birth bag checklist
Ah the big task of packing your BIRTH BAG.
If you are birthing in the hospital, it is essential to have your bags ready to go by the end of your pregnancy. The amount of clothes etc will depend on how long you are planning to stay in the hospital after baby. Standard is 24-48 hrs but if you have a c-section or if you or Bub needs monitoring you might stay longer.
My advice would be to pack a basic bag from my list below, then you can pack a small backup bag and leave either in the car or at home that someone can easily grab for you if needed, with extra clothes, pads, nappies etc.
Here is the all must-haves and the good-to-haves!
Mama:
SNACKS - Such as bliss balls, energy bites, lollies (I have Manuka honey lozenges that are amazing)
Waterbottle + other drinks such as coconut water or sports drinks
Bendable Straw!!!
Pen, Paper and Paperwork - Medicare Card, Pregnancy Record and Birth Wishes.
Music - have two playlists ready and easily accessible for hubby or doula
Playlist 1: relaxing, calming
Playlist 2: upbeat/favourite songs/something you can dance to
Face washer - for hot/cold compress in labour
Hair ties
Lip Balm
Massage Oil - for in labour or afterwards to relax and help with breastfeeding. My belly oil would work perfectly for this! So versatile and great for skin.
Toiletries - avoid fragrances, but do bring your favourite body wash and skin products as a treat after birth.
Phone Charger + Camera + Ipad
Peri Bottle - for post-baby toilet visits
Postpartum Healing Herbs - to use with peri bottle
2-3 packs of Maternity Pads
Maternity Bras
Big Comfy underwear or Period Underwear
Breastfeeding Singlets/T-shirts
Robe / Dressing Gown / PJ’s
Slippers/Socks
Clothes that are loose, soft and comfortable such as pants, Leggings, Shirts, Hoodies, Jumpers. You will still look 20 weeks pregnant in the early days.
Baby:
4 Singlets/bodysuits
6 pjs/jumpsuits/wondersuits
1 set of hats, socks, mittens
1 thick blanket
4 wraps/swaddles
1-2 packs of babywipes
10-20 Nappies
Partner:
1 Pair of change
Boardshorts - if birthing in pool
toiletries - avoid fragrance
SNACKS
Phone Charger
Extras/Optionals:
Essential Oils - for labour and postpartum
Affirmation Cards - both Birth and Breastfeeding Affirmation Cards are available in my Mama Shop.
Fairy Lights - to go with your affirmation cards
A roll of extra soft toilet paper from home. The hospital paper is of the scratchier kind.
Your own pillow. This is heaven!!
Herbal Tinctures and Essences - I LOVE lots of products from Blissful Herbs and IBU Ayurveda.
Printed Version of this list *coming soon*
You’re welcome xx
