Packing List - Good Samaritan Medical Center

Packing for Your
Hospital Stay
Your average stay at the hospital is one to two days. We suggest packing two separate bags: one for labor and
one for postpartum. This way, you can leave the bag not needed in your car and reduce clutter. Closet space is
limited in the hospital, so you may also want to limit what you bring to one, carry on-sized suitcase. We
recommend packing your bags three to four weeks before your due date.
The hospital will provide some of the items you need for labor and immediate postpartum,
including:
• Hospital nightgowns and hospital-grade socks
• Some comfort items (massage tools, battery-operated candles, combs, tennis balls, birth balls, mats)
• Sanitary pads and disposable underwear
• Items for your baby (diapers, wipes, T-shirts, hat, and blanket for use during your stay)
• Supportive nursing pillow (no need to bring your own)
Labor bag:
• Unscented lotion or oil for massage
• Chapstick/lip balm and mouth spray to refresh a dry mouth
• Lightweight robe, slippers, or flip-flops for walking around
• Items for your partner: snacks, water bottle, change of clothes, comfortable shoes for standing
• Camera, extra battery or batteries
• Baby book for footprints
• Favorite picture or "focal point"
• Extra pillows or body pillow with colored pillow cases so your pillow isn't confused with hospital linens
• Hand-held/battery-operated fan
• Device with music choices for labor (docking stations are available in the Labor and Delivery Rooms)
• List of current medications and/or herbs and supplements that you take (don't bring the actual medications
unless your physician specifically instructs you to)
• Cell phone and charger
Postpartum bag:
• Pajamas or comfortable clothes, including a bra. If you plan to breastfeed, bring clothing that opens in the
front
• Items for personal hygiene: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, travel-sized shampoo, hair brush, etc.
• Supplies for your baby: baby outfit, booties, blanket for traveling home, baby nail file or emery board
Please bring your car seat to the hospital and leave it in the car until the day you are discharged.