What to Pack in Your Birth Bag

Your Labor and Birth Bag

• Lip Balm
• Watch with second hand
• Tooth brushes for everyone and Tooth paste
• Any reference book or pamphlet you might need (I prefer Birth Companion.)
• Pillows from home (Use colored cases to distiguish from your birth place's linens)
• Music you would like (You may need to provide your own CD Player or Tape Player)
• Camera with film and batteries
• Camcorder with charged batterie and accessories
• Signed copies of your birth plan
• Water bottles for ice
• Your own wash cloths, colored ones work better
• Waterproof pads for the car ride
• Any clothes of your own that you wish to wear
• List of people to call after the baby is born (include childbirth educator)
• Massage tools (Oils, massagers, etc.)
• Change of clothes for partner, including swim trunks for shower
• Baby Book for getting the foot prints done by the nurse when she does the paperwork
• Focal Point (If you want one)
• Socks for mom
• Special foods or drinks
• Snacks for labor support
• Calling Card for Long Distance Calls
• Anything else you think you can use (Candles, pictures, etc.)

Your Postpartum Bag

• Nursing bras
• Going home outfit for baby
• More film
• Another change of clothes for partner
• Your own personal night gown robe (They will get dirty!)
• Personal Hygiene items (shampoo, your own pads, etc.)
• Number of Le Leche League or other breastfeeding support
• Number of diaper service (if you need to arrange for delivery)
• Car Seat
• Blanket for Baby
• Going home outfit for mom (You will still be about 6 months pregnant looking)
• Birth Announcements