What New Moms need to pack for themselves when preparing for their newborns delivery.

What Charlottesville New Moms Need to Pack for Their Hospital Stay When Delivering Their Newborn

Preparing for your newborn’s delivery at a local Charlottesville hospital—like UVA Health or Sentara Martha Jefferson—is such an exciting time. While there’s often a lot of focus on packing for baby, it’s just as important to think about what you, as a new mom, need to feel supported and comfortable during labor, delivery, and recovery.

If you’re wondering what to pack in your hospital bag before heading to UVA or Martha Jefferson, I’ve got you covered with this easy list—curated straight from real moms who delivered right here in Charlottesville. I asked my Facebook and Instagram communities to share the top must-haves they couldn’t live without during their hospital stays, and here’s what they had to say:

NUMBER 5:

ChapStick: During labor and delivery, you may find yourself breathing through your mouth or receiving medications that can cause dry lips. Packing ChapStick in your hospital diaper bag ensures that your lips stay moisturized and comfortable throughout the process.
Here are a few of our favorite ChapStick brands recommended:

Buy Bulk ChapStick Lip Balm | ChapStick® comes in at number one being the most hydrating with Aquaphor coming in at number two.

NUMBER 4:

Your Own Pillow

UVA and Martha Jefferson both do their best to make patients comfortable—but let’s be honest, hospital pillows just aren’t the same. Bringing a familiar pillow from home can help you relax and get some much-needed rest between contractions or during your recovery.

🛏 Bonus tip: Use a pillowcase with a color or pattern so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital linens.

NUMBER 3:

#3 – Travel-Sized Toiletries

Once you’ve delivered your baby, a warm shower and your favorite products can feel amazing. Be sure to pack:

Toothbrush & toothpaste
Deodorant
Body wash
Shampoo & conditioner
Hairbrush or dry shampoo

These little comforts from home can go a long way in helping you feel more like you after birth.

NUMBER 2:

Comfortable Shoes or Shower Shoes

Charlottesville moms were big on footwear! From walking the halls during early labor to navigating the bathroom post-delivery, cozy shoes matter. You’ll also want something waterproof for hospital showers.

Ugg’s slippers for walking around in and Croc’s Flips for the shower.

And the NUMBER 1 recommend item to bring to your birth:

#1 – Long Phone Charger Cord

No surprise here! Your phone is your lifeline during those first hours and days—whether it’s video chatting family, snapping newborn photos, or updating your birth team. A long charging cord (6–10 ft) is a game changer, especially since most hospital outlets are not bedside.

📱 Pro tip: Consider a portable charger too—especially if you’re planning to labor in multiple rooms at UVA or Martha Jeff.

Bonus Tip: Ask Your Charlottesville Birth Team

Many of my maternity and newborn photography clients have shared that UVA and Martha Jefferson staff are wonderful about answering questions and offering suggestions before your stay. Don’t hesitate to ask what’s already provided so you don’t overpack.

I’d love to hear from you! What did you bring to your Charlottesville hospital birth that made all the difference? Drop a comment below and let me know—I’ll be updating this post as more local moms share their must-haves.

P.S. If you’re delivering at UVA or Martha Jefferson and want to capture those first precious moments, don’t forget to grab my free Hospital Photo Guide—it’s packed with tips for getting beautiful newborn photos during your stay.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag (Charlottesville Moms’ Edition)