What to Pack in Your Bag for Your Labor, Birth, and Early Postpartum Experience
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There are a number of things that I carry to tend to my laboring and birthing mama when I head to any birthing space for doula support. Doula bags vary from doula to doula and birthing space to birthing space and there’s no one-size fits all approach. My own bag has changed since my very first days of support to now, and I leave some things behind (or swap things) depending on the client, the timing, the need. Doula bag aside, there are still some personal items necessary for mom + dad to pack and some things you might want to consider bringing to the place you’ve chosen to give birth. The items I have linked below are things I have personally used (and loved, and probably after using other things I didn’t love) or updated versions of my favorite brand’s items. If you find that you need something you have forgotten, it’s likely that some lovely person in your life will be willing to pick it up from your house - or Target! You may also want to include personal items unlisted here - like printed photographs and affirmations, or makeup! Remember that what’s best for you is what lends to relaxation and ease, what gives you a semblance of peace and home, the carrying of things (and thoughts) that support, and the surrounding of people who do the same.
For Administrative Purposes:
Driver License (both mom + dad) - you’ll need both for completing Birth Certificate paperwork
Medical Insurance Cards
Copy of Advance Directive and Living Will
Copy of Birth Preferences
For Labor:
Dedicated camera, if you have one, if you’d like pictures beyond your phone camera
Chargers for any of your electronic devices
Laboring gown (the hospital will provide one but you may want your own)
Socks with grip (two pairs)
Hair bands
Light, hydrating pre-cut fruit, berries in individual servings
Light protein sources in individual servings: think nut butters, chunks of avocado or fish, hard-boiled eggs, protein bars
For Mama:
Robe, one that makes you feel pretty and that you don’t mind seeing in pictures
Sleeping pillow (pillows can be surprisingly hard to come by)
Some combination of nursing and flow compatible garments. You could opt for a few gowns with nursing bras. After labor and the first few hours of birth you could change into nursing camis with shelf bras (I used these ones before they updated them and added fixed padding, these may be great as the pads are removable) and comfortable pants. Some folks like looser ones, some like them more fitting. Do remember that wearing bottoms will require pulling down for checking of flow and changing pads and disposable underwear. As you can see, I’m a fan of Kindred Bravely products. I’ve found their brand to be comfortable and reliable.
Everyday personal hygiene items
Nursing pads - if you prefer disposable or washable
Nursing pillow - if you prefer simple or a little more structured
After Ease - yo, this stuff works. It’s possible that you won’t feel such deep after birth sensations when breastfeeding shortly after birth and for the first 24 hours if you’re a first time mom (they become far more prominent with each successive birth) or if you’ve had an epidural that is still active but if you do, you’ll want this on hand.
For Dad:
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with grip for labor support
Two days of leisure-wear and sleepwear
Food for labor that matches mama’s
Body butter or oil for mama
Everyday personal hygiene items
Mouthwash and gum
Her favorite cologne or scent and/or soft shirt she likes for you to wear
Sleeping pillow
For Baby:
I highly recommend this style of shirt and your diapers of choice for those first days. Baby will be all scrunched up with nowhere to go but Mama + Daddy’s chest and their skin to your skin will give them the best layers. The hospital will provide diapers and the quintessential swaddling blanket, but you may want to bring your own of both. If you’re open to doing very little swaddling - I very much recommend leaning into that over the first few days of breastfeeding and while getting acquainted with your baby’s feeding cues. You’ll use a blanket over baby while skin to skin though, and if/when you do find the desire to swaddle - I recommend muslin blankets for soft covering (give them a few prior washes) and for swaddling ease and breathability.
A couple of pairs of socks, may use them, may not.
Hats aren’t necessary, but if you’d like one cause they’re just so darn cute? This was and still is my favorite.
I hope these links and notes are helpful for you in the nurturing of a comforting, supportive birthing experience.
