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
Comments