Packing for birth.

Congratulations!

​You're expecting a sweet little baby to join your family! You've found a care provider, decided where you would like to give birth and you may have even hired a doula to help guide you through this memorable journey into parenthood. 

But what's next? Nesting, packing and waiting for baby to arrive.

"What should I pack in my birth bag"?
​
I have been working with growing families for over 2 years and in that time I have seen under packing and over packing, the type of packing that easily leaves a hospital room cluttered. I believe in this case, less is more. The hospital has all the necessities to get you through your stay should you forget something at home. However, you want to be comfortable during labor, birth, and postpartum.

​Here are some ideas to help ensure you are comfortable during such an exciting time!

What the hospital provides.

Did you know the hospital has quite a few items to help you through your stay?
​The hospital I'm familiar with has the following items although you may have to ask for some of them. One thing to keep in mind is having unnecessary laundry when you return home.

Often standard and stocked in rooms:

• Slipper socks
• Disposable mesh underwear
• Different size pads (ask for different size when you feel necessary)
• Peri bottle (squirt bottle to easily and gently cleanse yourself)
• Typical gown (easy to nurse in and use the restroom)​
• Towels and wash cloths (request more as needed)
• Bed linens and pillows (request more as needed)​
• Baby blankets and burp cloths
• Baby shirt and/or swaddle
• Baby diapers & wipes
• Baby soap

Often available upon request:

• Robe
• Comb or hairbrush
• Shampoo/body-wash and conditioner
• Lotion
• Tooth brush, tooth paste and non-alcoholic mouth wash
• Chapstick
• Nursing pads
• Nipple cream (often sample size)
• Cold peri pads
• Dermoplast (pain relief/numbing spray)
• Formula
• Hospital grade breast pump (for use during stay)
• Pacifier
• Hydrogels
• Nipple shield (should only be used if 100% necessary)
• Abdominal binder
  

Packing for you and your partner.

Below is a list of items that are often necessary to get you through the few days you are in the hospital. Note that some of the items the hospital provides will be generic. If you have preference to scent or brand you may want to consider packing your preferred items.

Necessary items:

• Phone & Charger (6’ or 10’ cord to reach your bed)
• Camera & Charger
• Snacks or money for vending machine/cafeteria
• Water bottle
• Nursing bra/shirt
• Comfortable sweatpants or yoga pants
• Slippers or flip flops (something to easily slip on and off swollen feet)
• Shower supplies (shampoo, conditioner, body-wash, deodorant, etc.)
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Going home outfit

Optional based on personal preference:

• Robe
• Chapstick
• Lotion
• Glasses/contacts and solution
• Hair ties and/or bobby pins 
• Make up
• Nursing pads
• Nipple cream
• Depends Silhouette (if you’d prefer to have an all-in-one pad/underwear.)
• Pillow & blanket
• Mini humidifier
• Frida baby Fridet (peri bottle)​

Packing for baby.

Although babies are very dependent of their parents, the first few days they can get by with very few items. The hospital has the necessities to get baby through your hospital stay, but again personal preference will be a deciding factor on how you pack for their stay. Again I'd like to point out less is more.

Necessary items:

• Car seat & base (installed in car)
• Going home outfit
• Blanket

Optional based on personal preference:

• Breast feeding pillow (boppy, my breast-friend)​

Most importantly...

When talking with expecting families the top items on their list of must haves were:

• Cozy pajamas
• Thin robe (for easy and discreet nursing)
• Own pillow
• Favorite blanket
• Favorite shower supplies
• Shaver and Q-tips
• Extension cord (for charging electronics closer to your bed)
• Snacks (remember your partner will get the hungry too)
• Nursing pillow (although you can just use additional pillows to help during feeding sessions)
• Pads 
• Clothes and underwear that fit after birth (the size worn at approximately 6 months pregnant)

I wish you all the best in the packing of your birth bag. Remember less is more!

Congratulations to you and your growing family!

Heather J Photography

This list has been compiled using the opinion of myself and numerous others through blogs, discussions, and surveys. Note that every birth experience is different and this list was made to help you through the initial 2 or 3 day hospital stay.

If you would like to add your experiences or favorite items please comment below!