This is a question just about every new mom asks her friends, Dr. or midwife. The answer varies depending on where you give birth (hospital, home, birthing center etc) and possibly your insurance coverage or individual hospitals with varying policies. Some hospitals are cutting back and ask that women bring just about everything including diapers and your own feminine pads. Other more "trendy" birth centers may provide you with organic lotions, music and (honestly) and Egyptian cotton robe.
So what are you to do? The best advice we can give (and why we created the LaborKit) is to bring the items that will make you most comfortable during and after labor. For example, the pads provided by a hospital are often bulky and way too long for comfort. If you have a preferred brand, take those. We know from talking to many moms that lip balm is a necessity so we include natural lip balm. Also, many moms are looking to healthier options or organic products which hospitals will not provide. If you prefer natural products, from moisturizer to lip balm or cloth diapers, pack those too.
Some items that are very helpful are a notebook and pen for notes from the doctor, monitoring baby's feedings and notes of those who may have sent flowers or gifts that you want to thank later.
Our LaborKits all include a reusable icepack which can help with engorgement or comfort after an episiotomy. We also include Lansinoh Lanolin and Gerber Nursing Pads for breastfeeding moms. This is really helpful in the first few days when you are more tender and possibly sore and cracked. Lansinoh Lanolin is the only topical nipple cream endorsed in the US by La Leche League International.
Different women will recommend different things. We recommend packing the items that help the birth experience feel a little more like home and a little less like a hospital. And take snacks -- no woman who just endured labor and delivery should also have to endure rehydrated mashed potatoes and mushy meat type meals.
Feel free to print out our free, printable hospital bag checklist or take all the guesswork out and purchase a ready-to-go LaborKit.
Good luck.