What to Pack in your Birth Bag

Congratulations! You’re having a Baby! 

If you are reading this blog, you may be preparing to welcome a baby soon. I hope that you will have a safe and empowering birth experience surrounded by support and love. If you are still building your birth team or interested in learning more about how to prepare for childbirth check out our 8 week childbirth Education Program!

Preparing a birth bag can feel daunting, especially for first time parents. Wanting to be extremely prepared for bringing your new child home safe and sound is part of why you are a great parent, but let me let you in on a secret, your baby doesn’t know the difference! So yes, put thought and care into building your birth bag, and know that being in your arms safe and sound, your baby will feel safe.

Before we get into the list of things to bring, I want to share with you all the things that may be provided to you. (A small tip: Ask your care team what is included in your stay. If items are provided and already part of your care, you may be able to take unused supplies home.)

What Your Birth Location May Provide:

• Postpartum underwear

• Pads

• Breast pump and accessories including bottles for your stay at the hospital (Some hospitals provide a breast pump and accessories for use during your stay. Check with your birth location to understand what will be available. Feel free to bring your own or speak with your provider about feeding support.)

• Nipple cream

• Perineal healing products

• Baby diapers, wipes and rash cream

• Baby swaddle

• Baby clothes (but still feel free to bring your own)

• Baby grooming kit

Packing for Birthing Person and Baby

What to Pack in Your Birth Bag

• Nursing bra/nursing tank

• Nonslip house shoes or socks

• Extra pillows

• Extra long phone charger

• Lightweight robe

• Blanket

• Easily digestible snack (like applesauce, yogurt, or instant oatmeal)

• Change of clothes and underwear

• Personal care items

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste

  • Face and body wash

  • Dry shampoo

  • Deodorant

  • Washcloth and towel

  • Moisturizers and skin care products of choice

• Wallet and insurance card

• Newborn outfit

• Headphones

• Eye mask (to help you sleep)

• Essential oils

• Tablet and or phone

• Birth plan

 

Support Person Bag

Whether your support person is a partner, friend, family member, or doula

• Change of Clothes

• Personal Care Items (refer to list above)

• Entertainment of choice

• Chargers

• Massage tools and other comfort items for Birthing Person

 

Other things to consider when preparing to welcome a baby:

• Who will watch any animals or other children while I’m at the hospital?

• Other than your direct support team (partner or doula) is there anyone else you’d like to inform about you going into labor?

• What is your hospital's policy for guests after your baby is born, do you even desire guests to visit you at the hospital?

• If you are traveling home by car, have you ensured the car seat is properly installed?

• Do you have a postpartum home plan? If not check out our upcoming Postpartum and Newborn Care Workshop.