Birth should be an empowering experience. Mothers should feel in control of their birth, and they should be supported throughout every phase of labor, birth, and postpartum. When labor hits, the only thing that matters is delivering that beautiful baby. There should not be a single person, or thing, in the room that hinders the progress of labor.
That said, preparing for the birth of my fifth baby has looked just a little bit different than with my previous children. I’ve read countless books including Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, The Water Birth Book, and The Birth Partner (and these are just a few). The information each one provided was so contradictory to what we are told as soon-to-be mothers. We’ve been conditioned to fear birth; to find it unnatural and almost always necessary for medical intervention. This is simply not true. This doesn’t have to be your story. This time, I won’t let it be mine.
Yes, birth is physically demanding and difficult. They don’t call it “labor” because it’s easy. It is painful and it’s all consuming. But it’s a pain we shouldn’t fear. This is a natural natural, normal, and beautiful event, and should be an empowering experience for the woman who is giving birth.
Mentally preparing for birth is how I’ve spent a majority of my pregnancy. Proper education has been key, and the foundation for all of my choices throughout this fifth pregnancy. But in the final weeks, it’s really time to get together all of those newborn and postpartum items.
As a fifth time mom, I can attest that you will not regret being prepared in this way. I’m here to share many of the items I believe you actually need when it comes to labor and postpartum.
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Preparing for Birth and Labor (in a Birth Center)
Having never given birth in a birth center before, I can’t directly speak from experience about the supplies they have on hand for labor and postpartum. I’ve been informed that they offer almost everything a hospital does. Except pain medication, and food/meals…which honestly, is totally fine with me! Where I’m giving birth there’s a kitchen and we plan to heat and eat a home-cooked meal…and I’m planning to do this intervention free!
Also! A few years ago, I did share a post about my birth bag and everything I packed! It served as an excellent guide and reminded me of several actual essentials.
Knowing all of this, I’m trying to pack light and the same way I would for my previous hospital births. Really, you don’t need much. You’re either laboring or recovering the entire time you’re there. I’ve found that each time, I’ve only needed a fresh set of clothes and shower essentials to get me through those first 24-48 hours postpartum.
Birth Bag – Clothing, Baby, and Shower Essentials
Like I said, you’ll be laboring or recovering during your entire stay at the hospital or birth center. Pack light. It’s 1-2 nights maximum, so you really don’t need much. Also consider the help of friends and family if you have a great support team. They can bring any additional items to you that you may have forgotten.
That said, I listed everything currently in my birth bag. Some things may seem redundant, so I’ll briefly explain. For one, I’m not sure if I’ll feel too warm, or too cold during recovery. So I’m bringing both sweat pants and sweat shorts (one pair each) just in case. This also goes for sweat pants and leggings. I’m not sure if I’ll want the extra compression when going home, or if I’ll want a more relaxed fit. Everything on this list fits within a carryon size bag!
- Pajamas
- Robe
- Sweatshirt
- T-Shirt
- Sweat Shorts
- Leggings
- Sweatpants
- Nursing Bra
- Nursing Tank
- Underwear
- Socks
- Baby Outfit/Onesie
- Baby Blanket
- Wallet/Purse
- Phone & Charger
- Snacks
Extra Items or Nonessentials
To some people, a few of these are nonnegotiable’s. Especially depending on what is provided by your hospital or birth center (or, what you have at home if you’re planning for a home birth). For me, these were “extra’s” and many of them I am including in my birth bag.
- Water Bottles
- Heating Pad
- Sound/Noise Machine
- Instant Camera & Film
- Prayer/Affirmation Signs or Banners
- Boppy/Nursing Pillow
- Laptop & Charger
- Camcorder
- Portable Speaker
- “Welcome Baby” Signs
- Labor Playlist
Shower Bag Essentials
After all of the newborn snuggles are had, you’ll want to shower and freshen up. That first shower is always *chefs kiss* one of the most magical showers to be had. Sore body and all. Most, if not all, of these items are usually already in my shower bag to begin with for when we travel as a family.
- Hair Brush
- Hair Ties
- Hair Clip
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Deodorant
- Facial Wipes
- Face Wash
- Lotion
- Chapstick
- Loofah (optional)
- Razor (optional)
Preparing for Postpartum
Entering my fifth trip around the birth block, I can say with absolute certainty that you do not want to wait until your baby is born to start getting your postpartum and newborn essentials together. You’re tired. You’re learning all about this tiny new human that you’ve just welcomed into the world. That tiny human is relying on you. And that’s all a lot.
There are also so many emotions that come with postpartum. You truly may not feel up to doing much in the first few weeks (or months) of postpartum. Be it due to how you feel physically, or mentally (or both). For that reason, you’ll want to set yourself up ahead of time. This will help to make newborn bonding, and postpartum in general, enjoyable and manageable.
Postpartum Recovery Basket
Something I failed to do in my first three postpartum experiences was prepare a postpartum recovery kit. I did happen to purchase the Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit this time around for some fresh and extra supplies. Most of these items I already had on hand from previous births. I’m keeping this basket on a shelf in the bathroom.
Shop “Postpartum Recovery Basket” must have’s through this referral link!
- Perennial Ice Packs
- Dermoplast
- Large Pads
- Disposable Diapers
- Adult Diapers
- Perry Bottle
- Witch Hazel Wipes
Infant & Breastfeeding Cart (or Basket)
In the past, I’ve made a newborn & breastfeeding basket. This time, I made a cart to make transporting items around the house easier (rolling vs. picking up & carrying from room to room). If there’s a place you know you’ll be nursing most often, you can just set up a “station” in that location. Personally, I move around the house a lot so a cart or basket makes more sense for me.
Shop “Breastfeeding Cart” must have’s through this referral link!
- Newborn Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Baby Outfits
- Baby Hats & Socks
- Baby Blankets (and swaddles)
- Nursing Pads
- Nursing Cover (if you prefer)
- Owlet Smart Sock
- Sound Machine
- Extra Bassinet Sheets
- Aspirator
- Book/Bible
- Water Bottle
- Portable Phone Charger
- Snacks
- Baby Wrap (carrier/sling)
Breast Milk Storage & Breastfeeding Supply Cabinet
Now, depending on your feeding situation, these items may not be needed for the first few weeks. If breastfeeding, it’s strongly recommended to not introduce pacifiers or bottles until around month one of nursing. This, of course, changes if you are someone who will be pumping milk, or supplementing with formula. In which case, bottles and breastfeeding supplies may need to be readily available upon returning home. Either way, having this ready will ensure that you’re prepared for when baby does take a bottle (if bottle feeding is something you’re doing!)
As an additional tip: Buy 2 different types of bottles/nipples. You can’t know for sure exactly which your newborn is going to take best to. Perhaps they’ll have no trouble with either, or they’ll dislike both options. Either way, you’ll have started down this road early on and can find a bottle most suitable for your baby.
Shop “Breast Milk Storage” must have’s through this referral link!
- Baby Bottles
- Extra Nipples
- Pacifiers & Clips
- Breast Milk Storage Bottles
- Breast Milk Storage Bags
- Extra Storage Bottle Lids
- Haakaa’s
- Lady bug
- Manual Breast Pump
- Thermal Bag & Ice Pack for Breast Milk Travel Storage
- Bottle Warmer
