10 Things to Pack in your Hospital Birth Bag

 Preparing for labor is exciting, but can also feel overwhelming. All the little things you need to do in third trimester--find a pediatric provider, get the car seat checked out and assembled in your car, (hopefully!) cooking your favorite nutrient-dense meals for the freezer, pre-admission paper work, insurance paperwork or short term leave paperwork. It's a lot! Packing your hospital bag is a crucial step in getting ready for your labor and birth. (Wonderful tote in blog banner is made by Immodest Cotton, btw)

This guide outlines the top 10 items to consider packing for your hospital birth bag that might not be on all the other "standard" lists:

1. Little Packages with Big Rewards:

Consider adding things like:

• bone broth packets ( I like Bare Bones)

• electrolytes ( I love LMNT). You can also make your own

• honey sticks

Labor and birth is a very athletic event! These tiny items make a big difference. Many hospitals have easy access to a cafeteria or unit kitchen, but don’t usually have items like this on hand. I remember loving Dr. Aviva Romm's energy balls that I had prepped ahead of time and an egg sandwich in the early labor phase with the first baby. I did not have time to eat or think about eating with my second!

2. Personal Pain Relief

• TENS machine

• massage tools

One thing I wished that I had at both my births but for whatever reason never organized was a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine. With my first labor, my partner held a massage tool on my lower back that really helped. 

3. What is Best for you Bottom

• perineal spray like this one from Earth Mama

• 100% cotton pads or maternity underwear

I have seen many people get rashes from the mesh underwear given to you during your postpartum hospital stay. So if it’s possible to pack some 100% cotton disposable maternity underwear, this can be a game changer.  The synthetic weave on many hospital or pharmacy bought pads can also be very irritating. So try to pack some 100% cotton pads of your own. I don’t feel like this is widely shared, but postpartum skin is very sensitive to synthetic materials! Perineal spray is also hugely helpful.

4. An Excellent Herbal Ally 

• "After Ease" from Wishgarden 

Most hospitals provide you with tylenol and ibuprofen for the cramps that come after your baby is born. Whether c-section or vaginal birth, your uterus is working hard to “involute” or come down towards your pubic bone. This important process helps you to not have extra bleeding, but it can feel intense. Especially when you are breastfeeding. And especially if it is not your first baby. Afterease can bring you extra herbal relief and does not interact with Tylenol and ibuprofen, but of course check with your care provider if you are planning to supplement.

5. The Comforts of Home

Consider:

• L.E.D. Fairy lights or candles

• fake succulents or a vase of fresh flowers (most hospitals are not keen on real houseplants, but you can check!)

• your own pillow from home or a blanket that can be washed

Most people labor best with low lights (hence L.E.D. candles or fairy lights) and items that make them feel they are at home. Oxytocin will flow when you feel safe and comfortable in your environment.

 6. A Labor "Comb"

According to the "Gate Control Theory", your brain can concentrate on only a few sensory inputs at a time. When you introduce another signal/sensation (i.e. pressing the comb into your palm) you can relieve the intensity of labor contractions. I know it sounds "out there" but I have seen in person how well this can work. Many of my clients swear by it!

7. A soft headband

It may seem like a silly thing to add, but most people are moving around a ton in labor and the elastics often don't hold well, with wisps and bangs getting annoying while you breathe. A soft headband can keep hair out of your face so you can concentrate on your steady rhythm of breathing, without hair in your face. 

8. A garden mat or padded yoga/pilates mat

Many people want to get on hands and knees during their birth. It doesn't always feel appealing to be up higher in the bed. So a lot of people are tapping into their instincts and swaying or rocking on their knees on the floor. This can be really hard on your knees. I have also used a small clean mat in the sub, to support the knees on the hard surface. 

9. Birth Mantras/Affirmations to hang around the room.

This can provide just the reset you need when you are feeling like you are starting to struggle. SO much of labor is mental work. These mantras are ideally something you have started to internalized while you are pregnant too. There are wonderful affirmation cards on Etsy. See what expression resonate with you the most.

