What to Pack in Your Birth Bag

 

Trying to figure out what’s really necessary to pack in your birth bag? Whether you’re birthing at a hospital or birthing center, you’re going to want to have one packed by around 36 weeks. You don’t need nearly as much as you think, but we’re listed a few essentials and some things to make you feel good.

 
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Deiji Linen Pajamas
Deiji Linen Pajamas

We love the 03 sets, which we sometimes wear to bed and all day postpartum. They’re great to have in the hospital or birth center too, easy access for bf.

Juem Nursing Bra and Underwear
Juem Nursing Bra and Underwear

Love these nursing bras and underwear from Australian brand Juem. Paloma bra and Lou brief are our favorites.

Orange Essential Oil + Diffuser
Orange Essential Oil + Diffuser

A diffuser and essential oils can be amazing during labor - we loved using orange for it’s uplifting and energizing properties.

True Botanicals Mist
True Botanicals Mist

Face spray can really feel amazing when you’re in labor, and after - hospital rooms can get DRY.

Willaby Baby Wrap
Willaby Baby Wrap

This one is a nice to have not need to have, but we are obsessed with this blanket from Willaby. They also have great swaddles, burp cloths etc.

Baggu Bag

We love this BAGGU bag for packing everything, and use it as a diaper bag afterwards. It’s a little small so if you’re planning on bringing a lot more, you can just use a weekender.

Parachute Robe
Parachute Robe

We love a robe to hang out in, it’s nice to have something comfortable that gives you easy access while you figure out breastfeeding.

Going Home Outfit
Going Home Outfit

Our friend Katie created the perfect (seriously, perfect) lounge set - you’ll look put together and be super comfortable - trust us on this one. You’ll live in it.

Going Home Outfit for Baby
Going Home Outfit for Baby

We’d pack a hat, and coverall with footies, and a couple of swaddles if you don’t want to use the ones they provide. No need to bring a ton of options. We love NatureBaby.

Falke Cozy Wool Socks
Falke Cozy Wool Socks

Wool socks to throw on can really make you feel cozy (and clean) when you’re walking on hospital or birth center floors.

Herban Essentials Lavender Towelette
Herban Essentials Lavender Towelette

These one time use towelettes are great to quickly wipe your face, hands, whatever - with the refreshing and calming smell of lavender.

Erbaviva Nursing Balm
Erbaviva Nursing Balm

You’re going to need some type of nursing balm if you’re breast/chestfeeding. This one smells lovely and is all natural.

Nucifera
Nucifera

This stuff you can really use anywhere, chapped lips, dry skin, cracked nipples…

Peri Bottle
Peri Bottle

One of the most essential post-birth items (it’s way better than the one they provide you in the hospital if you’re birthing there). You basically hold it upside down and squirt for continuous, gentle water pressure exactly where you need it. We liked filling with warm water and following with a perineal spray.

Herbal Perineal Spray
Herbal Perineal Spray

This spray has organic herbs traditionally used for postpartum relief and to help soothe perineal discomfort before and after childbirth. You can pack it in your birth bag and use with your peri bottle.

Maternity Pads
Maternity Pads

You’ll probably want to get a few boxes of these - maybe 3 - since there are only about 10 in a pack. These were our favorites. You can bring a few in your birth bag.

Other things to bring along —

Your own pillow

Toiletries you can’t live a day without

Baby’s car seat (you can’t leave the hospital without one!)

Insurance Card

Snacks and drinks — we love coconut water for hydration, and anything protein packed for energy

Chargers

Your laptop if you’re going to be there for a few days (to watch netflix, etc)

Partner’s bag of things

 
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Product GuideCaroline Bennett