Surprise! My second daughter is pregnant with her first baby – so we’re going through her labor-pack-list! Keep watching to learn why lip balm is a go-bag essential in my book.
Here’s the complete list:
Your own pillows:
They smell like you and home. That’s what makes them great for under your head and to wrap yourself around when you’re lying on your side. You can use the (very thin) hospital pillows between your legs or behind your back for support. Just put colored or printed cases on your pillows so they don’t get lost in the hospital laundry.
Something Cozy:
A blanket throw or shawl that you love –to spread over the (very thin) hospital-issue blankets.
Clothes To Pack:
- An oversized t-shirt/yoga pants/pajama shorts/robe to labor in if you don’t want to wear the hospital gown
- Your favorite comfy socks.
- Slippers or shoes that are easy to slip in and out of if you want to walk around the maternity floor.
- A bathing suit/sports bra/bathing suit bottom if you’re modest and want to labor in the shower or tub if there is one.
- Flip-flops if you have a thing about being barefoot on hospital bathroom floors
- Hairbands, barrettes –whatever you use to keep your hair out of your way.
Toiletries:
- Lip balm, lip balm, LIP BALM! Trust me, you’ll be so chapped after all that breathing during labor!
- Massage Oil
Tech:
Your phone, iPod, tablet, or computer (wherever your music is) if music is important to you. Remember a dock, speakers and extra long chargers.
Setting a soothing scene:
- Scented Oil (along with a diffuser would be great) – lavender (relaxing) or whatever scent you like. A couple of drops on washcloths in different locations take away that hospital smell.
- Peppermint Oil – smelling it will help you pee if you have trouble doing so after delivery.
- LED candles if you love candlelight.
- A string of “fairy lights” (aka Xmas lights) helps to enhance the magic happening in your room.
Last but not least, A Big Bag of Food!!!
Optimally, you will eat throughout your labor to fuel your body in work and your partner also needs to eat to keep up with the hours of supporting you. Bring sandwiches (pb & j is a staple) and plenty of snacks. Offer food right after the baby is born as it really helps women find their way back into their bodies after all the hours of intense work. Pack at least two sandwiches or servings of whatever it is you eat easily for just after birth. Make extra of the smoothie you were sipping from in labor at home and bring it in a thermos to the hospital/birth center.