Your due date is getting closer and closer. Maybe you’ve already had a few Braxton – Hicks and are starting to wonder what to pack for labor and delivery. It’s actually best to pack four separate bags, one labor bag, one bag for postpartum, one for the baby, and one for labor support, and leave whatever you don’t need in the car. Here’s a labor bag checklist that may help you.
What you need:
- Insurance card
- Nursing bra
- Comfy pillows
- Portable fan
- Slippers/Robe
- Massage oil/lotion (oil is better!)
- Chapstick
- Pen and paper
- Music
- Hair tie
- Mouthwash (in case you throw-up)
What you might need in your labor bag depending on your birthing facility:
- Birthing ball (click here for an article about using a birthing ball in labor)
- Washcloths (for cool compresses and the shower)
- Water/Juice/Popsicles/Jell-O
- Music player
- Birth doula (click here for an article about doulas)
Items to consider in your labor bag:
- LED candles
- Eye masks
- Massage tools
- DVDs/VHS tapes
- Games/Books/Magazines (for epidural moms)
- Focal points
- Heating pads
- Labor clothes (if you don’t want to wear a hospital gown)
- Hair brush (if you find getting your hair brushed soothing)
- Change of clothes to go home in (must still be maternity)
- PJs (if you don’t want to wear a hospital gown)
- Menstrual pads
- Make-up
- Toiletries
- Nursing bra
- Book/Magazine in case of down time
- Car seat
- Going home outfit
- Blankets (depends on the facility)
- Diapers/wipes (depends on the facility)
- ID (depending on birthing facility)
- Food (healthy snacks like energy bars, sandwiches, fruit)
- Cell phone or calling card
- Camera/batteries/chargers
- Change of clothes
- Jacket/Sweatshirt
- Mouthwash (in case your breath stinks)
- Toiletries (for after the baby’s born)
- Book/Magazine/Hand-held gaming device
- Bathing suit (Naked people supporting mom while she’s in the shower are frowned on in hospitals)
Click here for an article for birthing professionals about what they can pack for labor.
Did we forget anything? Let us know and we’ll add it to the article.
The information in this article is not medical advice. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure anything during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum time. Always check with your care provider before following any advice from TheOnlyBabyStop.com.