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Hospital bag checklist: Labor and delivery essentials for mothers, partners and baby

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ABCNews.com
ByJacqueline Laurean Yates
May 03, 2021, 4:01 am

The day you get to meet your baby will be here before you know it. Getting your hospital bag prepped, packed and organized ahead of time, can make the wonderful occasion easier --- saving time and making the birth experience seamless.

While hospitals provide necessary items for labor and delivery, a packed "birth bag" gives an opportunity to bring along some "nice to have" items for the event.

"Good Morning America" caught up with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OBGYN at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, and chief medical officer of Verywell Health to get some of her best recommendations.

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a pregnant woman packs for her trip to the hospital.
In this undated file photo, a pregnant woman packs for her trip to the hospital.
Nikola Stojadinovic/Getty Images, FILE

Fellow senior reporter, Nicole Pelletiere, who leads "GMA's" family vertical, and is also a mother of one, has pointed out a mix of several items she was lucky to have handy as well as some she wish she had during her own experience giving birth.

Below, check out some of the best products to add to your arsenal of hospital bag must-haves ahead of the arrival of your newborn.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These eCommerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Loose-fitting underwear

Shepherd advised that loose-fitting underwear are ideal after vaginal delivery or cesarean section as these areas of your body will be sore.

Tight underwear, Shepherd said, can also be a cause of irritation.

Walmart

Hanes Women's Comfort Flex Fit Stretch Microfiber Modern Brief Underwear, 6-Pack

  • $5.99
  • Hanes
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Macy's

Foldover Briefs

  • $9.50
  • Motherhood Maternity
Shop Now
Walmart

Hanes Women's Cotton Assorted Brief Underwear, 10-Pack

  • $15.47
  • Hanes
Shop Now

Comfy robe, PJs and slippers

To keep yourself warm and cozy, you can try swapping your hospital gown for a comfortable robe and pajamas. With medical staff and often family members, stopping by frequently during your hospital stay, these items will help you keep comfortable among the activity.

Brooklinen

Super-Plush Robe

  • $98
  • Brooklinen
Shop Now
Macy's

Babydoll Clip-Down Nursing Nightgown

  • $48
  • A Pea in the Pod
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Jeffrey Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell Good Night Sherpa Slippers

  • $59.95
  • Jeffrey Campbell
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Nursing pillow

A nursing pillow offers great extra support for feeding and more. Shepherd also said a nursing pillow allows for the mother to explore different ways to hold the baby.

Nursing pillows can also be used for "tummy time" throughout the baby's first year.

Walmart

Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner - Gray Taupe Leaves

  • $39.99
  • Bobby
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66% off
Macy's

Nursing Pillow with strap, 20" x 27"

  • $16.99
  • $50.00
  • Valid: 04/30/2021 to 05/02/2021
  • •
  • Cheer Collection
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Bed Bath & Beyond

Boppy® Original Nursing Pillow and Positioner in Posy Stripe

  • $39.99
  • Bobby
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Lavendar oil

"Rubbing lavender oil on wrists and inhaling amid labor can help clear the mind," said Pelletiere. Shephard also advised that anything that can calm the experience won't hurt to have.

Walmart

SheaMoisture 100% Pure Essential Oil Lavender, 0.45 oz

  • $8.97
  • SheaMoisture
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Walmart

Better Homes & Gardens 15 mL 100% Pure Lavender & Sweet Orange Essential Oil Blend

  • $5.87
  • Better Homes & Gardens
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Bed Bath & Beyond

SpaRoom® Lavender Essential Oil

  • $14.99
  • SpaRoom
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Going-home outfits for mom and baby

It can be easy to forget a going-home outfit. Make sure to pack something comfortable for not only the mother but also the new baby.

Etsy/TacomaCollective

hospital outfit for newborn

  • $19
  • TacomaCollective
Shop Now
Lululemon

Perfectly Oversized Crew

  • $79
  • Lululemon
Shop Now
Banana Republic

French Terry Jogger

  • $69.50
  • Banana Republic
Shop Now
Etsy

Baby hat unisex Newborn hat with bear ears

  • $17.99
  • KidsOutfits
Shop Now

Nursing bra

Shepherd said that breast size often changes after delivery. Having a comfortable nursing bra on hand is key.

Macy's

Seamless Full-Coverage Clip-Down Nursing Bra

  • $24.98
  • Motherhood Maternity
Shop Now
Nordstrom

Body Silk Seamless Maternity/Nursing Bra

  • $34.30
  • Bravado Designs
Shop Now
Soma

Wireless Nursing Bra

  • $54
  • Enbliss
Shop Now

Portable cellphone charger

One of the last things any mother wants to worry about during a birthing experience is a dead phone. You may want to reach loved ones, family, friends and take photos as well as videos to capture all the moments.

Pelletiere said she wishes she had a portable mobile phone charger during her delivery and afterward as outlets were across the room, and she said she had to constantly ask her partner to charge her phone.

Walmart

onn. Portable Battery, 2x Charge, 6700 mAh - Blue

  • $9.88
  • onn.
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Walmart

Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Power Bank Portable Charger External Battery For iphone Samsung Android Mobile Cellphones

  • $11.99
  • Poweradd
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Bed Bath & Beyond

iHome™ Slim Charge 10,000mAh Power Bank

  • $24.99
  • Bed Bath & Beyond
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Insulated water bottle

Mothers can avoid several unnecessary trips from the hospital bed for a sip of water by bringing an insulated water bottle. Plus, an insulated water bottle is more eco-friendly than using plastic hospital cups.

Macy's

Cooper Vacuum Insulated 22-Oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

  • $16.09
  • Ello
Shop Now
Bloomingdale's

Borealis Therma-S'well Bottle

  • $35
  • S'well
Shop Now
Athleta

20 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle by MiiR®

  • $32.95
  • Athleta
Shop Now

Pillow for partner

Unfortunately, there usually isn't another bed available for the mother's partner during the birth experience. Offer a little comfort by bringing along an extra pillow or travel-sized blanket.

Brooklinen

Includes 1 Down Pillow

  • $89
  • Brooklinen
Shop Now
Macy's

Personal Travel Blanket

  • $58
  • Travel Fresh
Shop Now
Macy's

3-PC Travel Pillow, Blanket, Eye Mask Comfort Kit

  • $11.99
  • Bon Voyage
Shop Now

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