What are Hilary Erickson's top tips for hospital bag essentials during labor?

Hi, I’m Hilary Erickson from The Pregnancy Nurse. Love this question because I’ve literally seen thousands of hospital bags.

My very top essentials for labor are:

• Lip balm – you breathe a lot in labor and hospital air is dry; your lips will feel awful without it
• Hair ties/clip/headband – you’ll want your hair off your neck and out of the anesthesiologist’s way
• Phone charger or external battery – long cords or a power bank are gold during inductions

Right behind those: a light robe, cheap slippers or Crocs (floors are gross), a small toiletries bag, and your ID and insurance card.

Do you want help separating what to pack for labor vs postpartum, or a simple checklist you can print?