As you get closer to your Due Date, it’s best to get a “Go Bag” packed and set by the door, so you can just grab it and go when the time comes to head to the hospital or birthing center. Be prepared with essential items to get you through a possible multiple-day stay, but don’t go overboard. Nobody wants to be lugging around 2 full suitcases and a backpack when you’re trying to get checked in and settled into your room…all while being in active labor.
Everyone knows you need to pack your toiletries and necessities for the baby, but in my years as a doula I’ve noticed there’s a few items that families always wish they had packed. For my full curated packing checklist of essential items, download my FREE Pregnancy Planning Mini Guide.
Snacks
It’s been a common misconception for years that you can’t eat or drink while in labor, especially if you’re giving birth in a hospital. There is absolutely no evidence to support any rules against eating during labor, even if there’s a high possibility of c-section. It’s good to keep in mind that you may become nauseous during labor and may even throw up. So it’s best to keep the eating to small bites here and there throughout the labor process, rather than eating a full meal at once.
Pack your favorite snacks in your Go Bag. Make sure you have plenty because like I said earlier, you may be there longer than expected depending on how things go. Nuts, granola bars, dried fruits, and other small snacks are preferred so you can grab them easily and have them close by to nibble on from time to time.
Lip Balm
The amount of mouth-breathing you will do during labor is intense, especially if you’re planning to do any kind of guided birthing practices like HypnoBirthing or Lamaze. Trust me when I say your lips WILL get dry. Keep the Chapstick handy and readily available at all times. You can thank me later.
Electric Candles
This may seem totally frivolous and unnecessary, but let me tell you why this should be the first thing you put in the bag. Hospital lighting is harsh (understatement of the year). It’s typically fluorescent, very very bright, and usually can’t be dimmed without it being turned completely off. Bright lights are not conducive of physiological birth, as the 5 elements needed for birth are Privacy, Safety, Warmth, Quiet, and Darkness. Turning down the lights (or fully turning them off) triggers your brain that it’s time to rest. Your body naturally releases melatonin and allows you to relax between contractions and release any built up tension in your body.
Having some electric candles to scatter around the room will give you a soft ambience and provide dim light to be able to see around the room just enough to not be in the complete dark. Some birthing centers may have electric candles that they will provide, so find out if that’s something you should be packing or if your birth place already has some you can use.
Nursing Pillow
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you will definitely want to bring a nursing pillow that you love. Something like a Boppy Pillow or My Brest Friend will start you on your breastfeeding journey ahead of the curve. There’s nothing worse than trying to stack flat hospital pillows under your arms and baby, trying to find the right position, all while you’re in the beginning stages of learning how to breastfeed. Having the nursing pillow you plan to use throughout your breastfeeding journey with you from the start can also make it easier for your learning process by keeping the feeding environment consistent. You’ll likely have a lactation consultant that will come see you during your postpartum hospital stay and they can show you the different feeding positions using the exact pillow you plan to use once you’re home.
Baby Carrier/Wrap
If you have a baby carrier, wrap, or sling…bring it. Having immediate and ongoing skin-to-skin with your baby has proven to be extremely helpful in the development of your baby’s brain and senses as they adjust to the outside world, as well as assist in emotional bonding for the both of you, and even helps in establishing and nurturing breastfeeding. Bring a carrier so you and your partner can wear the baby (while being shirtless, and baby naked except for a diaper) to have this amazing bonding time and still have your hands free. I’ve also noticed in my time as a doula that partners prefer holding their newborns in the carrier if they’re not so confident in their abilities as a parent yet. It provides a level of security and comfort knowing the baby is fully safe in their arms. My favorite carriers are the BabyBjörn Free and the Solly Wrap.
Download the Full Packing List
Your “Go Bag” should typically be packed and ready to go by 35/36 weeks just in case you go into labor a little early. If you’re planning to give birth at a birthing center, pack a separate smaller bag with just the absolute essentials in the event that you need to transfer to a hospital quickly. If you liked this list, be sure to check out my full Go Bag Packing Checklist in my FREE Pregnancy Planning Mini Guide.
Denise Curtis
Denise is a Certified Labor & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Lactation Educator based in Los Angeles, CA. She has helped thousands of families prepare for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, baby feeding, and infant care.