For first time families birthing in the hospital or birth center, what to bring with you can be yet another unknown. Here’s a list that will cover all your bases- the essentials and the ‘nice to haves’ too. It’s not only important to bring the right clothes but to include your labor support tools and healing remedies for after baby is born too!
I always recommend that parents pack a couple smaller bags so you don’t need to bring in a huge suitcase as you arrive i.e one bag for mom (including labor tools), one for partner & baby which can come in later.
Essentials:
For Partner & Baby:
Optional Labor Tools (See Your Labor Tool Check List)
If you can think of other things to add to this list, let us know! What worked for you.. your tips might help another family!
Blog by Shabd Simran Adeniji, Owner of The Birthing Tree
I always recommend that parents pack a couple smaller bags so you don’t need to bring in a huge suitcase as you arrive i.e one bag for mom (including labor tools), one for partner & baby which can come in later.
Essentials:
- Insurance info, hospital forms and your Birth Plan (if you have one)
- Dark colored nighty or T-shirt to wear in labor. It will probably get a bit messy, so don't buy anything special to wear in hospital (or use the hospital gowns)
- Sports bra (can be nice to labor in)
- 2 nursing tanks or nursing bras to wear after birth
- Lip balm (all that breathing can dry out your lips)
- Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo & conditioner, lotion, contact supplies (travel size are great).
- Sensible Underwear- dark colored, briefs – no thongs! (the hospital will often provide disposable pairs which is another option)
- Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth
- Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger or just your phoneJ
- Maternity pads (the hospital supplies some but they are often surf board variety and many don’t have wings)
- Socks or slippers ( if you run cold)
- Rescue Remedy- a flower essence that helps with trauma and recovery- safe for the whole family
- Extra pillow
- Bath robe
- Headband or hair ties, Hairdryer
- Comfortable clothes for going home (maternity size and flat shoes)
- Arnica (homeopathic) arnica reduces bruising, aids in recovery and helps the body through the healing process (there is cream also but don't apply the cream to broken skin i.e. perineal tear).
For Partner & Baby:
- A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner
- Think camping: sleeping bag/pad, pillow or even blow up mattress with bedding (optional, see the size of your room before deciding to bring it in)
- Car seat for baby
- A coming-home outfit for baby
- Socks or booties.
- Baby hat ( hat is for going home, keep baby’s head uncovered while snuggling it’s great for bonding)
- Warm blankets (for the ride home, seasonal obviously)
Optional Labor Tools (See Your Labor Tool Check List)
- Hard candy, mints or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor
- Water bottle
- Electrolyte drinks: Emergen-C, Recharge, coconut water, Gatorade/Powerade
- Snacks for partner: easy cook noodles, protein bars, nuts
- Music/playlists
- Lighting- LED candles or fairy lights
- Comfort tools: massage tool, tennis ball (back pressure), rebozo, heating pad, or any inspirational objects to be used as your focal points
If you can think of other things to add to this list, let us know! What worked for you.. your tips might help another family!
Blog by Shabd Simran Adeniji, Owner of The Birthing Tree
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