What Should I Pack for the Birth? The Ultimate Cleveland Hospital Checklist
What Should I Pack for the Birth? The Ultimate Cleveland Hospital Checklist
The nursery is ready, the car seat is installed, and you’ve spent months researching every detail of your pregnancy. But as your due date approaches, one question tends to dominate the conversation: "What do I actually need to bring with me?"
At Nurtured Foundation, our birth doulas are constantly moving between the labor and delivery floors of Fairview Hospital, Hillcrest, and University Hospitals’ Main Campus. We’ve seen firsthand what parents use, what they forget, and what ends up staying in the suitcase.
To help lighten your load, we’ve put together a childbirth bag checklist tailored for our Northeast Ohio parents. Whether you are heading to St. John Westshore, UH Ahuja, or MetroHealth, here is how to pack like a pro.
The "Must-Haves" for Your Birth Bag
These are the essentials our doulas recommend for every labor.
Insurance Card & Birth Plan: Keep these easily accessible for registration at your hospital.
A Doula: We might be biased, but having professional support is the best thing you can "bring" to your birth.
Warm, Non-Slip Socks: Hospital floors are cold! Bring 2-3 pairs that you don't mind throwing away afterward.
A Robe or Sweater: Something cozy for the postpartum floor, but choose a "ruin-able" one.
Lip Balm & Hard Candy: Labor can be drying; lozenges help keep your mouth moist.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized versions of your toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, and hairbrush. Don't forget hair ties or a headband.
The "Comfort" Items (Take it or Leave it)
Long Charging Cables: Hospital outlets are notoriously far from the bed.
Partner Essentials: A change of clothes, toiletries, and plenty of snacks for your support person.
If you have room in the car, these can make your room at Metro or Ahuja feel more like home.
Your Own Pillow: Hospitals provide pillows, but yours is better. Use a colored pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with hospital laundry.
Bath Towel: Hospital towels are often thin and small. Bringing your own can make that first postpartum shower feel like a spa day.
"Granny Panties" or Depends: The hospital provides mesh underwear, but many of our Lakewood and Beachwood clients prefer the security of their own high-waisted cotton pairs or disposable adult diapers.
Music & Entertainment: Load your phone with a birth playlist, but keep reading material light.
What to Leave at Home
Valuables: Leave your jewelry, watches, and expensive electronics at home. You don't want to worry about them while you're focused on labor.
Anything You Love: Between fluids and various "messy" moments, birth is tough on clothes. Don't bring your favorite nightgown unless you're okay with it getting stained.
For the Baby's Trip Home
Car Seat: This should already be installed! Our team provides car seat safety consultations if you need a hand.
Coming-Home Outfit: Choose something soft and easy to put on.
Seasonally Appropriate Blankets: If you're heading home in a Cleveland winter, blankets are a must—but skip the snowsuits in the car seat for safety.
Expert Support Across Northeast Ohio
Packing your bag is just one small part of the preparation. At Nurtured Foundation, we provide comprehensive support for families in Lakewood, Rocky River, Solon, and Akron.
From birth doulas who navigate the halls of UH MacDonald to postpartum night doulas who help you settle in once you’re back home, we are here for your entire journey.
Ready to check "hire a doula" off your list? Contact us today to learn more about our birth and newborn care services.
