Pack Your Bags
What to Bring to the Birth Center or Hospital
Are you dreaming of your baby's arrival? You might be having nightmares of rushing out the door for the hospital or birth center and leaving behind the bags you spent hours packing so carefully. Will those bags really define your birth experience? What do you really need to pack, and what can you leave behind?
Many of the items packed in birth bags remain unused. That’s OK. How can you know exactly what you’ll use during labor until you’re in the moment? In fact, it’s best not to pack away all your comforts, such as a tennis ball for massage or a rice sack for soothing heat, as you may use these while you labor at home. If you are planning a home birth with midwifery care, keep a list of the items you will want, so it’s easy to gather them if you transfer to a hospital in labor.
Be flexible about what you might want in labor. While music may sound relaxing now, when you’re deep in the throes of labor, it may become irritating or you may not even notice it. Or, you may find that a certain track becomes your focal point and you insist that it be played over and over again. Expect your needs to change throughout labor and pack accordingly.
Think about practical items you may use, such as a brush and hair band for keeping your hair off your face. Also include a few luxuries--perhaps you’ll relish your most comfortable pair of pajamas (for resting after the birth) and your favorite pillow. Consider items that support movement throughout labor, such as soft slippers to pamper your feet while walking on bare floors and a birth ball for sitting, leaning or rocking. Massage oil will help your labor partner provide soothing touch during labor.
Depending on the place where you plan to give birth, you also may need or want to pack some food. Miso soup, chicken broth or a smoothie can boost your energy in labor, or try crackers with peanut butter, banana or apple slices. Pack energy bars, fruit snacks or other quick foods for your partner.
To make searching for packed items easier, use a separate bag for after the baby’s birth. This bag will contain your toiletries, a loose-fitting outfit for your trip home, an outfit for your newborn to wear home (including socks and hat) and a receiving blanket.
No matter what you pack, know that none of these items are necessary for giving birth. Some of the things may support the birth process. They may facilitate continuous labor support and your freedom to move in labor. Remember that all you really need is the freedom and support to listen and respond to your body’s cues. The power to give birth is in you.
