So you’re in your final stretch of the pregnancy which is excittting and nerve wrecking at the same time! Sometimes it seems like there’s so much to do but such little time. Just know you’re not alone and not one person can do everything alone w/o making mistakes.
Hopefully this quick guide can give you a little assistance for your baby’s debut at the hospital!
My husband and I were lucky enough to take baby classes at the hospital so that helped my wheels start spinning in my mind for what to pack. There’s no right or wrong way to pack but I’ll definitely say there’s a ‘smart’ way to pack. 😉
HOW MANY BAGS DO YOU NEED?
If your birth place has a labor room/wing and a post-partum room/wing
I suggest making two bags. Why?
- When you arrive at the hospital there’s so much going on and it’s easier to carry a small ‘labor’ bag into the building.
- Once your done with the labor process that bag can be taken to the car so you don’t have to take up extra space in your post-partum room.
- During the labor process it’s easier for your spouse or birthing mate to give you things you need out of that bag. (Example) if you need your heating pad or headphones, you don’t want them searching forever in a large suitcase. It should be a quick grab and go situation.
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF A LABOR BAG?
Your labor bag is your one stop shop to help you get through this journey! The main goal is to pack things that will help you relax and make the process manageable.
My plan was to not use an epidural so I wanted to pack things to get me through the contractions without feeling the urge to request the shot.
I’m here to tell you that it is 100% possible to have a natural birth if that’s your plan. What makes a natural birth easier to endure is if you have everything you need right by your side. 😊