As your due date gets closer you're probably wondering, "What should I pack in my hospital bag?" It's one of the questions that inevitably comes up any time we get to talking about birth. You'll likely get some ideas from your mom friends and your sister, but here's a complete list we've put together for you. Don't forget to grab the printable at the end of the blog. Having professionals that are also moms is a cool perk!
I'm including a breakdown of why each of these items made the list! Bonus items added near the end! Don't forget to grab your free printable!
Chapstick!
Laboring is hard work. Expect your mouth and lips to get dry.
Fluids and Snacks!
It's so easy to get caught up in the here and now of labor. This goes double for the birth partner. Backed by The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it's important to stay hydrated and provide your body with nourishment to endure the marathon that is labor and birth. Hangry is a real emotion and if the cafeteria kitchen is closed after you give birth you would have to wait forever or have someone get food from outside of the hospital.
1-2 Bendy Straws
There's nothing like wanting that sip of water or juice and having to change positions just to get it. No way, toss some bendy straws in your hospital birth bag now!
Mints or Hard Candy
No one likes stinky breath, especially someone in labor! It could be their own breath or the breath of someone around her, having mints on hand is a quick way to freshen up. Bonus: when/if you feel nauseous, mint can help settle your stomach.
1-2 Hair Ties
Those lovely locks are amazing, but not hanging down in your face as you're trying to focus inward and relax. It's distracting, to say the least. It also helps to get the hair up off of her neck when labor reaches the second stage (pushing or breathing baby down). Tie the hair up off of the neck and apply a cool, damp cloth and you're golden!
Hairbrush
Matted hair is a new mama's nightmare, but having to use a hospital comb is just basic torture. Having your own brush with you will be a creature comfort that is small and easy to carry along.
Swimsuit
For the birth partner! I bet when you started thinking about your hospital birth bag basics, you weren't considering a swimsuit! The water is a great tool for comfort and relaxation in labor. Getting into the water together and dimming the lights help to create an oxytocin (the love hormone)-filled birth ambiance. There's nothing wrong with both of you being naked. Wearing undies will work in a pinch!
Phone and Charger
You probably won't forget your phone, for most people, it's like their third arm. The charger is an entirely different story! Pack one now! Invest in an extra just for your bag, eventually you'll need it anyway.
Camera
Your phone doubles as a camera! You may be thinking, nope, no pictures. That's understandable, but insider info here: more times than not parents who said no pics, but took pics said they were so thankful to have them. They just deleted what they didn't want and have the others to cherish forever.
Rain Sounds or Relaxing Melody App
By now your hospital birth bag basics might feel like they are toeing the line on "essential". Apps on your phone are a glorious thing! Go ahead and add the Contraction Timer App to you your phone while you're at it!
The sounds of a hospital are less than relaxing. It's not home. The beeps, the door, and strange voices can break your concentration and focus. Getting into a good rhythm and groove only to be disturbed is a bad place to be. Prepare ahead by using your app to bring you to a state of relaxation at the end of pregnancy! When you practice you'll be better able to tune into your relaxed state in childbirth.
Do Not Disturb Sign
You may want to make and take a sign for your door letting those who enter your room know before they enter that you are doing the damn thing and need some P-R-I-V-A-C-Y, sung to the tune of Aretha Franklin's hit song, Respect! Get creative here, no right or wrong way, it's your room!
Every Minute of Every Hour Baby Update
And, while you're at it, for all those well-meaning friends and family members who are definitely more ready for you to have your baby that you are when you get those texts just have them go here: Automatic Baby Update
Going Home Outfit
All the fun doesn't have to be centered around just baby! After all, you grew your little bean, therefore you should come home comfortable and as stylish as you wanna be! Maybe toss in your favorite lip color too!
Ice Bag
Lower back pain is no joke! Heat and ice are tools in your comfort bag. These work great to fill with hot water from the sink or ice from the freezer!
Tennis Ball
You don't have to be Serena Williams to get in on this game! A tennis ball is a great massage tool. It can be used to apply direct pressure to areas of the lower back and butt. This tool can be used unassisted against a wall or behind your back on a bed or with a birth partner.
Unscented Lotion
Lotion can make massages more enjoyable, but UNscented is important! Your favorite scents could quickly become the most wretched smell you have ever experienced in labor. Yes, it's a thing that happens.
Birth/Yoga Ball
The ball is a phenomenal way to keep you in motion, don't lose your rhythm! Get the correct size for your height and inflate it correctly! You'll want a good slow release or anti-burst ball to be safe. The great news is that you can use it throughout pregnancy, labor, and even postpartum as you bouncer or sway with your baby.
Positive Birth Affirmations
The body is more apt to achieve what the mind believes so practice the affirmations that resonate with you and toss them in your bag for positive reinforcement through labor!
Here are a few extras to consider when going over your hospital birth bag basics:
Grab that baby book or keepsake for feet prints
A comfy gown for your post-pregnancy body.
Slippers keep your tootsies comfy and clean.
A nursing bra if you're planning to breastfeed and maybe a few pads if you are already leaking colostrum.
Make-up or any cosmetics you love love love!
For all of you who came here wondering, "What are the hospital birth bag basics," We've included a just for YOU! Don't forget to click, print, use it, and of course, sharing is caring! We are all about making life as easy for new parents as possible!
Authored by Elizabeth Luke
Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. Elizabeth and her husband and best friend, Richard are parents to four children. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, Elizabeth is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart for helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading their healthiest lives possible! Contact us today for day, night, and live-in support!
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