In this post, I will be sharing what’s in my hospital bag for my natural, hospital based birth.
I’m officially in the home stretch of my pregnancy with baby #3 and I am so excited to share with you guys what’s in my hospital bag! This is my first time *planning* for a hospital birth, but not actually my first time birthing in a hospital. I was planning on having a home birth with my second daughter (check out my home birth prep post here) however things took a turn and we ended up having her in a hospital. Due to my blood clotting issues, baby #3 will be born in a hospital as well.
This time around, I wanted to pack items that would help set the mood for a more natural birthing experience in a hospital setting and make our stay as comfortable as possible. As a third time mom, I feel like I was able to keep this list fairly minimal with only the things I know I will reach for. I tried to organize the items by category to keep it simple!
Labor
Hospital Gown– I decided to purchase a hospital gown this time around to be more comfortable and to feel less exposed throughout labor. This one has snaps that pop open easily for skin to skin, velcro down the back for anyone who plans on getting an epidural, and short sleeves for IVs. It also has two pockets- major bonus for listening to hypnosis tracks on your phone while walking around!
Bralette– for underneath the hospital gown. The softest ever, and very stretchy so will be super easy to pull down once baby lands on my chest!
Cloud Slides– The most comfortable shoes on earth! I don’t plan on bringing slippers because my due date is in the summer but these will be great for walking around and for the shower. I like the hospital socks they provide if my feet do get cold so I’m not packing those.
Portable Speaker–For hypnosis tracks, background hypnosis music or other music.
Blanket and Pillow– I was so grateful to have my own blanket and pillow last time for my surprise hospital delivery! This made me so much more comfortable both in labor and postpartum.
Portable Fan– I have heard this can be a lifesaver during transition!
Tumbler– For Ninxgia drinks or flavored water with electrolytes to sip on during labor to keep up my strength.
Ningxia– Great for labor and postpartum to refuel!
Diffuser– Having a diffuser going during labor is a must for me! The nurses always love it too haha
- Valor- incredible for all things fear, worry and anxiousness.
- Release- such a beautiful smell and great for releasing fear and negative emotions.
- Lavender- so calming!
- Peppermint- to smell in case of nausea.
- Clary sage- great once labor has started to aid with any stall in labor.
- Geranium-great to put on your abdomen after baby is born to help bleeding.
- Lemon and Orange- to diffuse after baby is born to keep the room feeling fresh.
Long phone charger– You never know where the hospital outlet will be and I plan on using my phone to listen to hypnotracks.
LED candles– These look like flickering candles but they are electric. My vision is a dark room with the diffuser, candles going and hypnosis music playing. I hope that these candles can help set the tone in my delivery room for both myself and the staff.
Birth Plan – I still actually need to make this lol! But plan to have a little one-sheet I can hand to our nurse to make my requests for the birth known when we arrive.
Postpartum
Frida Mom Disposable Underwear– I have heard amazing things about these! Similar to hospital briefs but with better support.
Comfy Lounge PJS– to change into after baby arrives.
Nursing Bra-comfy and clips down for nursing
Going home outfit– Leggings, tank top and a T-shirt
Towel– That first post baby shower is so glorious! Having your own towel just gives you that extra feeling of comfort.
Toiletries– face wash, serum, face lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Unscented Lotion– Hospitals are very dry so its nice to have on hand. I also like to use this on my belly after labor along with oils.
Lip Balm-Also to combat the hospital dryness.
Thieves hand sanitizer-I take one of these with me everywhere! Best hand sani ever and totally natural.
Claraderm Spray– Holy grail childbirth spray!! It’s loaded with healing essential oils so it’s great for prepping the tissues down below leading up to birth to keep from tearing, and also afterwards to soothe & speed healing. I have used this with both of my previous births and had very minimal tearing both times & super easy recoveries. I really believe this helped me heal really quickly after my births! I use this in place of the dermoplast spray they give you in the hospital.
AfterEase- a tincture to use postpartum to help with the after birth contractions which get worse with each successive pregnancy.
Nipple Butter– I love that you don’t have to wipe this one off before nursing because of its simple, organic ingredients. I will also make a roller with coconut oil/olive oil and copaiba essential oil that I will rotate in for its anti inflammatory properties.
Breast pads– Probably won’t need these until my milk comes in a few days after birth but I am packing a few just in case. The hospital also has these upon request if you need them.
Placenta cooler– I have gotten my placenta encapsulated with each birth and swear by it! My energy levels have been great and my mood has been so stable with my previous postpartum experiences. The company I hired to encapsulate it is providing a cooler for us.
About to leave list
I created a list in my phone of last minute items to grab when we are about to leave for the hospital – basically all the stuff I don’t want packed away up until we have to leave!
Toiletries
Phone charger
Camera and charger
Pillow
Headphones
Baby
Diapers and Wipes– The hospital has these but I am packing a few just in case. I love the seedlings wipes from young living!
Swaddle blankets– one for each gender because we don’t know the gender of this baby. I will probably use the hospital swaddles for most of the time but these will be great for photos or to use as blankets.
Going home outfits– one for each gender. The softest waffle knit shirt and pants sets!
Long-sleeve snap up shirt– great for skin to skin if its a little chilly in the room
Bow– In case baby is a girl 🙂
If you are preparing to pack your own hospital bag, I hope you found this post helpful! You really don’t need to pack a ton in your hospital bag, and I tried to keep this list as minimal as possible. For more details on my pregnancies and all things birth check out my podcast- The Bristow’s Made a Baby. This season, I have been hosting guests who share their positive hospital birth stories and it has been such a great way to prepare for a positive birthing experience. Sending you all peaceful vibes for your own births!