Many expectant parents pack a bag for their stay in the hospital or birth center in the days and weeks before their due date time, but often, too much focus is on items needed after birth and for the baby. The following checklist outlines items you may want with you during labor and birth. You can pack a separate bag for postpartum and baby needs.
Labor & Birth Bag Checklist
For you:
A copy of your birth plan
Socks/slippers
Flip flops or other 'shower shoes'
Your own pillow with a case that is not white and that can get dirty
Birth/yoga ball and pump (bring ball already pumped)
Chapstick
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Massage oil/lotion and massage tools
Your own clothes to wear in labor (if desired and if you don't mind getting them dirty)
Robe
Reference guide or printouts for labor comfort reminders (Labor Lab or The Birth Partner are great!)
Focal point or special item to hold in your hand
Water bottle
Nourishment: solids, liquids, easy to digest, hard candy - bring a variety
Mints or gum
Hair ties or clips
Music (create a playlist or use a service like Pandora)
Phone/iPad/laptop and chargers
Heating pad or rice sock
Essential oils or scents
Anything else to make you feel comfortable ____________________________________
For your partner/birth support:
Change of clothes
Food & drinks for your partner
Camera
Phone
Pillow
5 Hour Energy, coffee or something similar to help stay awake
Have anything else to add? Tell us in the comments!
Tags
Birth Labor