What I Packed in my Hospital Bag for Baby #2
(for a *hopefully*natural, unmedicated birth)
I’m going to start off by saying this: Despite my attempt to stay minimal, I COMPLETELY overpacked my hospital bag with my first pregnancy. I recently filmed a reaction video watching back what I packed, and it’s quite comical. Now that I’m giving birth to my second child in the next few weeks, I feel like I have a much better idea of what I should actually be packing. However, my focus with packing is slightly different this time, as I’m more determined to have a natural, unmedicated birth than I was the first time. I’ve prepared far more both physically and mentally by educating myself with a variety of books and informational videos. Unlike a lot of the the birth stories I read about, I won’t be giving birth at home or in a birthing center, I’ll be giving birth in a hospital, which I think can bring about a set of challenges when you desire to labor unmedicated. All that to say, I packed my hospital bag this time around with a focus on including items that can help facilitate a more successful unmedicated birth experience within a hospital setting. Check out all the info in my YouTube video here, or keep reading!
Will a focus on these items really help? I don’t know! But I’m excited to find out!
I also think it’s important to say that although I am going into this delivery hoping for a natural, unmedicated birth, I believe it’s crucial to remain flexible and open-minded when it comes to child birth because things can change in an instant and not go according to your birth plan. Balance is key here, and I am fully aware that although I pack my bag this way and make all these plans, God is in control, and my birth story will turn out just the way it needs to be, and so will yours!
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My Top 15 Items
I’m starting off with my TOP 15 items that are more specific to the success of a natural and unmedicated birth. Most of these will contribute to the atmosphere of the room. Hospital rooms can feel very sterile, cold and unwelcoming, which are not helpful for us when we need to be as relaxed and calm as possible. Your environment truly affects your emotional, mental and physical state. I will be trying to labor in the comfort of my own home for as long as possible, but once I get to the hospital, I may have my husband set up a few things! And if I don’t get to it, that’s fine too, at least I know I have the items with me in case I need or want them.
1) Birth Plan: I plan to have multiple copies of this printed out. I can hand off to nurses or just pin up on the door. The less people who ask me what I expect the day of, the better, so I can focus on laboring!
2) Strung Lights: If your hospital already had light dimmers, great! You may not care for this. But if not, it may be a nice idea to turn off the strong overhead lights and just string some lights or even set out some battery operated candles. This can really help add to a more calm and relaxed atmosphere.
3) Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: A nice little concoction is to mix this tea with coconut water + honey and sip throughout labor for vital electrolytes so you don’t need IV fluids. Also great for after labor to reduce cramps!
4) Gum or Mints: To ensure that your support person’s potential stank breath isn’t distracting you :)
5) Portable Speaker: A staple for any music or audio you’d like to hear in the room.
6) Funny Show: According to Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, laughter throughout labor can be very beneficial in moving the progress along. I actually had multiple message me on my Instagram telling me they were watching their favorite funny Netflix shows while in labor, which I thought was hilarious and might even try!
7) Airpods: I might prefer my airpods over the speaker if I want to block out everyone around me, not sure, so I’m bringing them.
8) Christian Hypnobirthing App: This app includes recording of a soothing voice reading out affirmations and Bible verses and it’s definitely going to be a staple for me.
9) Liquid IV: An easy way to get some quick hydration and energy during labor!
10) Honey Sticks - Adequate nutrition is important while laboring, however, some hospitals don’t allow food so check with yours. These are a great quick way to get in some extra calories if you need more energy.
11) Labor Wear: Did you know you don’t have to wear the hospital gown they always hand you? You can actually bring in your own labor gown or loungewear, whatever you’re most comfortable in!
12) Diffuser/Oils: Another one that not all hospitals are okay with you using, but I’m hoping I can diffuse some oils and if not, just rub them on my body for calm. Great options are lavender, jasmine, and peppermint to relax you!
13) Rose Spray: Another cool idea that an IG follower recommended to me. As she labored in the hospital tub her husband would spray rose spray on her face to keep her refreshed, sounds so nice!
14) Comb - Holding a comb with the teeth pointing just below where your fingers meet your palm can help provide a distraction during labor, helping take away the pain. The comb and the sensation of it on your hand can act as a focal point during labor and is something to concentrate on.
15) Socks/Slippers - Whichever you prefer for comfort. I like some cozy socks :)
Baby Specific Items
16) Sound Machine
17) Pacifiers
18) Two baby outfits
19) Swaddle
20) Baby name sign
A Few More Things For Mama
21) PP Lounge wear
22) Robe
23) Nursing Bra
24) Deodorant
25) Toiletries
26) Hair Ties
27) Chapstick
28) Perineal Spray
29) Organic Nipple Balm
30) Makeup
31) Toothbrush + paste
32) Long phone charger
33) Cameras + Chargers
Things I’m NOT packing (because the hospital will have them)
1) Disposable Underwear
2) Jumbo Pads
3) Spritz Bottle
4) Water Bottle (huge cups)
4) Baby Diapers
5) Baby Wipes
6) Baby Rash Cream
New Youtube Video!
pin the image below to reference later!
