What women LOVE to pack in their birth bag...
EVEN IF you’re only a few weeks into your pregnancy you’ve probably had a couple of thoughts about what to pack in your birth bag. It’s a hot topic in prenatal yoga classes and, just like going on holiday, you can end up cramming everything in there at the last minute (or worse, pack the wrong stuff!) if you don’t give it some thought.
So what do you really need? In a ideal workd YOU are all your baby needs and of course, there are things that you need to support you to feel as calm and relaxed as possible. First things first - even if it’s your intention to have a homebirth pack a birth bag or box, not because your dream birth won’t happen, but because it’s easier to have everything in one place so you or your birth partner can easily grab it.
Creating your birth bag or box helps you get used to the fact that you will be giving birth, and it’s really going to happen. It’s ideal to pack your bag at least a few weeks before your estimated due date (less than 5% of babies are born on their actual due date). If you’re still in the first or second trimester it’s still great to at least begin your list and edit as you go so you don’t have a massive bag of stuff to rummage through on the day.
Here are a few suggestions of what pregnant women love to have - change it up to suit your needs:
Labour | Birth notes, birth plan | any prescribed medication
Loose top or nightie so they can move freely (and a couple of spares)
Comfortable bra top or nursing bra if planning to breastfeed (or bikini/tankini top if you’re planning for a water birth).
Breast pads
Multiple pairs of big pants (smile and think Bridget Jones) for comfort as much as ease
Dressing gown / slippers or flip flops
Socks - cold feet is often a thing during labour
Maternity pads or highly absorbent sanitary pads - even if you have a c-section there’s likely to be some bleeding from your lady parts.
Your toiletries - toothbrush, flannel, moisturiser (even basic hygiene helps you relax more)
Healthy snacks and drinks (take bottled water and a cup with a drinking straw - you’ll be thankful for it)
Spritz for your bits - cooling spray to soothe perineal tenderness (or make up your own blend)
Hand fan or cooling spray for you
Spare pillows or blanket (sometimes mums get a bit shaky after labour as the adrenalin comes through)
Birthing ball or yoga mat if you’re planning a more active birth (promotes comfort), if planning a birthing centre or hospital check if these are available,
If you are (thoroughly recommend you do) intending to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere (can help increase chances of a shorter labour and make birth more comfortable) then consider taking some LED fairy lights or battery candles, essential oils or a scent you love (some mums spray partner’s aftershave onto a cushion or hanky), music and a means to play it.
If you’re been using written affirmations then it’s good to have these with you as prompts
Photos of loved ones - family, pets, tranquil scenes - any image that supports you to release oxytocin and feel loved and supported
You may like to wear an eye mask for some of the time if that helps you relax.
Although you might think there will be no time to do anything between surges chances are you’ll have time available so consider taking a book or magazine.
Mobile phone charger
FOR YOUR TEENY WEENY PERSON:
Body suit, vests, sleepsuit (and plenty of spares!)
An outfit for going home
Hat, socks or booties
Lots of nappies (babies can get through many)
Cotton wool for cleaning your baby
A shawl or blanket
Muslin squares for spit up
A car seat for driving home - and learn how it works before you’re standing in a freezing cold car park with baby
Start to think now about how you’d like to organise your things; perhaps a bag for labour and a separate one for postnatal once your baby is in your arms.
Psst - top tip, apparently smoothing a little oil (organic coconut or almond oil for example) onto your baby’s bottom makes that first super sticky poo (can be like tar) slip off much easier.
Birth partner? What might he or she need for comfort? Put them in charge of your own:
A couple of changes of clothes
If you are having a water birth your husband / partner needs to have swimwear (midwives don’t need to see their bits do they! 😂)
Toiletries (hygiene vital if you’re hanging around and if you’re smooching for oxytocin you’d prefer fresh, right?!)
Change for the car park (if charges apply)
Their own snacks
Perhaps they also have a few things that they associate with calm
What you really really really need to know is that even if you forget ALL of the above you will find a way to muddle through as long as you know how to stay calm and relaxed during labour and birth. A strong, well-prepared body and mind goes a long long long long way (even when there’s not a much needed nappy in sight!).
Big love and then some,
Sophia 😘 💕
PS - if you are planning a birth playlist for each stage of labour and once your baby is here do start to create that now. These kinds of things are lovely ideas but can be quite time consuming towards the end when you’d be far better off chilling out and getting into your ‘birth zone’ early.
PPS - have you already signed up for my free ebook and audio to help you prepare for a better birth? If not grab your copy here.
