Easily forgotten about hospital birth bag recommendations

[AD] The big day is approaching and whether you are very prepared with a birth bag packed and repacked twice or just taking it slowly there is no harm in having a checklist. Ensuring you don’t miss the essential items can make the whole day go that much smoother.

You need to prep for yourself and the baby but after that what other items might you need? Read on for some recommendations on what to pack.

_{[Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash]}

Birth Plan

This is an essential item that you have already packed ready to go but it is worth putting on this list.

Your birth plan is a document that is yours to build how you see fit but it can be a huge help for the doctors, your midwife and your partner to know what you want on the day. It is also a good place to put other important documents and things to remember.

For example – if you already know what you are doing with the afterbirth, you may have talked this through with doctors. However, on the day, having a point of reference for if you are keeping, donating or storing your placenta can be handy. Other things like if you require a birth pool or your choice of pain relief are good to have at your fingertips.

Get that birth plan in the bag in an easy-to-find place, you won’t regret it.

Items for your Partner

Whoever your birth partner is – your significant other, your parent, best friend – they are going to be there with you for as much of the day as possible. To keep them entertained and comfy it could be worth letting them throw a set of clothes and a magazine into the hospital bag.

Also, if you are packing snacks for yourself, one extra cereal bar and water bottle for your birthing partner won’t do any harm.

If nothing else, allowing them some comfort might keep them out of your hair while you have more important things to focus on.

Electronics and chargers

You are more than likely to have your phone, maybe your laptop or some other electronic device with you. You have to keep yourself entertained during the potentially long day. Don’t forget to bring the chargers for said items though. We have all done it when travelling, reaching our destination needing a boost and having to buy an emergency charger. This is the same scenario … sort of.  

It is probably best to get a spare charger in the birthing bag first as you’ll likely need the electronic up to the day. That way it is already set to go.

Comfort items

This is less about necessities and more about your comfort. Earplugs, headphones, straws, your own water bottle or mug, favourite pillow, tea bags or hot chocolate sachets etc Anything that can make the day just that little bit better for you, throw it in the bag.

There isn’t anything worse than feeling caught out after your baby is born feeling exhausted and hungry. If you are in a hospital, they will of course feed you but if you have something you know you’ll crave get it in the bag. If you know having a pillow from home will make the whole day more comfortable, bring it with you.

Worried you are overpacking?

You cannot bring your whole house to the birth (unless you are having a home birth then … you can) however it is better to have something and not need it on the day than the reverse. If it is your first baby too you may be worried about missing something so just get your bag to a point you are happy and don’t worry if something isn’t touched.

Happy birth bag packing!