17 Essential things to add to your Hospital Birth Bag
What are some essentials items to include in your hospital birth bag?
Is packing ever really fun? Especially when you are feeling the last weeks of pregnancy it can feel really tough to nail down all the things you’ll need for your hospital stay. But the reality is, this packing job is pretty important because labor often happens with very little notice and you do not want to be stuck for days in the hospital without a few essential comforts! When I had Jude we were admitted without any notice so I had NOTHING for several hours and when Chris was able to run and grab some essentials there was a lot we forgot! So i’m writing this one so no momma is ever left like we were, completely lost and lacking for 4 days in the hospital. To give us a little grace, we hadn’t planned to be in the hospital at all so we had nothing planned or packed so when we were taken in for our emergency induction it was hard to think through all the essentials or just creature comforts we could have used and loved during our time.
This list is for all the moms expecting their first baby or 10th because it’s just a fact no matter how much of a birthing expert you are, many essentials can get overlooked!
I know it sounds crazy but treat your hospital stay like a weekend trip because truthfully that is what it is! Throwing everything into a diaper bag or deep purse will surely guarantee you forget something! You’ll also be moving from 1 room to another during your stay so having a bag that travels easily while being roled in a wheel chair is so ESSENTIAL! if you don’t already have a carry-on type bag, we love our Swiss gear bag and it’s lasted us 6+ years!
This one is so important! The reason why writing a birth plan is important is because it EDUCATES you and gives you the opportunity to ADVOCATE for your own experience! Not every birth in the hospital is the same and the main difference is the care provider and momma relationship! There are plenty of birth plan templates online and in books and one day I’ll write one and link it here :P but seriously as a doula and birth worker for many years and seeing countless births, it is SO essential to write up and bring printed copies of your plan to the birth.
Print one for yourself, your partner and hand one to your nurse!
Birth plans answer questions like, how you want the lights during labor, whether you are planning or an epidural or would like to not be offered pain medications, whether you are ok with episiotomy or vacuum, whether you want the baby to have their cord cut immediately or delayed! All of these things can be discussed and often offered in the L&D room and in your Dr visits beforehand but oftentimes won’t be brought up unless YOU do the educating and advocating for your birth and ask the questions.
Make Labor and birth just a little bit easier with these comforts and supplies!
3.
A Refillable Water Bottle or Cup
Hydration is key to surviving a long hard labor and surviving the first days of breastfeeding a newborn baby. You want to be sipping water constantly if possible so having a great bottle or cup that you love packed in your hospital bag is very important. Hydro Flasks are a huge favorite I see at births and hold so much water! But I personally used an insulated straw cup cause I liked the easy straw access! Either way you go, you can’t go a wrong with a great insulated water source!
4.
Comfy Robe
5.
Durable Slippers
6.
Labor Playlist
7.
Essential oils
These essential oils are lifesavers for a long, hard or unexpected birth and labor! You can apply it to your skin, diffuse in the room or even just take a good sniff when needed. These 4 are my favorites to bring to the birth when I’m doulaing.
Peppermint
Peppermint can be great to give mom a boost of energy and clarity in labor. but I love using it to snigg during moments of nausea and transition.
Mandarin
Mandarin (aka citrus reticulate) can be great for relieving the anxiety, fear, and stress that can come during labor and postpartum. It’s also safe for diffusing around baby!
Lavender
Lavender is great for finding rest during long or hard labors. It’s the all-around calming oil that can be great for moms needing rest in between contractions.
Clary Sage is a wonderful and grounding oil that can help moms focus on labor and keep contractions consistent and strong. Using this oil can help with pain relief and can help keep things moving when labor might feel slowed or spotty.
The really important things you’ll want to bring for Baby’s first days
11.
Pjs & Onesies for Baby
I always recommend families pack newborn and 0-3 month size because some babies are just born a little bigger than the “newborn” size!
Zipper Pjs will change your life!
I love everything Kate Quinn and Burts Bees Organics
12.
Power Strip
13.
Your own Shampoo, Conditioner and Soap
14.
Warm Blanket and your own Pillows
If you would like to breastfeed or at-least try it’s very important to set yourself up for success! Thankfully most hospitals have Lactation Consultants who do rounds for all moms so be sure you are seen! But there are a also a few things you can pack to help on the breastfeeding journey!
15.
Nursing Bras
16.
Nipple Cream