Packing Your Birth Bag

What to Bring for a Calmer, More Comfortable Birth

Your birth bag is all about comfort, support, and helping you feel grounded. Pack it by 36–37 weeks so you’re ready whenever labour begins.

Toiletries and Personal Comfort

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hair ties or headband
Lip balm (labour makes lips dry)
Face cloths or soft sponges
Light face mist or hydrating spray
Your preferred toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, gentle soap)
Warm socks
Loose, comfortable clothing you may want to labour in
Change of clothes for your partner (including swim trunks if they’ll join you in the shower or tub)

Tip: Keeping your feet, low back, and pelvis warm helps support comfort and relaxation during contractions.

Snacks and Drinks

Labour is a marathon, not a sprint – think hydration, electrolytes, and easy energy.

Easy Drinks

Water
Coconut water
Red raspberry leaf tea (if recommended for you)
Your preferred electrolyte drink

Optional: Labour-Aid Recipe

(Bring only if you love homemade options)

1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup honey
1/4 – 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1–2 crushed calcium tablets
Water to 1 litre (plus extra water or juice for flavour)

Simple, easy-to-eat snacks

Bananas, apples, grapes, oranges
Dried fruit, raisins
Nuts or trail mix
Cheese and crackers
Sandwiches
Cold pasta or rice salad
Cereal bars or granola bars
Small baked potato
Carrot and celery sticks

Choose foods that keep your energy steady without upsetting your stomach.

Distractions and Calming Tools

Music playlist + headphones
A favourite show or movie on your phone/tablet
Magazines or light reading
Cards or simple games (if early labour is slow)

These help keep your mind calm, which supports labour hormones.

Comfort Measures for Labour

Extra pillows (with colourful pillowcases so they don’t get mixed with hospital linens)
Your TENS machine (if you plan to use one)
Massage oil or lotion
Birth ball / peanut ball (if your hospital does not provide one)

Homeopathic reference:
You may bring remedies if you choose to use them, but please check with your midwife/OB and use only as supportive comfort measures, not as attempts to induce labour.

To Capture the Memories

Phone or camera (with extra battery/charger)
A short list of moments or details you want captured
Baby book if you want footprints done during paperwork time

Practical Essentials

Any reference pamphlets or notes
Printed copy of your birth plan
List of people to update after baby arrives
Snacks or cash/credit card for your partner

Your Postpartum Bag

Pack this separately so you can grab it after birth or when transferred to postpartum care.

For You

Nursing bras and breast pads
Comfortable underwear
Your preferred postpartum pads
A soft robe and loose nightgown
Comfortable going-home outfit (you’ll still look ~6 months pregnant)
Basic toiletries for showering
Nipple cream (if recommended by your provider)
Your breastfeeding support numbers (LLL or lactation consultant)

For Baby

Going-home outfit
Swaddle/blanket
Diapers/wipes (optional -many hospitals provide them)

Infant car seat installed and ready

For Your Partner

Another change of clothes
Toiletries
Snacks
Phone chargers
List of postpartum tasks or people to notify

Final Tips

Pack early (by 36–37 weeks)
Keep the bag in a visible place
Bring a small bag for labour and a larger one for postpartum
Label everything
Do a quick “final check” once contractions begin