Seven Things to Pack For Your Birth

The days are getting closer, and you will be giving birth very soon! One thing that makes it feel very real is getting your bag packed for the hospital or birth center. Many of the lists published in books for things to pack for your birth come from outdated sources saying to pack things like calling cards or change to make phone calls (hello 1997).This past week I posted a question on my Facebook page and Instagram feed what was something you wish you had packed, but didn’t.  I appreciate all the feedback I received from fellow birth photographers and parents. Here are the top answers!

Your own pillow!  This was the number one answer. “…the item I absolutely missed the most was my pregnancy pillow I had been sleeping with for months! I really wish I had brought it with me!!” – Liz Cook, Owner of the International Association of Birth Photographers and Liz Cook Photography. Pillows are such a personal preference. Hospital pillows are not designed for comfort, but for how easily they can be cleaned! Bring your own and know you will have a better chance of getting some rest.

Chapstick I can totally get behind this recommendation too. Hospitals are dry and you are working hard! As a doula, a new stick always goes in my bag for my clients. Here in Colorado we are used to it being dry but it may not be something you considered. Go add it now!

Your own blanket for baby Brittany Oaks of Wandering Oaks Photography, said that having her own blanket was what she wished she had brought. Hospitals have small blankets for baby but they are not what I would describe as special. Having your own blanket brings a bit of your home with you to the hospital or birth center, are way cuter than than what you get there, and can serve as a keepsake. I love all the different options that are available now. I personally knitted my own which you can see here: Fox blanket and Simple grey knit. If making your own isn’t your thing, these soft muslin ones from Aden + Anais are some of my favorites! There is an Amazon Affliate link below to some cute grey and white ones that makes my photographer heart happy!

Camera This one surprised me because I rarely go to any major life event without a camera in hand. Even when I hired my own birth photographer I still packed my own knowing that she couldn’t stay there forever with me, even though I wish she would have. (Love you Kim!)

Long charger cords  Sure you might have your phone charger, but will it reach your bed without you having to get up? Bree Garcia of J&B Photography made a great point that longer cords may not be needed at home but could be super helpful at your birth. Stay in bed and rest with your phone comfortably close by.

Activities for siblings This one is my own suggestion. I had my older kids at my last two births. The births went fast, and they were well behaved but I am guessing there were some boring moments for them. An activity book and crayons can be nice quiet activity when they need space during the birth.

Food My last two births were later in the night. The hospital’s cafeteria was closed and I had the option of pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, crackers, and yogurt. I immediately sent my husband out to get something hearty. The Birth Center of Boulder makes their families a hearty porridge that would have been perfect after giving birth. Pack something you know will be filling and meets any dietary restrictions. Snacks for you and your family are also a must have. Bring a variety of flavors and textures because you never know what you will want during labor. You could even have a family member or friend on hand to deliver something to you immediately after birth allowing your family to stay all together.

Popular Responses You Can’t Pack in Your Birth Bag

I received a lot of responses that you can’t actually pack but I think are worth mentioning!

Birth Photographer Lots of mothers mentioned not having a birth photographer was a big regret. I totally agree. I didn’t have one for my first two births and now I have a bunch of blurry cellphone images, none of which include my husband. The nice images I took don’t have me in them.

Doula Many families are not familiar with what a doula does and how it can improve your birth. The benefits of a doula are well documented and can greatly change how you process your birth. Meet with doulas in your community to find one that best fits with your family and birth goals. Remember that they are not medical providers and should never require or even encourage you to have procedures such as membrane sweeping done, this is a red flag!

Here are those affiliate links I mentioned! Check them out.