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
