Getting ready to have a baby in Columbia, SC? This list of what to pack in your hospital bag for giving birth has you covered!
And this isn’t your typical hospital packing list…
I’ve put together a list specifically for Columbia moms planning a med-free or natural birth — but honestly, no matter what kind of birth you’re planning (epidural, C-section, or anything in between), you’ll probably find some helpful tips and must-haves here.
One of my most surprising (and best!) packing decisions? A heating pad.
During my previous birth, I was so cold that I had my hair dryer blowing on me like a personal heater. It helped, but the heating pad? The best.
Hormones go wild during labor and delivery. Having a source of warmth (or cooling) can make a huge difference in helping you relax and feel more comfortable — no matter what kind of birth you’re having.
I also brought my own hospital gowns. They were much more comfortable & I felt more like myself in them. They were customized with snaps in strategic locations & actually really cute!
Ok, unusual favorites aside, let’s get to the fundamentals:
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Giving Birth
Food/Drinks
Bring plenty of snacks and your favorite beverages. Fueling your body with nutrition is so important.
Pack snacks that are high in protein and easy to eat on the go.
Check with your medical provider about what you’re allowed to eat and drink during labor.
Some Snack Ideas:
- Granola bars
- Nuts
- Trail Mixes
- Grass Fed Meat Sticks
- Water bottle(s)
- Coconut Water to replenish electrolytes
- Gum/Hard Candy/Lollipops (It’s nice to have something to suck on when you’re not allowed to eat.)
- Favorite Local Snacks: Hospitals provide meals, but bringing snacks like homemade pimento cheese from Spotted Salamander, gourmet popcorn from Cromer’s, or a sweet treat from Ally & Eloise can be comforting after a long birth.
- Heat up some bone broth before you leave for the hospital and put it in a thermos ( or insulated water bottle)to have right after delivery. Bone broth contains so many essential nutrients to help your body heal.
- Send your partner out to grab a green smoothie while you’re recovering from birth. Your body will thank you!
Clothing
For a natural birth in Columbia, you want to pack items that will keep you comfortable, relaxed, and prepared:
- It’s always a good idea to have a couple changes of clothes with you in case your stay is longer than expected. (Layers are key!)
- Nightgown: Opt for a gown instead of pants since the nurses and doctors may need come check on your healing after birth.
- Slippers or warm fuzzy socks with grips on the bottom; you don’t want to slip
- Sandals to wear in the shower
- Cozy Bath Robe
- “Period Underwear” or disposable adult diapers:In case nobody told you, yes, you will bleed, regardless of what type of birth you have. The hospital will provide you with mesh underwear and giant pads, but I found these alternatives to be more comfortable.
- Postpartum or Maternity Underwear: If you opt out of the mesh undies from the hospital, but are still using pads, you’re going to need to bring your own that are large enough to hold pads/ice packs, and are high-waisted.
- Front Zip Sweatshirt: Be sure any clothing you pack is loose & easy to take off.
- Comfy clothes: Your maternity clothes will likely still fit for a bit, even after Baby arrives.
- Soft Nursing Bra
- Baby’s first outfit, a special blanket, or anything you want to have for photos.
- If you’re having a water birth, make sure to pack a top that can get wet or a swimsuit. And a large cozy towel!
- According to their websites, Parkridge Hospital has Richland Prisma Baptist Hospital offer the option of a water birth. Many area hospitals offer midwifery services to their patients. If this is something you’re interested in, be sure to ask about it now.
When my youngest was born, I got a floral baby wrap and a matching floral robe for me. (I also had one for “Big Sister”.) It made for a sweet girls’ photo and instantly helped me feel more put together.
Toiletries
- Dry Shampoo & Hair Ties:We all know this Columbia humidity can do a number on our hair!
- Toiletries: Hospital bath soap and shampoos aren’t usually the best.
- Makeup if you think you’ll want to touch up for a photo or visitors
- Your favorite lotions & Chapstick:It gets dry in hospitals!
- Hair brush & products (Listen, my curls need their products…)
Extras
These aren’t essentials, but “nice to have” items when packing your hospital bag for giving birth:
- Ear Plugs or Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Eye Mask (It’s never really dark or quiet in the hospital.)
- Sound Machine: To help drown out the hospital noise. You will have nurses in and out of your room all day and night.
- Playlist of your favorite songs
- Downloads of favorite TV episodes or movies
- Extra long phone charging cord the outlets are often far from the hospital bed
- Headband to keep your hair out of your face during labor
- Charging Cords
- Camera/Video Camera
- Birthing Ball/Peanut Ball (Check with your hospital since many provide these for you.)
- Prenatal Vitamins & any medications you’re taking
- List of people to contact after Baby has arrived and in what order
- Your Bed Pillow if you prefer your own (I would choose one that you wouldn’t mind leaving behind if it gets fluids on it or is stained..)
Don’t forget these important Items!
- Your ID
- Health Insurance Cards
- Copies of your birth plan or medical power of attorney (if you have them)
Breastfeeding Essentials
If you’re planning on breastfeeding or even just giving it a try, here are some items that could be helpful:
- A nursing pillow: This will help you to position your baby correctly while breastfeeding. (My Breast Friend Pillow was my fave)
- Nursing pads: These absorb leakage and help to keep your clothing dry. There are bothdisposable and washable kinds.
- Breast milk storage bags: Use these to store expressed milk for use later.
- Lanolin cream: This can be used to soothe sore nipples. (Trust me, you want to have this on hand.)
- *These Hydrogel Nipple Patches were gold to me those first few weeks.
- A giant water bottle: The hospital will likely give you one, but it doesn’t hurt to bring your own. You’ll want to stayhydrated while nursing. I recommend one with a straw & handle
- Haakaa Breast Pump This is a small manual pump that comes in handy! It can help to increase milk supply & allow you to work on a creating a milk stash right awa!. (Use it on one side, while the baby feeds on the other.)
- Electric Breast Pump & Milk Storage Bags: While you may not need these during your stay in the hospital, it’s a great time to learn how to use your pump properly with the help of a nurse or lactation consultant. This also allows you to provide your baby with milk/colostrum if you happen to have to be separated from each other at any point.
*You can typically rent a hospital grade pump to take home; just ask. I found them to be much stronger & more effective than pumps I bought on my own.
*And don’t forget to check with your insurance; we found out that ours covered the cost of renting our pump!
So what do you need to bring to the hospital when you have a natural birth?
Download my free checklist to print it all off in one place and make sure you have everything you need!
I hope reading How to Pack the PERFECT Hospital Bag for a Giving Birth in Columbia, SC has given you some solid ideas!
If you’re still looking for a Columbia newborn photographer, click here — I’d love to chat with you about my process & see if we’re a good fit!
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