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Family May 3, 2021

Hospital bag checklist: Labor and delivery essentials for mothers, partners and baby

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The day you get to meet your baby will be here before you know it. Getting your hospital bag prepped, packed and organized ahead of time, can make the wonderful occasion easier --- saving time and making the birth experience seamless.

While hospitals provide necessary items for labor and delivery, a packed "birth bag" gives an opportunity to bring along some "nice to have" items for the event.

"Good Morning America" caught up with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OBGYN at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, and chief medical officer of Verywell Health to get some of her best recommendations.

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a pregnant woman packs for her trip to the hospital.
Nikola Stojadinovic/Getty Images, FILE
In this undated file photo, a pregnant woman packs for her trip to the hospital.

Fellow senior reporter, Nicole Pelletiere, who leads "GMA's" family vertical, and is also a mother of one, has pointed out a mix of several items she was lucky to have handy as well as some she wish she had during her own experience giving birth.

Below, check out some of the best products to add to your arsenal of hospital bag must-haves ahead of the arrival of your newborn.

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Loose-fitting underwear

Shepherd advised that loose-fitting underwear are ideal after vaginal delivery or cesarean section as these areas of your body will be sore.

Tight underwear, Shepherd said, can also be a cause of irritation.

Hanes Women's Comfort Flex Fit Stretch Microfiber Modern Brief Underwear, 6-Pack

Price: $5.99 · From Hanes

Foldover Briefs

Price: $9.50 · From Motherhood Maternity

Hanes Women's Cotton Assorted Brief Underwear, 10-Pack

Price: $15.47 · From Hanes

Comfy robe, PJs and slippers

To keep yourself warm and cozy, you can try swapping your hospital gown for a comfortable robe and pajamas. With medical staff and often family members, stopping by frequently during your hospital stay, these items will help you keep comfortable among the activity.

Super-Plush Robe

Price: $98 · From Brooklinen

Babydoll Clip-Down Nursing Nightgown

Price: $48 · From A Pea in the Pod

Jeffrey Campbell Good Night Sherpa Slippers

Price: $59.95 · From Jeffrey Campbell

Nursing pillow

A nursing pillow offers great extra support for feeding and more. Shepherd also said a nursing pillow allows for the mother to explore different ways to hold the baby.

Nursing pillows can also be used for "tummy time" throughout the baby's first year.

Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner - Gray Taupe Leaves

Price: $39.99 · From Bobby

Nursing Pillow with strap, 20" x 27"

Price: $16.99 · 66% Savings
From Cheer Collection

Original: $50 · Valid: 04/30/2021 to 05/02/2021

Boppy® Original Nursing Pillow and Positioner in Posy Stripe

Price: $39.99 · From Bobby

Editor's Picks

Lavendar oil

"Rubbing lavender oil on wrists and inhaling amid labor can help clear the mind," said Pelletiere. Shephard also advised that anything that can calm the experience won't hurt to have.

SheaMoisture 100% Pure Essential Oil Lavender, 0.45 oz

Price: $8.97 · From SheaMoisture

Better Homes & Gardens 15 mL 100% Pure Lavender & Sweet Orange Essential Oil Blend

Price: $5.87 · From Better Homes & Gardens

SpaRoom® Lavender Essential Oil

Price: $14.99 · From SpaRoom

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Going-home outfits for mom and baby

It can be easy to forget a going-home outfit. Make sure to pack something comfortable for not only the mother but also the new baby.

hospital outfit for newborn

Price: $19 · From TacomaCollective

Perfectly Oversized Crew

Price: $79 · From Lululemon

French Terry Jogger

Price: $69.50 · From Banana Republic

Baby hat unisex Newborn hat with bear ears

Price: $17.99 · From KidsOutfits

Nursing bra

Shepherd said that breast size often changes after delivery. Having a comfortable nursing bra on hand is key.

Seamless Full-Coverage Clip-Down Nursing Bra

Price: $24.98 · From Motherhood Maternity

Body Silk Seamless Maternity/Nursing Bra

Price: $34.30 · From Bravado Designs

Wireless Nursing Bra

Price: $54 · From Enbliss

Portable cellphone charger

One of the last things any mother wants to worry about during a birthing experience is a dead phone. You may want to reach loved ones, family, friends and take photos as well as videos to capture all the moments.

Pelletiere said she wishes she had a portable mobile phone charger during her delivery and afterward as outlets were across the room, and she said she had to constantly ask her partner to charge her phone.

onn. Portable Battery, 2x Charge, 6700 mAh - Blue

Price: $9.88 · From onn.

Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Power Bank Portable Charger External Battery For iphone Samsung Android Mobile Cellphones

Price: $11.99 · From Poweradd

iHome™ Slim Charge 10,000mAh Power Bank

Price: $24.99 · From Bed Bath & Beyond

Insulated water bottle

Mothers can avoid several unnecessary trips from the hospital bed for a sip of water by bringing an insulated water bottle. Plus, an insulated water bottle is more eco-friendly than using plastic hospital cups.

Cooper Vacuum Insulated 22-Oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Price: $16.09 · From Ello

Borealis Therma-S'well Bottle

Price: $35 · From S'well

20 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle by MiiR®

Price: $32.95 · From Athleta

Pillow for partner

Unfortunately, there usually isn't another bed available for the mother's partner during the birth experience. Offer a little comfort by bringing along an extra pillow or travel-sized blanket.

Includes 1 Down Pillow

Price: $89 · From Brooklinen

Personal Travel Blanket

Price: $58 · From Travel Fresh

3-PC Travel Pillow, Blanket, Eye Mask Comfort Kit

Price: $11.99 · From Bon Voyage