Whether you are having a hospital or home birth, you will need to have a go-bag! Especially since you could go into labour at any time, around 30 weeks is a great time to put it together. I have heard so many stories of women going into labour when they’re out and about, or when they have gone in for a prenatal visit, and suddenly were told to go to the hospital NOW due to some complication. Have a bag ready so that anyone can grab it for you on the fly!
Phone Charger. Since your phone is both your camera and contact with the outside world, you definitely want it to stay charged!
Toiletries. Lip gloss, hair ties, toothbrush, deodorant, lotion, glasses, massage oil, peppermint essential oil (for nausea during labour), hair brush, shampoo/conditioner/soap, face cream and my favourite, Earth Mama Organics New Mama Perineal Spray.
Energy. Think marathon foods, energy boosters. Protein is great - beef jerky, roasted chickpeas, protein bars etc. Electrolytes are essential, like Emergen-C or Ener-C, coconut water and bottle of fruit juice, oatmeal/noodle packages so have a hot meal at the hospital even if the cafeteria is closed. Don’t forget the bendy straws!
Flip Flops. When you’re in labour at the hospital and need to walk to the washroom or down the halls, you don’t want to be bending down to tie up shoes, nor do you want amniotic fluid or blood getting on your slip-ons! Wear something you can easily wash and use in the shower.
Depends. Yes, the adult diapers. I know the hospital gives you those giant pads and amazing mesh panties, but depends are THE bomb. You can use them if your water breaks beforehand and you are continuously leaking, and you can also use them after birth for the lochia after giving birth. So much more comfortable than giant pads. But still definitely keep those mesh panties for at home after the first couple days.
Clothing. Socks, underwear, light house coat, pants with a loose waistband or a flowy dress, loose tops, a few bras (one for birth, one or two for nursing and going home), an extra set of clothes for dad/partner.
Diaper Bag. receiving blankets, diapers, wipes, non-petroleum jelly (for easy meconium clean-up), nipple cream/ointment, hat if it’s cool outside, a going home outfit and a backup going home outfit (because as a general rule, baby usually poops or spits up on one of them). Pro tip: Take home all the diapers/wipes they give you at the hospital!
Arnica. Homeopathic Arnica is amazing for bruising! I highly recommend taking some orally in the first days to help you heal.
Cash. Sometimes you forget your wallet, or need to get food from a vending machine, so throw some cash in your bag for an emergency backup!
Car Seat. Not really IN your go-bag, but don’t forget to install your car seat in the car before you go into labour! If you have never installed one before, many manufacturers have installation videos available online. As many as 80 per cent of children aren’t being correctly restrained in child seats or booster seats, so this is super important. The ride home from the hospital is scary enough without knowing for sure that your child is safely restrained!
Definitely be familiar with how to safely buckle your newborn into an infant car seat. If you are nervous about this process, join this local Facebook group and talk to a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST). You can usually find someone that will come to your home to teach you how to install your seat and it is relatively inexpensive.
BONUS IDEAS
List of People to Contact. If you don’t have a group chat going already, make sure you have a list! No need to create any unnecessary family drama on your birthing day.
Set the Mood. Bluetooth speaker, twinkle lights, battery operated candles, salt lamps. Not necessary, but really makes the birth room a peaceful space, which helps bring up your natural oxytocin levels!
Entertainment. Books, cards, iPad, NOT a necessity. In most cases you have no need for these items, and they come home untouched, but you could end up sitting around before your birth, depending on your situation, and may want a little entertainment to keep your mind busy! Just remember to pre-download some movies or shows, as some hospitals are a little behind the times and don’t have free Wifi.
There are many items that you use daily that you can’t pack ahead of time.
The best way to remember everything is to keep a list on top of your birth bag, so you know what to grab in a pinch. Be sure your partner knows the game plan as well. I can tell you that your brain goes into a bit of a panic when you suddenly need to leave for the hospital and you’re not prepared! You will be thanking your past self for that list, I promise.
Is there anything more you’d add to this list that was an essential for you? What did I miss? You can definitely bring a lot to the hospital, and most people over-pack, so be realistic on what you may actually use, and what you could do without!