As I prep my hospital bag for my 3rd baby I wanted to share everything I bring with me for a natural birth. This will be my second natural birth, and my packing list has changed this time!
For this baby my husband and I have decided on a natural birth in the hospital. We absolutely adore my midwife and she fights for me to do things naturally, while having the peace of mind of a hospital. We choose not to have a doula for my natural births and for my husband to be my support person. (It has been so sweet to see how the Lord has brought our marriage closer during that time!) My midwife suggested the book Husband Coached Childbirth, and that helped us with our game plan and how to prepare ourselves mentally.
Most importantly, if you are hoping for a natural birth, have a plan and do what is most comfortable for you! There is no one size fits all for giving birth: hospital, at home, natural, epidural, it’s all beautiful! Some of the things in my packing list are to make me feel more at home in the hospital, but this list will be helpful for anyone!
For Mama:
Birth gown: I grab a cheap gown from Amazon that can be thrown away after birth (the hospital gowns make me feel like a patient). This time I might just wear a sports bra depending on how far along I am when I get to the hospital.
Nursing gowns: These are so handy after birth and even comfy to wear at home those first few days.
Nursing bra: I like to throw this in to have options for the hospital until we go home.
Shower/slip on shoes: Have something to easily slip on during labor if you’re up moving around, and something you can wear in the shower.
Shower towel: Hospital linens are not something I feel comfortable in, especially once you think about who’s used them and the cleaning process… so I just bring a lot of my own stuff.
Going home outfit: This needs to be super comfy and stretchy, because your uterus will take time to go back to size. I am packing maternity shorts with an oversized t-shirt.
Suitcase: I packed one suitcase with everyone’s stuff so we didn’t have to worry about multiple bags!
Packing cubes: These helped me stay super organized!
Toiletries: All of your normal toiletries. I make sure to include lotion, chapstick, headbands, claw clips, anything you need to be comfy!
Earbuds + Playlist: I love listening to music during labor to help me stay relaxed. I like to start with NeedToBreathe and JohnnySwim, then switch to worship music.
Large Water Tumbler: I absolutely LOVE my Stanley, totally worth it. The straw was super helpful when lying down.
Peri Bottle: This one is amazing and so much better than the one in the hospital.
Claraderm spray: I use this as a peri spray instead of the one the hospital gives you. This one will help support healing and inflammation.
Afterease: This helped me so much with those after birth contractions.
Rose ointment: I use this as nipple cream for breastfeeding, also great to use on baby’s skin.
Essential Oils:
Diffuser: I have set mine up during every labor and it makes the room so dreamy and relaxing. I like to diffuse Lavender and Orange during labor. Then Gentle Baby after baby is here.
Clary Sage: This can help encourage contractions and get your body ready for labor. I add to the inside of my ankles and on my tummy starting at 38 weeks. Then continue use throughout labor.
Ningxia: This fruit juice is a powerhouse of antioxidants and energy support. My midwife lets me drink this during labor.
Vitality drops: I add this to my water during labor to give me some electrolytes .
Geranium: I put this on my tummy after birth and i add some drops to my peri bottle every time.
Progessence Plus: I start using this in the hospital to help support my hormones coming back to a normal level. This would be great to continue, especially if you plan on having more babies.
For Baby:
2 sleep gowns
Going home outfit
Swaddle blanket
Diapers + wipes: I pack my own since I don’t like that the hospital ones have added fragrance.
Baby wash: If you plan on having baby get a bath in the hospital, I would take my own body wash to avoid harsh ingredients and fragrance. I personally just wait until we get home to give them a bath.
Nursing pillow: I prefer this one over the Boppy.
