What to pack for Labor
Whether you’re going to be meeting your baby in the hospital or birthing center, you don’t want to leave home without the essentials. That being said, you also have to bring everything home AND carry a baby… so, let’s just say it’s all about balance. You deserve to be as comfortable as possible during labor so I’ve taken the planning out of it! I also wanted to create something that was a little outside the box of what most generic lists out there, telling you to bring a robe and a journal.
Apple TV/other streaming device. Sometimes labor lasts a LONG time. If you have a TV show or movie you find yourself reaching for in times you need comfort, why not bring it with you?
Music. Again, it’s all about comfort measures. We all have music that brings us peace or makes us feel good. That’s the kind of energy you need to get that baby out. Raise the natural oxytocin and lower the adrenaline with your favorite songs.
LED candles like these. Mood is everything and nothing ruins it like harsh lighting. If dimming the lights still isn’t setting the tone you want, these will keep your provider from stubbing a toe on the hospital bed or falling into the birth pool.
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Bringing a baby into the world is a lot like running a marathon, if that marathon had no guaranteed end time, and caused you to lose at least a little bit of every bodily fluid imaginable. Your body is going to need a little somethin somethin to *push* through. Bring a variety of ready to go foods because who knows what smells or textures might be an absolute NO during labor.
Your own blanket and pillow. This means pack double if you have a partner by your side. Surprise! Rest during labor happens and is absolutely encouraged if your body allows. If you’re like me and can’t always fully relax outside your own bed, this gets you a little closer. Just keep in mind, those fluids I mentioned earlier may or may not get on them and what you're wearing so make sure it’s something you don’t mind washing or replacing.
Cordless fan because boy oh boy does labor make ya sweat. The old “fan yourself or your partner with a small stack of paper” thing is great until you feel like one of your arms is going to fall off. This one works double duty since it can be snapped onto your child's stroller or car seat for extra hot summer days.
Phone charger. Family updates, Facetime, pictures, and the scrolling we do to distract ourselves means we’re going to need to charge those phones at some point. If you have any of those extra long cables, those are a great idea.
