what you need in your hospital bag
Wondering what exactly you need to have in your hospital bag?? Have no fear, your wonderful doula is here! Here are 20 things you need:
1) Your whole self
This seems self-explanatory, but please trust me. If you bring any extra drama or stress into your birthing space, it will be hard for you to concentrate on the task at hand. You are made for this. Believe that and bring that confidence into the space.
2) Your birth plan
Creating a birth plan can be a great exercise to do in preparation for your birth, and your doula can help you make the perfect plan to suit your needs. Just make sure you don’t forget your birth plan when you leave for the hospital. Also, bring a few copies with you--one for your chart, one to pin up in your room, and one for your labor nurses. This will help them know your birth experience desires and it makes their job easier.
3) Water Bottle with a straw
Many hospitals will offer a large plastic jug with a straw for you to drink from throughout the birth, but it’s always a great idea to have one of your own on hand, especially for your partner! We don’t want them dehydrated either!
4) Snacks
Now, not every hospital will let you munch on whatever snacks you bring, but again, your partner NEEDS to keep their energy up too! Make sure you pack snacks that don’t have a strong aroma; you may not mind the smell of a certain food now, but it could be a different story when you’re in labor!
5) Cozy socks or slippers that have grip
Again, most hospitals will give you standard grip socks, but wouldn’t you rather have a pair of your own? The more comfortable you are, then hopefully the better your labor will progress! Also, who wants to walk around a hospital in bare feet?
6) Extra Length phone charger
There aren’t a lot of outlets right next to the bed that are always accessible, so this is just nice to have!
7) Playlist(s)
Bring the music you’ve chosen and arranged for your labor! Sometimes it’s a good idea to have a “labor playlist” and a “pushing playlist” if you want different vibes for each.
8) Lip Balm
We all know when our lips get chapped, it’s SO DISTRACTING. Do yourself a favor and bring your favorite balm to keep those puckers nice and moisturized. You’ll thank me afterward when you will want to kiss your baby’s face over and over again, and you will have soft lips to do it.
9) Your own Pillow
This is just another touch of home and comfort you can bring to your birthing space. Choose a pillowcase you don’t really care about because birth can be messy!
10) Eye mask and Ear plugs
If you get an epidural, chances are you’ll be able to sleep. But just because you’re sleeping doesn’t mean nurses and staff won’t come in and out of your room. Having a mask on and ear plugs in will ensure you get some restful sleep before you need to push!
11) Hair ties
Easy to forget, but essential to have. Birth is long and sweaty, and forgetting a hair tie when you want to put your hair up would be THE WORST.
12) Mints/gum
This is for your partner, so they don’t have gross coffee breath for 15 hours!
13) Night light/twinkle lights
Dimming the lights and putting up some warm lights makes the room feel comfortable and homey.
14) Essential Oils
If you like particular scents, bring them with you. Some hospitals will even let you diffuse in your birthing room!
15) Toiletries
You’ll be at the hospital for a while. Bring the things that will make you feel clean and human again!
16) Jelly nipple pads
Nursing can be painful for the first few days. Check these out.
17) Leggings or sweatpants
Whether you have a vaginal or cesarean birth, you will want comfy clothes that are loose around the pelvic area!
18) And finally
Going home outfit for baby!