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Writer's pictureMila Mccambridge

Wait, What do I need to pack in my Birth Bag?

We’ve asked mamas, talked to midwives, read all of the online lists and put together the ultimate delivery bag list just for you. Make your birth a little easier by packing your bag a bit ahead of your due date. Just in case that baby decides to come early, you wanna be ready and as calm as possible mama!



For Birth:

  • Your birth plan- If you have one!

  • A water bottle

  • Lip balm, lips can become very dry during labour

  • A facial spray and a handheld fan can also be useful

  • Massage / Aromatherapy oils for during labour, make sure these are certified and safe to put on your body beforehand

  • Your phone charger, phone, and headphones

  • Speaker with you birth playlist ready to go

  • Clothing for birth - Something super comfy to wear while in labour, like an oversized tee

  • Your favourite pillow or two, remember to put old pillowcases on them to protect them

  • Any natural remedies you’ve been prescribed by your medical herbalist ahead of time, rescue remedy, arnica, etc

  • Lollipop or glucose lollies (heard/barley sugars)

  • A small mirror if you want to watch baby being born, see the head crowning

  • A hair tie or clips to keep your hair out of your face

  • Heating/cooling pads, wheat bag, hot water bottle

  • Night light, hospital lighting can be all or nothing

  • TENS machine if you are using one

  • Snacks


Postpartum:

  • Peri wash bottle or water bottle for first wee

  • 2-3 pairs of PJ’s, front opening if you can it makes it easier to breastfeed

  • Slippers/socks

  • 2-3 nursing bras/tops

  • Day clothes - Comfy loose-fitting clothes, tops that open at the front - if you’d like to change out of your PJs, totally optional

  • loose-fitting cotton undies you are happy to throw away afterward

  • Bathrobe, if delivered in a hospital or birth unit

  • Breast pads and hydrogel disc pads (if sore nipples are a thing)

  • Nipple balm

  • Maternity pads, sometimes the facility will provide, but you may need more

  • Glasses / contacts

  • Something to read / headphones and music device

  • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hair bands, makeup, liquid soap, moisturiser, hairdryer (wonderful for drying yourself completely and gently for stitches/soreness)

  • Towel / flannel

  • A roll or two of your own soft toilet paper, just in case the toilet paper is super scratchy - not nice for down there, some women prefer flushable wipes

  • Any medications / vitamins you take

  • Nourishing snacks / juice / don’t forget the chocolate

  • Earplugs / eye mask

  • Breast pump, in case there is a need to express, the hospital/birth unit should have these, but some women prefer certain brands and may prefer to use their own

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes


For your Newborn:

  • Appropriate clothes for your newborn - make sure these are warm, merino is good for warmth, cotton is breathable, good for layering, but please avoid nylon and synthetic fabrics. You’ll need a long sleeve singlet with domes, long sleeve stretch and grow with feet, warm cardy, woollen hat, swaddle wrap, socks - babies skin doesn’t regulate temperature yet so keep that in mind

  • A few changes of clothes for baby, aim for 4 - singlets, socks, booties, stretch suits, cardigans

  • A blanket for going home

  • Newborn nappies

  • Natural water-based baby wipes

  • Almond oil for baby’s bum to help with the meconium clean ups and/or baby balm

  • A dummy, to help settle in middle of the night

  • If bottle-feeding, check if you need to supply your own bottles and formula

  • Baby toiletries: baby lotion, massage oil, baby balm

  • A correctly fitted car seat, they won’t let you go home without this being correctly fitted

  • Baby blanket


Happy packing,

Love, Thrive Mama x




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