A Labor & Birth Bag Packing List

Many expectant parents pack a bag for their stay in the hospital or birth center in the days and weeks before their due date time, but often, too much focus is on items needed after birth and for the baby. The following checklist outlines items you may want with you during labor and birth. You can pack a separate bag for postpartum and baby needs.

Labor & Birth Bag Checklist

For you:

A copy of your birth plan

Socks/slippers

Flip flops or other 'shower shoes'

Your own pillow with a case that is not white and that can get dirty

Birth/yoga ball and pump (bring ball already pumped)

Chapstick

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Massage oil/lotion and massage tools

Your own clothes to wear in labor (if desired and if you don't mind getting them dirty)

Robe

Reference guide or printouts for labor comfort reminders (Labor Lab or The Birth Partner are great!)

Focal point or special item to hold in your hand

Water bottle

Nourishment: solids, liquids, easy to digest, hard candy - bring a variety

Mints or gum

Hair ties or clips

Music (create a playlist or use a service like Pandora)

Phone/iPad/laptop and chargers

Heating pad or rice sock

Essential oils or scents

Anything else to make you feel comfortable ____________________________________

For your partner/birth support:

Change of clothes

Food & drinks for your partner

Camera

Phone

Pillow

5 Hour Energy, coffee or something similar to help stay awake

Have anything else to add? Tell us in the comments!