The hospital bag question comes up with every one of my doula clients in the third trimester. "What am I actually supposed to pack?"

The Google rabbit hole on this is rough. Long lists. Conflicting advice. I've seen clients show me packing lists with four robes, eight pairs of socks, a mini humidifier, and enough snacks to survive a blizzard... just in case.

Here's what I know after 10+ years: you need a lot less than the internet thinks you need.

A simple list beats a long one every single time.

Today's gift is the checklist I use with my private clients.

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🎁 YOUR DAY 8 GIFT:
​Hospital Bag Checklist

This is the exact list I walk my doula clients through.

I've seen both ends of the spectrum.

Bags zipped up and sitting by the door at 36 weeks.

And bags getting thrown together once contractions start.

Neither is a great move.

The goal: packed, ready, and not overthought.

👉 CLICK HERE to grab The Hospital Bag Checklist 🎁

A couple things that might surprise you.

You won't see diapers, formula, or swaddles on the list. The hospital provides almost everything your baby needs while you're there.

This list is about you. What will keep you comfortable, prepared, and a little more like yourself in those first hours and days.

There's also a section for your partner. Having them packed and prepped makes a bigger difference than most people expect.

🤔 NEWBORN NUGGET

"Can I send you a picture of his diaper?"

I get this text from doula clients all the time.

Because newborn poop looks very different than most people expect. And it changes fast in the first week.

Baby's first poop is called meconium. Black. Sticky. Almost tar-like.

Then it transitions to greenish, then mustard yellow, and often looks much runnier than a regular poop. Most parents think that runny look means diarrhea. In most cases? Completely normal.

When my clients know this ahead of time, the diaper at 3am doesn't set off alarms. I talk more about things newborns do surprise first time parents here.

🙌🏼 ONE SMALL THING TO DO TODAY

Print or screenshot The Hospital Bag Checklist and start thinking about what bag you'll actually use.

Small rollerboard suitcase works for some. Others prefer a duffel. Easy way to knock out one more decision: check if you already own something that'll work, or if it's worth grabbing.

**If you missed the previous days of the Countdown to Labor Day click here to catch up**

Tomorrow, Day 9 with another gift 💛

xoxo,

Valerie Trumbower, PCD(DONA), CLC

Certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor

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