With each of my kids, what I pack in my labor bag has a changed slightly but has remained mostly the same. I’m not the Mom that brings 20 bags with her to the hospital (it’s okay if you are). I don’t like having to lug around that many bags or find a way to get them to the car when it’s time to go home with baby! I usually have 1 bag for labor and it goes back to the car after baby has arrived and 1 bag for postpartum. This time I got it down to 1 bag for labor and postpartum total and 1 bag of snacks for the hubs while I am in labor. I am not an expert at this and I am not telling you to get the items I recommend, these are just ideas and things that I like to have while in the hospital for labor. I will do a separate post for postpartum because I will have things you should ask for while postpartum. As a disclaimer, there may be some affiliate links that if you click and purchase I will earn a commission from at no extra charge to you.
When I go for delivery, I know I will always need a phone charger or 2. I mean I’ll have to capture all those GREAT labor photos (or the hubs will take plenty of pictures so that he can harass me later). I will want to distract myself and use my phone for comforting, relaxing music (or at least what I find comforting which can change throughout the labor stages)! I’ll want to let my parents know that I’m in labor and keep them up to date and I’ll want to let my family know how things are going. My husband likes to bring his computer and if I go into labor during work hours, he will need it to complete work anyway so I know that’s something we will need. Since that can’t go in the bag ahead of time, I put a sticky note on the bag so when we or he grabs it, the note is there on the handles so he will see it and grab his computer. Maybe it’s an iPad, Fire HD 10 Tablet , or other tablet. If you have a camera besides your phone that will be used to capture photos, make sure to have that and make sure it is charged and memory card is with it! That may mean putting sticky note on the bag when/if you have to charge it.
If you have a camera besides your phone that will be used to capture photos, make sure to have that and make sure it is charged and memory card is with it! That may mean putting sticky note on the bag when/if you have to charge it. I am a fan of aromatherapy when in labor. Really anytime, but I do like to use essential oils when I am in labor. I am not a doctor or professional aromatherapist. Check with your doctor and facility you will be delivering at prior to purchasing or using any essential oils. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor prior to using any oils. They will have a list of what oils they consider safe. Some hospitals have aromatherapy nurses on staff and may not allow the use of your own oils. Anyway, back to the oils that I like to take. I’m pretty basic. I only use Young Living Essential Oils and you can purchase any of them from this link https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=1948879&enrollerid=1948879&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member. I like to use Lavender, Gentle Baby and Peppermint, but I always pack a lot more than that. Those are just my go to oils. You can also bring a diffuser with you if your hospital allows it. I have in the past. I only used it with my 1st babe and decided it sometimes was a little overpowering so no I use a glass spray bottle that I get from Whole Foods, cotton balls, or just open the bottle and smell! Other oils I bring along are: Orange, Lemon, Citrus Fresh, Into the Future, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Joy, Valor, and PanAway. I have used PanAway for the lower back pain I get before. Some people like to bring Frakincense. I love my essential oils!
For hygiene, I like to bring my toothbrush and mouthwash. I get super nauseated when I am in labor so I rarely get to use my toothbrush during labor, but because of the nausea and vomiting, I like to have the mouthwash on had so I can swish and spit. At least gets my mouth a little cleaner after vomiting. I like to bring deodorant as well to freshen up my underarms. I get EXTREMELY hot when I am in labor. Like you could turn the ac to 50 degrees and I’d still be telling you how freakin’ hot it is in the room. It’s insane. I like to have a small bottle of body wash just in case I get to freshen up and some makeup wipes so I can clean my face it I get to sweaty or disgusting. Because I like it so cold in my labor room, I bring a jacket for my husband and also pack some long, thick pants for him!
That sums up what I pack in my labor bag. Some moms bring their own “labor” ball (exercise balance ball), gown, and I don’t know what else because I don’t bring all that stuff (again, it’s okay if you do)! Everyone has things they don’t want to go without and things that comfort them!
