That’s why I love little things like that!
Want to feel truly ready for the big day? My Online Prenatal Class for Couples covers everything from what to pack to what to expect once you get there.
No more forgetting the important parts because you’re both on the same page and it all comes naturally!
What did you bring to the hospital that you loved? Tell us in the comments!
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