If you’re planning a natural birth, it’s important to pack your hospital bag accordingly. You’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to make your labor and delivery as smooth and comfortable as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss what to pack in your hospital bag for a natural birth, as well as provide a helpful Natural Birth Hospital Bag checklist!
Don’t forget to grab your FREE Printable Natural Birth Hospital Bag Checklist PDF at the end of this blog post!
What is a Hospital Bag?
A hospital bag is a bag that you pack in advance of your labor and delivery. It should contain all the items you will need for yourself, your partner, and your baby during your stay at the hospital.
Why Pack a Hospital Bag for Natural Birth?
There are many reasons why you might want to pack a hospital bag for a natural birth. For one, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to make your labor and delivery as smooth and comfortable as possible. Additionally, packing a hospital bag in advance can help relieve some of the stress and anxiety that comes with childbirth.
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What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a Natural Birth (Unmedicated):
When packing your hospital bag for a natural birth, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you have. Below, we have listed the hospital bag must haves you need for mom, baby, and dad in your hospital bag:
Hospital Must-Haves for Mom
Here you will find the top must haves for moms when it comes down to packing your hospital bag:
1) Birth Plan
– A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. It’s important to have a birth plan regardless of whether you’re planning a natural birth or not, but it can be especially helpful if you’re hoping to avoid medical interventions.
Related: How to Plan a Natural Birth: Everything You Need to Know
2) ID and Important Documents
– Be sure to pack your ID and any other important documents, such as your insurance card and medical records.
3) Comfortable Outfit to Wear for Labor:
– A comfortable outfit to labor in. This could be a loose-fitting dress, nightgown, or even just a tank top and shorts. You’ll want something that is comfortable and easy to move around in. You can even wear your own super comfy gown made for labor and delivery!
Related: 10 Hospital Gown Alternatives for a Comfortable Birth Experience
4) Toiletries
–Toiletries. Be sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Here are essential toiletries items to pack:
- Lip balm– lip balm, chapstick, or Vaseline. This can help soothe your lips during labor.
- Hair ties– These are great for keeping your hair out of your face during labor.
- Shower cap– A shower cap can be helpful for keeping your hair dry during labor.
- Shower Shoes
- Bath Wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant– You’ll be glad you have this after delivery!
- Toothbrush and toothpaste– Because you never know when you might need to freshen up.
5) Birthing Ball
– A Birthing ball. This is a great tool to help you stay comfortable during labor. A birth ball can help you open up your pelvic joints and muscles in preparation for delivery. You can also use it to reposition the baby. Mommy loves birthing balls, in fact, most moms would tell you about the “peanut ball” and how amazing it is!
6) Speaker and Headphones
– A speaker and headphones. This can be used to play calming music during labor. The headphones can be used when you want to listen to music but can’t play it out loud. Let’s say you decide to walk around the hospital during your labor, you can jam out to your calming playlist or whatever soothes you. Whether that be “Don’t stop believing” or “Gangsta’s Paradise” (mommy you do you!) and your birth that baby the way you want to!
7) Diffuser with Essential oils
– A Diffuser with Essential oils. These can be used to help you relax during labor. Let’s be honest, no one wants to smell that good old hospital smell (you know the one that smells like life or death). Using essential oils can help you relax and feel like you are at home or in a more comfortable place. If you choose to bring one of these amazing diffusers, I recommend this amazing convenient Cordless and Waterless Diffuser. In terms of essential oils to choose from, here are some good essential oil options:
- Lavender
- Clary sage
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
You can get a full set of 6 essential oils in this wonderful set:
8) Snacks and Drinks
– Snacks and drinks. You’ll want to bring snacks and drinks for both you and your partner. Labor can be long, and you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of energy. Some good snack options include:
- granola bars
- trail mix
- fruit
- nuts
- water
- Gatorade or another electrolyte drink
- juices
Related: Healthy Snacks for Your Hospital Bag: What to Eat When You’re Expecting
9) Birth Affirmation Cards
– Birth affirmation cards. These can be used to help you stay positive during labor. If you want a little bit of extra motivation during your labor and delivery, you should definitely get these encouraging and super motivating printable birth affirmation cards! Print them in the size you like, and add them to your hospital bag!
Related: 15 Natural Birth Affirmations to Help Ease Your Mind
10) Massage tools
– Massage tools. These can be used to help your partner massage you during labor. Massage can be a great way to relieve pain and tension during labor. Some good options include:
- a tennis ball
- a rolling pin
- a foam roller
11) Hard candy or lollipops
– Hard candy or lollipops. These can be used to help you keep your mouth moist during labor. Hard candy or lollipops can also help to give you a little bit of energy.
12) Change of Clothes
– A change of clothes for you. You’ll want to have something comfortable to wear after you deliver your baby. Here are some great options:
- Your Own Gown (optional)
- Nursing Tank and PJ Pants or Shorts
- Robe
- Slippers or Socks
13) Going Home Outift for Mom (x1)
– A going home outfit for you. You’ll want to make sure you have something comfortable to wear when it’s time to leave the hospital. You can be cute and have a matching going-home outfit for you and your baby, or you can just wear something that screams I just had a baby!
14) Breast Pump (Optional)
– A breast pump (optional). If you plan on breastfeeding, you’ll want to make sure you have a breast pump with you. You can get one from the hospital, or you can bring your own. I would suggest bringing your own, so you can get used to your best pump machine or device and that you can get the nurse on staff to help you figure out how to properly use your breath pump! Most hospitals have a lactation nurse to come in and see you during your visit. You can really “milk” the lactation nurse with your concerns and breastfeeding needs.
