What to Pack in Your Birth Bag
Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or opting for a birth center, knowing what to pack in your birth bag can make all the difference. Each setting has its own requirements and comforts to consider, so let’s talk about what essentials and optional items you should pack to make your birthing experience as comfortable as possible.
Essential Items
Documents & Paperwork
When preparing for childbirth, having your paperwork in order can alleviate stress. Make sure to pack:
- Birth Plan: If you have one, ensure it’s clearly printed and accessible.
- ID and Insurance Information: Hospitals and birth centers require identification and insurance details for registration and billing purposes.
- Hospital Forms: Some hospitals may require pre-registration forms; check ahead and have them filled out to streamline admission.
Having these documents ready will mean that you can focus on the birth experience without unnecessary administrative delays.
Clothing
Comfortable clothing is key, especially during labor and postpartum recovery:
- Labor Attire: Pack loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to move in, such as a comfortable robe, a nursing nightgown, or a loose-fitting t-shirt and sweatpants.
- Postpartum Clothing: Consider items like nursing bras, comfortable underwear, and a cozy outfit for leaving the hospital or birth center.
Depending on your birth setting, you may want to include items like a bathing suit if you plan to use water for pain relief during labor.
Toiletries
Personal hygiene during childbirth and immediately after is important:
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Refreshing your mouth can provide a needed boost during labor.
- Hair Care: Pack hair ties or headbands to keep hair out of your face.
- Personal Hygiene Products: Include your preferred items, such as menstrual pads or any other toiletries you may need.
Hospitals often provide basic toiletries, but having your own can add a touch of comfort and familiarity.
Comfort and Support
Giving birth is physically demanding, so prioritize items that provide comfort and support:
- Supportive Bras: Nursing bras or comfortable sports bras can provide support during and after labor.
- Footwear: Non-slip socks or comfortable slippers are ideal for walking around your birth setting.
- Pillow and Blanket: While hospitals provide these items, bringing your own pillow or blanket can enhance your comfort, especially if you have specific preferences.
These items can help create a more comfortable environment during your stay.
Feeding
If you plan to breastfeed, pack essentials for both you and your baby:
- Nursing Pads and Nipple Cream: Prepare for potential leakage and nipple soreness with nursing pads and soothing creams.
- Bottles and Formula: If you’re supplementing breastfeeding with formula or exclusively formula feeding, bring what you’ll need for your baby’s first feedings.
Discuss any specific feeding needs with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant beforehand.
Things for Baby
Your newborn will also need supplies for their first days:
- Baby Clothes: Pack onesies, hats, socks, and mittens to keep your baby warm and comfortable.
- Swaddle Blankets: These versatile blankets can help soothe and comfort your baby.
- Diapers and Wipes: Pack enough diapers and wipes for at least the first few days postpartum.
Make sure your baby items are packed in an easily accessible bag within your birth bag.
Technology & Communication
Staying connected during childbirth can provide reassurance and support:
- Phone and Charger: Keep your phone fully charged and ready to use for communication and capturing special moments, or if you want to listen to music.
- Camera or Video Recorder: If allowed, consider bringing a camera or video recorder to document your birth experience.
Check with your birth setting regarding their policies on electronic devices.
Optional Items
Comfort Items: Childbirth can be intense, so having items that provide comfort can make a significant difference:
- Favorite Snacks and Drinks: Pack nutritious snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep your energy levels up during labor. Hydration is also important, so bring drinks like water, electrolyte solutions, or herbal teas.Massage Tools or Stress Relief Items: Consider items like a massage roller, stress ball, or aromatherapy oils for relaxation and stress relief.Aromatherapy: If allowed, essential oils or a portable diffuser can create a calming atmosphere in your birth setting.
Entertainment: Labor can be lengthy, so having ways to pass the time can be beneficial:
- Books or Magazines: Choose light reading material or magazines to distract yourself during early labor or downtime.Music Playlist or Headphones: Create a playlist of calming or uplifting music to listen to during labor, or use headphones to block out noise and focus.
Supportive Items: Emotional support is crucial during childbirth, so consider items that connect you to loved ones or help you process the experience:
- Contact Information: Have a list of phone numbers for family members, friends, and your healthcare team for easy access.
- Journal or Notepad: Document your thoughts, feelings, and milestones during labor and after birth. Writing can be therapeutic and help you process the experience.
Packing Tips
Packing your birth bag efficiently ensures you have everything you need while minimizing stress and confusion during labor and delivery:
- Make a Checklist: Start by creating a checklist of items based on your chosen birth setting (hospital, home birth, birth center). This helps ensure you don’t forget anything.
- Pack Essentials First: Begin with essential items such as documents, clothing for labor, toiletries, and baby items. Place these items in easily accessible compartments or bags within your birth bag.
- Consider Your Comfort: Pack items that will help you feel comfortable during labor and recovery. This may include favorite snacks, comfort items like a pillow or blanket, and clothing that makes you feel at ease.
- Organize by Category: Separate items into categories (e.g., toiletries, baby items, paperwork) to make it easier to find what you need quickly. Use zip-lock bags or packing cubes to keep items organized and tidy.
- Review Hospital Policies: If you’re planning a hospital birth, familiarize yourself with the hospital’s policies regarding what you can bring. Some hospitals provide certain items, while others have restrictions on electronics or outside food.
- Prepare for Different Scenarios: Consider packing items that cater to different labor scenarios, such as items for pain relief (e.g., massage tools, aromatherapy) or comfort measures specific to your birth plan.
- Pack Extra Supplies: Include extra supplies like diapers, wipes, and sanitary pads for both you and your baby. It’s better to have more than you think you’ll need to avoid running out.
- Label Your Bag: Clearly label your birth bag with your name and contact information. This ensures it’s easily identifiable if it gets misplaced during your stay.
- Update Periodically: As your due date approaches, review and update your birth bag regularly. Add any last-minute items or adjust quantities based on recommendations from your healthcare provider.
- Keep It Lightweight: While it’s important to be prepared, avoid overpacking. Choose lightweight and compact versions of items where possible to make your birth bag easier to carry.
By following these packing tips, you can streamline the process and feel confident that you’re well-prepared for your childbirth experience.
Different Birth Settings and Their Specific Packing Needs
Hospital Birth
- Follow hospital guidelines on what to pack.
- Include items for comfort during potentially longer stays.
Home Birth
- Prepare items recommended by your midwife or healthcare provider.
- Ensure emergency supplies are readily accessible.
Birth Center
- Pack similar to a hospital birth, but with more personalized comfort items.
- Confirm with the birth center on any specific requirements.
We hope this week’s guide will be a good starting point for getting your birth bag together. A little preparation can make all the difference during your birthing process and make you feel more comfortable if you are not at home. Remember that each setting has its own things to consider and to check in with birth locations as to their policies on what you can and can’t bring.
Thank you for reading this week’s post, “What to Pack in Your Birth Bag.” For more tips on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood visit our weekly blog.