Preparing for Your Hospital Delivery: What to Pack and Expect

Woman holds her newborn next to her husband at the hospital shortly after her delivery The weeks leading up to labor and delivery are filled with excitement, anticipation, and questions — especially about what to expect at the hospital. At Woodlands OBGYN Associates, our team of board-certified physicians delivers at Houston Methodist Hospital, a trusted facility known for its advanced maternity care, state-of-the-art delivery suites, and experienced nursing staff.

Preparing early for your hospital stay can help make the experience smoother and more comfortable for you and your growing family. Here’s a helpful guide on what to pack and how to get ready for delivery day.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

We recommend having your bag packed by 36 weeks, just in case labor begins earlier than expected. Essentials include:

  • Paperwork & ID: Driver’s license, insurance card, and any hospital preregistration forms.

  • Comfortable Clothing: A robe, slippers, nursing bra, and a loose outfit to wear home.

  • Toiletries: Lip balm, hair ties, toothbrush, face wipes, and other personal care items.

  • Snacks: Easy-to-digest snacks for your support person or yourself after delivery.

  • Phone & Charger: Consider bringing a long charging cable or portable charger.

  • Items for Baby: A going-home outfit, a swaddle blanket, and an infant car seat, installed and ready to use.

  • Extras for Comfort: Your own pillow, a favorite blanket, or soothing music playlist.

Houston Methodist provides hospital gowns, sanitary pads, diapers, and basic newborn care supplies, so you don’t need to overpack.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Once you arrive at Houston Methodist, you’ll be welcomed into a clean, private labor and delivery suite equipped with modern monitoring and pain relief options. The care team will review your birth plan, monitor your labor progress, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Whether you plan on a natural birth, epidural, or scheduled C-section, the physicians at Woodlands OBGYN Associates bring years of delivery experience and a commitment to safety and compassion. Their close coordination with the hospital ensures that you and your baby receive attentive, personalized care from admission through postpartum recovery.

Trusted Care for Your Birth Experience

Having a baby is one of life’s most meaningful events, and the team at Woodlands OBGYN Associates is proud to guide families through it with expertise and warmth. To learn more about delivery at Houston Methodist or to meet with one of our talented OBGYNs, contact 281.364.9898.

Office Information

Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 12 Noon

The Woodlands Office

281.292.0400

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