What to Pack in Your Birth Bag.

One of the most common questions I get asked is, "What do I pack in my birth bag?".

While the hospital will provide you with the basics, you want to think about the nice-to-haves to bring you comfort while labouring and for your postpartum stay.

It's a good idea to have at least somewhat of a bag packed by 36 weeks and have a list of things you might need to toss in last minute like toiletries & phone chargers.

During labour, comfort is key. The hospital provides the medical necessities, but bringing a few personal items can make your birth experience much more comfortable.

Consider packing:

• Comfortable labour gown or something comfortable to labour in like pyjamas or an oversized t-shirt.

• Non-slip socks or slippers. Just make sure they're not ones you absolutely love. You may want to throw them away after if they get birth fluids on them!

• Lip balm. The hospital air is incredibly dry!

• Hair elastics or a headband

• Water bottle with a straw. It's so much easier to give you sips of water in any position through a straw.

• Electrolyte drinks or coconut water. It's important to stay hydrated!

• Easy-to-digest snacks (applesauce pouches, crackers, fresh fruit)

• Phone charger with an extra-long charging cable

• Bluetooth speaker and your favourite playlist

• Battery-operated candles or soft lighting.

• Essential oils (check your hospital's policy first)

• Massage tools or lotion

• Portable fan. It gets hot during pushing!

• Heat pack or cooling cloth

• TENS machine. This is a great unmedicated comfort tool!

• Copies of your birth preferences (if you've created one)

Nice to have comfort items.

• Your favourite pillow (with a colourful pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with hospital linens)

• Cozy blanket

• Eye mask

• Comfortable robe

• Mints or gum

• Facial mist or refreshing wipes

Creating a familiar environment can help you feel calmer and more relaxed during labour.

For After Baby Arrives

After birth, you'll want comfortable clothing and a few essentials for recovery. I'll often recommend even organizing your bag in a way to have labour items all together and postpartum items all together so you don't have to sort through it while in labour.

• Comfortable nursing bra or supportive bra

• Nursing tank tops (if breastfeeding)

• Loose-fitting pajamas

• Comfortable outfit to wear home

• Curved spout peri-bottle. Many people prefer this one over the hospital's peri bottle.

• Ice pads. While you can just make an ice pack, these freezing pads can be a nice to have!

• Toiletries:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Hairbrush

  • Deodorant

  • Face wash

  • Moisturizer

  • Dry shampoo

• Glasses or contact lens supplies

• Medications or vitamins you normally take

The hospital provides postpartum supplies like pads, mesh underwear, peri bottles, and ice packs, but it's always worth checking what your birth location supplies beforehand.

For Baby

Babies don't need much at the hospital, but there are a few essentials you'll definitely want.

Pack:

• Going-home outfit (consider packing both newborn and 0-3 month sizes)

• Hat

• Socks or booties

• Swaddle blanket

• Approved infant car seat (installed before labour!)

• Baby wipes. The hospital does not provide wipes, just face cloths that you can wet. If you want wipes, you'll need to bring your own.

For Your Support Person

They may want:

• Change of clothes

• Toiletries

• Snacks

• Reusable water bottle

• Pillow and blanket

• Phone charger

• Entertainment for longer labours

• Cash or a credit card for parking and vending machines

A well-rested, well-fed support person is better able to support you.

Remember, if you forget something, it's rarely the end of the world. Most items can be brought later by your support person or purchased nearby if needed.

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