10. Bikini Top or Swimsuit for your partner 

Some places have tubs for laboring or giving birth. Some women feel totally comfortable being naked in the tub, others, especially in earlier labor, for modesty or comfort reasons, may want a swim top or sports bra. (trust me, your birth team will not care either way!) If you want your partner in the tub with you, hopefully it goes without saying that they should wear a swimsuit!

Conclusion
Packing these 10 items recommended by a midwife and mother can help to ensure that you're well-prepared for your labor and birth experience. I wish you a beautiful birth experience!

Keywords: Labor Preparation, Hospital Bag Essentials, Childbirth Checklist

Standard List of Other Essential Things to pack: Top 10 Must-Have Items

Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor: 
Keywords: Hospital Bag for Labor, Labor Bag Checklist, Preparing for Childbirth

1. Essential Documents: ID, Insurance, Birth Plan
Start with the essentials: your ID, insurance information, and your birth wishes. Having these documents readily available will streamline the admission process, especially if you are coming in spontaneous labor and want things to be efficient! (have your support person handle these logistics)
Keywords: Essential Documents, Childbirth Admission, Birth Plan

2. Comfortable Clothing: Robes, Socks, Underwear
Comfort is key during labor. Pack a robe, non-skid socks, and several pairs of comfortable underwear. Post-labor, you'll appreciate having clothes that are loose fitting as most bodies will not magically change back to pre-pregnancy size after birth. Think about how many weeks it took for you to grow your baby! It will take some time for most people to fit into their old clothes. 
Keywords: Maternity Clothing, Comfortable Labor Wear

3. Toiletries: Personal Hygiene Items
Include personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and lip balm. Extra contact lenses or solution and glasses. Hospitals can be dry, and with lots of extra breathing, lip balm can be very helpful.
Keywords: Hospital Bag Toiletries, Personal Care Items

4. Snacks and Hydration: Energy-Boosting Foods
Labor can be lengthy, so pack energy-boosting snacks and a refillable water bottle. Staying nourished and hydrated is crucial. Check #1 on the list above for some added extras!
Keywords: Labor Snacks, Hydration for Childbirth

5. Phone Charger 

Nice to have an extra long one to reach the bed if you're needing to update friends and family with your news! You are usually in the hospital for 48 hours after a vaginal birth and 3-4 days after a cesarean birth.
Keywords: Staying Connected, Childbirth Communication

6. Maternity and Nursing Essentials: Bras, Pads, Cream
Pack maternity bras, nursing pads, and nipple cream ( I love the Earth Mama Nipple Butter) for comfort if you are planning to breastfeed. Usually hospitals do have their own supply or lanolin. You can also rub colostrum on the nipple to help heal and tissue that is hurting.
Keywords: Nursing Essentials, Postpartum Care

7. Entertainment: Books, Music, Movies
Labor can be unpredictable. Bring books,  card games, download music, or movies on your tablet for relaxation and distraction. Especially if you are being induced and it is your first baby.
Keywords: Labor Entertainment, Relaxation Techniques

8. Baby Essentials: Outfits, Diapers, Blankets
Pack a few newborn-sized outfits, diapers, and a blanket for your baby. While hospitals typically provide some basics, it's nice to have a few personal items for your newborn. Some of the wipes can be a little hard to clean baby's first poops (meconium), so it can be nice to have your own wipes.
Keywords: Newborn Essentials, Baby’s First Outfit

9. Pillows and Blankets: Personal Comfort
Hospital bedding can be less than comfortable. Bring your own pillow and a blanket to make your stay more pleasant. Just make sure that it can be washed as birth/postpartum is not always a "neat" process!
Keywords: Personal Comfort in Labor, Hospital Stay

10. Relaxation and Pain Relief Tools
Consider packing massage oils, a stress ball, or a microwavable heat pack if this is allowed by the hospital. Many of the disposable heating pads in the hospital don't work very well! See other ideas in my list above as well!
Keywords: Natural Pain Relief, Labor Relaxation Tools

Did you pack anything in your hospital bag that helped you to have a positive labor and birth experience?