Whether you are giving birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home it is a good idea to have a bag ready to go! When you begin packing your birth bag, it is important to consider your birthing location and your birth plan. For example, if you are giving birth at a hospital or birth center, space is generally a bit more limited than if you are birthing at home (unless, like me you live in less than 500 sqft.). Likewise, if you are planning a water birth you may want to pack swimwear for you and your partner.
If you are at all like me, it is important to bring what is needed and only what is needed. Thus, I have created "The Minimalist's Guide to Packing Your Birth Bag".
ITEMS for MOM
-Comfy robe/ PJs (many women prefer a casual loose dress)
-sports bra or comfortable nursing bra
- nursing tank
- your favorite socks x2
-high-wasted underwear x2
- swimsuit top (if you may labor or birth in the tub or shower)
-Set of clothes for going home
- flip-flops for going to the bathroom & laboring in the shower
- Your favorite water bottle
TOILETRIES
-Hairbrush
- Hair ties & bobby pins
- lip balm
-toothbrush
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- face wash & face lotion (after a long stay away from home, it just feels good to start fresh!)
- Tucks Pads (amazing for after vaginal delivery)
- Nipple Butter* if you plan to breastfeed
- Dry Shampoo
ITEMS for DADS
- swim trunks (In case you need to help mom labor in the shower)
- flip-flops (also for shower)
- 2 extra sets of clothes (one in case you want to change after birth, the other for going home)
- Comfy pants/ PJs
-Extra pair of socks and shoes
-Basic Toiletries (toothbrush, razor, comb, deodorant)
- Water bottle
ITEMS for BABY
- simple onesie
- baby beanie
- going home outfit
- swaddle cloth
MISCELLANEOUS
- Phone chargers
- Bible
- list of people to call
- snacks
- birth plan
- IDs, insurance card, cash for vending machines & parking garage