What Should I Pack for the Birth?

What should I pack for the birth?

We get asked many questions as a doula service. Our clients want to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for the baby’s arrival. One question we get asked most often is, “What do I need to bring to the hospital?”.Good parents-to-be condition themselves to research and make many decisions regarding their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum times. To help lessen the load, we at Nurtured Foundation Doula & Newborn Care Services have made up a childbirth bag checklist for parents. From our experience providing doula services, our research, talking with other parents, and finding a fantastic resource at www.thebump.com, we recommend the following checklist for our clients. Happy Packing!

Must-Haves:

[ ] Insurance card and birth plan info (if you have one)

[ ] A doula!

[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, non-slip socks for walking around (that will be pitched)[ ] A warm robe/sweater that you wouldn’t mind possibly being ruined

[ ] 1 to 3 nursing bras or maternity bras (if not nursing) and nursing pads—even if not nursing, you may have leaking in the early days

[ ] Lip balm

[ ] Toiletries — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup-if you are up for it, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case/solution- smaller sizes are better

[ ] Eyeglasses

[ ] Ponytail holder or sports headband

[ ] Hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor

[ ] Pen and notepad

[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks in case the cafeteria is closed.

[ ] Cell phone, charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth

[ ]Bag packed with a change of clothes and toiletries for your partner—snacks for the partner!

Take it or leave it:

[  ] Extra pillow with colored case so you don’t mix up with hospital pillow

[ ] Going-home clothes (or, just wear the clothes you came in)

[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely have a small, very thin one)

[ ] Hairdryer/flat iron (if you feel adventurous)

[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy-flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things if you prefer)

[ ] A few pairs of “granny panties" (or Depends) that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)

[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (or use the lovely hospital gowns, but expect them to get stained)

[ ] Slippers- that can get dirty…be prepared to torch them

[ ] Very light reading (think magazines and newspapers)

[ ] Phone (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)

Leave Home:

[ ] Any clothes, panties or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)

[ ] Valuables like jewelry, watches & earrings

What to Bring For Baby(ies):

[ ]Car seat

[ ] A coming-home outfit

[ ] Blankets (for the ride home)—no snowsuits (babies overheat and not safe to use with car seats)

[ ] hat, as seasonally appropriate

Nurtured Foundation Doula Services provides birth, postpartum day and night doulas, postpartum planning, newborn consultations, baby registry consultations, car seat safety education and installation, baby-wearing consultations, and sleep consulting to the greater Cleveland and Akron areas. You can find additional information HERE.

*List modified from www.thebump.com