15) Nursing Pillow (Optional)
– A nursing pillow (optional). This can be used to help you breastfeed your baby. You can also use it to prop baby up when you’re holding them. Bringing your own nursing pillow to the hospital can help you and the baby get accustomed to using the pillow from the very beginning! Plus, using the nursing pillow can help you out a lot since you will most likely still be tired and feel like you have noodle arms and legs.
If you haven’t already picked out a nursing Pillow, you get a free nursing pillow using my exclusive Code (MyMotheroodMadeEasy) at nursingpillows.com!
16) Nursing Pads (Optional)
– Nursing pads (optional). These can be used to help you with leaking breasts. If you plan on breastfeeding, you may want to consider bringing some nursing pads with you. You can get them at any store that sells baby supplies. Here are the ones we recommend:
17) Nipple Butter Cream (Optional)
– Nipple butter cream (optional). This can be used to help soothe your nipples after breastfeeding. If you plan on breastfeeding, you may want to consider bringing some nipple butter cream with you. You can get it at any store that sells baby supplies. Here are the ones we recommend:
18) Comfortable Pillows
Bring Your Own Comfortable Pillows Because, after giving birth, the hospital’s pillows are anything but comfortable. However, don’t bring any of your own unique pillows from home because you don’t want to get them bloodied and breastfed.
19) Bath Towels and Hand Towels
As previously said, you won’t be staying at a 5-star resort; instead, you’ll need to bring your own towels. Pack one for your spouse and/or overnight visitors.
20) Maternity Pads
After giving birth, you’ll have to wear adult diapers or these enormous maternity pads for the first few weeks. You might also wish to invest in low-cost underwear instead of your own high-quality goods.
21) An Extra Empty Hospital Bag For Freebies
If you visit a nice hospital or birthing center, they will almost certainly give you newborn diapers and other baby items to take home. Make sure you have enough space in your hospital bag so you can bring home the freebies!
22) An extra-long Cell phone charging cord
You won’t know where the nearest outlet that you can use to charge your phone will be, so just to be prepared for anything, bring a super long Cell phone Charing cord like this one:
Hospital Bag Must Haves for Baby
Here you will find the top must-haves hospital bag items for baby:
23) Going home outfit for baby (x2)
– Going home outfit for baby (x. It’s always a good idea to have an extra outfit for baby, just in case they have a blowout or spit up on their original going-home outfit.
24) Car Seat
– Car seat. This is a must! You cannot leave the hospital without a car seat for your baby. If you haven’t picked out a car seat for your baby, check out these awesome car seats for your newborn:
Related: The Best Convertible Car Seats for Safety and Comfort [2022]
25) Baby Blankets/Swaddles (x3)
– Baby blankets/swaddles (x. It’s always a good idea to have extra blankets for baby, just in case they spit up on their original blanket or you need to swaddle them tightly for sleep.
26) Hospital Photo Outfit (x1)
– Hospital photo outfit (x. You’ll want to take a picture of your baby in their hospital outfit to remember this special time!) Most of the time, there is a photo company that comes around the second day to take pictures of you, baby, and dad! So make sure you have a special outfit for this photo opportunity!
27) Baby Onesies (x3)
-Baby onesies. I recommend you bring at least three baby onesies. Mommy, you might need to bring 3 pairs of newborn onesies and 3 pairs of 0-3 month onesies just in case the baby is bigger than you expected.
28) Baby Bottles (optional)
-If you plan on feeding the baby from the bottle from the start then ensure you bring the baby bottles in your hospital bag. If you want bottles that baby will love (due to their breast-like shape, anti-colic, and non-toxic, try these amazing baby bottles!
Related: Nanobebe Starter Kit Product Review (Breastfeeding Moms Insider)
Hospital Bag Must Haves for Dad
Here you will find the top must-haves for dad when it comes down to packing your hospital bag:
29) Camera with Charger/ Batteries
– A camera. You’ll want to ensure you have a camera to capture all the special moments during labor and delivery. Don’t forget to pack the camera with the charger and batteries!
30) Pillow and Blanket
– A pillow and blanket. These will be helpful for both you and your partner during labor and delivery. Some hospitals might provide pillows and a sheet for your significant other but for comfort and security, bring your own!
31) Clothes for Stay
A change of clothes is required for your partner, just like a baby requires clothing. My ex-husband got blood on his white shirt during my delivery. Don’t wear white, by the way!
32) Wallet/ ID / Cash
Ensure you and your spouse have IDs, wallets, and Cash Money. You will want to bring money for your significant other meals since the hospital will most likely not provide food for your spouse.
33) Snacks/ Water
As mentioned above, the hospital will most likely not bring your spouse food, so pacing snacks and water for your significant other is vital.
34) Shower Shoes
Just like you need Shower Shoes, your significant other or overnight guest will also need Shower shoes to wear when showering.
35) Entertainment
Some hospitals will have TVs in the room but some of them might not work or you might want to watch your favorite show on the t in the room. Provide your significant other entertainment like Headphones for his phone to listen to music, Nintendo Switch for handheld gaming, and a portable Speaker so you both can jam out to your favorite songs.
36) Phones and Chargers
Speaking of chargers, Don’t forget to bring your phone and its charger. You don’t want to be stuck with a dead phone at the hospital.
Printable Natural Birth Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Baby, and Dad (FREE PDF):
To help you make sure you have everything you need, we’ve created a Natural Birth Hospital Bag checklist. This includes all of the items mentioned above, as well as a few other essential items.
Last Thing You Need to Know About What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a Natural Birth
You got this! You are going to do an amazing job, and you are going to have the natural birth that you desire. Make sure to pack your hospital bag a few weeks in advance, so you don’t have to worry about it closer to your due date. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to support you!
Don’t forget to download the checklist we provided for you! Also, check out these amazing blog posts and resources:
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