Your birth bag is about having a few basics as well as some practical items to help you feel more comfortable.
Whether you are planning to have your baby at home or in hospital, it can be useful to have a few essentials to hand in case you need them. It can seem like you are taking a lot in to hospital but some of it can stay in the car and it may be better to take more so it’s there if you need it.
Here’s a few ideas…
for your labour & birth
birth ball and a V pillow to help keep you comfortable. Many maternity units have birth balls but yours will be familiar to you and having yours means you continue to have options
a picnic to keep you both going plus fruit, nuts, simple sandwiches and isotonic drinks. Honey sticks can also provide a quick energy boost
a blanket, dressing gown and socks for comfort and warmth – some women get shivery in labour, as well as just afterwards, and others want to feel cosy
relaxing music, especially if you have used it in pregnancy. A phone with headphones can be useful so you can focus and stay calm
relax & breathe resources for focus and calm
a small battery-powered fan and/or water spray to help you cool down
straws or a water bottle to make drinking water easier
your birth plan/preferences/wishes, your maternity notes plus your labour & birth guides to remind you of positions, relaxation and breathing
lip balm – your lips can become dry, especially if you are using gas & air
an inflatable bath pillow – perfect for leaning against in the birthing pool
hair clips/bobbles/hand band if you have long hair
some women also like to use Rescue Remedy to help keep them calm
massage oil and any aromatherapy oil you may have used in pregnancy to help you relax
TENS machine – but ideally start using this from early labour at home
toiletries – so you can freshen up and brush your teeth: this can be
re-energising if labour lasts for several hours
small hot water bottle or a heatpack for your back
a flannel which can be used to cool you down or freshen you up
earplugs/headphones if there is noise
any medication you might already be taking
a nightdress and a bikini top if you want to get in the birthing pool, although you may end up wearing nothing
have your phone to hand for music, birth guides and to message/speak to someone for support
if you are being induced
All of the above plus:
if you are induced with a pessary, you might be waiting for labour to get started so it can be useful to also take in plenty of things to keep you busy and distracted – download a movie or two onto a tablet or laptop, take a book or some magazines and anything else you do such as knitting, drawing or cards
TENS machine
music to help you relax – being able to relax is important when you are being induced
if you are having a planned caesarean
a blanket, dressing gown and socks for comfort and warmth - you can be quite shivery afterwards
music
relax & breathe resources to help you stay calm, which can be used before as well as during your caesarean
birth plan/notes
lip balm – your lips can become dry
hair clips/bobbles/hand band if you have long hair
after you have given birth
slippers
pyjamas / comfy nightdress
comfortable, loose fitting clothes
big pants and a comfortable bra
maternity pads – some mums also talk about using TENA pants instead because they are more comfortable than pads
breast pads
toiletries including shower gel, shampoo/conditioner
towels
sports bottle for water
phone and charger
food, drinks and snacks
V pillow for feeding
for partners
food, sweets and drinks
paracetamol for headaches and any other medication that you might be taking
a change of clothes and toiletries to freshen up
shorts & t-shirt – it can be hot in hospital and you might also want to get into the birth pool
phone and charger
camera
money, including change
a copy of any birth plan/preferences/wishes
Labour & Birth Guides so you can support with breathing and positions
pyjamas if you are staying overnight
Some parents have talked about taking a blow-up mattress or camping mattress into hospital for partners to use – they have kept it in the car until they need it. This can mean rest and sleep for during an induction, if an epidural is being used and everyone can sleep for a while and postnatally. Pack a sheet and a sleeping bag as well, just in-case you need them. Check what facilities your maternity unit offers.
for your baby
nappies, cotton wool, wipes
formula and bottles if you are planning to formula feed or you want it as a back-up – the ready-made bottled formula can be the easiest option.
a blanket
muslin squares
4 sleep-suits and bodysuits
hat and a pair of socks
car seat to take your baby home
Some parents keep additional birth bag items in the car in case they need them or if they are in hospital for a bit longer
other suggestions from parents
any medication you need
loose, comfy clothes for the postnatal ward and to come home in - but something you can feed in if that’s what you are aiming for
make sure your partner knows what is in the bag - maybe pack them together
have an extra bag of clothes for everyone in the car just in case you need to stay in hospital for longer
crocs!
big pants were essential afterwards to hold me all together comfortably
something cosy for labour - I was really surprised that I wanted to be wrapped up in labour as it made me feel safe. I expected to be naked but I wanted a blanket and thick socks
I was so sweaty and smelly after hours of labour, I was desperate for a shower to be clean and fresh to relax with my baby - I had skin to skin with her until my placenta was delivered, my perineum was checked for any tears and then I was happy to hand her to her dad so I could be clean. My midwife also changed the sheets at this point as well so it was heavenly to get into bed, to cuddle and feed my baby
I transferred to hospital after my homebirth went on for too long - I was really glad I had everything together in one place because that made the transfer quicker and easier
I really wanted to speak to my friend who I knew would be encouraging and supportive so I had her on the phone to stop me panicking
This might seem like a lot to consider but it can be more beneficial to take in more to increase your options, just in case you need it.
If you are planning a home birth, it can still be useful to pack a birth bag of useful items – this means they are easy to find when you need them and you still have the things you need if you should transfer to hospital.
Please do leave your comments and questions below and you can also arrange a conversation with me to focus on your birth preparation.
With digital courses and guides as well as consultations, there is something for you during pregnancy, for birth, with your baby and as a parent.