Birthing Bags, What to Pack and Why
It can be hard to know what to pack for your labor and delivery. After being to several births, soon to be including my own, I have decided to make a list here for you. Feel free to take or leave any of this!!
Snacks
Labor can be long and does not revolve around cafeteria hours. Make sure you have snacks for you and your partner. If you deliver at 2AM, the cafeteria will be closed and so will your favorite take out place. You have just exerted tons of energy and will need to refuel. During the hospital tour, make sure to ask if your room has a fridge and if there is a microwave available. If you feel nauseous and cannot eat, it is important for your partner not to eat smelly foods during labor or even in your room. Let them step out to refuel. It’s a great idea to also pack your favorite beverage and some coconut water. The hospital should have juice and ginger ale.
Clothes
A change of clothes for you and your partner are important. You may be spending a couple of nights in the hospital. Pack in layers. The hospital is usually freezing and temperatures fluctuate during labor. Bring clothes for the shower or tub if those options are available to you. I recommend a bra that unhooks in the back. If you are sweaty or wet, it can be really hard to take a bra off over your head. Cheap flips flops that you can throw away are great to have on hand. You never know what may get on them! I got some at the dollar store. Warm, comfy socks are also nice. To go home, bring loose fitting clothes. The last thing you are going to want to put on are yoga pants.
Toiletries
This is pretty self explanatory. Pack like you are going on an overnight trip and don’t forget things like contact solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, contacts, etc. I would also include mouthwash and mints or gum. You may throw up during labor and it is nice to have something to freshen your breath! Things you may not think about but will come in handy are hair ties and chapstick.
Bluetooth Speaker
Is there a play list that you want to listen to during labor? Setting the atmosphere in the room is so important to help you feel relaxed and your playlist can help contribute to this. Here is a sample of my labor playlist.
LED Candles
This is also a great thing to pack to help set the atmosphere of your birth. I love going into a room, dimming the lights, and setting up candles. Making it comfortable will, again, help you relax and open.
Diffuser
This is the last piece to setting the mood. Lavender oil and Orange are great for helping with uplifting and relaxing. If you get nauseous, place a little peppermint in the diffuser or place 1 drop on a paper fan and have your partner fan you. I would ask your hospital policies on diffusers. I have been to births where I was asked to turn off the diffuser because they weren’t allowed.
Pillow
This is definitely optional. The pillows at the hospital suck and there tends to be a shortage. However, packing pillows can be big and bulky and hard to pack if you are trying to keep your bags to a minimum. Extra pillows may also be nice for breastfeeding support. You can always roll up blankets as well.
Phone Chargers
I don’t feel like this needs explaining! Don’t forget chargers or any other devices you are bringing along as well.
Anything you want baby foot prints on
Most hospitals give you a card to bring home with the footprints on, but if there is anything special you want them on, bring it along. The nurses are experts at getting them and make it look so easy. Trying to do it at home later will be much harder!
Copies of the Birth Plan
Bring one for the nurses, one for your doula and one for you!
Nursing Bra / Pads
I bought reusable ones for home but packed disposable ones for the hospital. Your milk won’t come in during your short stay there but you will still be producing colostrum. Your breasts may leak a bit! Nursing bras are helpful but you can also be braless in your room as well! Nipple cream is also great to have on hand!
Baby Things
The hospital will have a baby blanket, diapers and hat. You will want to bring your own outfit, swaddles and anything else you think you may need. I packed my own diapers and wipes because I want to avoid anything with chemicals in them. A portable sound machine can be a nice touch. The baby is used to a loud womb and it can be hard being in a silent hospital room.
Perinatal Spray
I have a homemade spray I packed along with this earth mama spray.
Along with these things, we chose to bring thank you bags for our midwife, doula and nurses in our room. We also are bringing a snack basket for the nurses station. I did a video on what I packed that you can view here. I would love to hear what you packed that I didn’t include on my list!