I’ve had a few readers ask me what I’m putting in my labour bag, and I finally got around to making a list! I re-packed my bags yesterday, because that’s what nesting mothers do, no?
I am once again delivering in hospital, but the things I’ve packed for myself are a lot different than with Cub. Since his birth, I’ve discovered so many more eco-friendly and body-friendly toiletry options, for example!
I am packing for a potential 48-hour stay, as recommended by the ObGyn I consulted who would like to monitor the baby for any withdrawal symptoms from my dose of antidepressants. I may not have to stay that long, but better safe than sorry!
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Toiletries
All stored inside my Maxwell Designs Stow-it-All Clutch, I have:
- Earth Mama Bottom Spray from Gentle Nest, as strongly recommended by someone who must know a lot about a Mama’s postpartum bottom: The Baby Guy NYC!
- Earth Mama Nipple Balm from Gentle Nest, which I’ve already started applying to prepare my nips for nursing.
- Earth Mama Bottom Balm from Gentle Nest to soothe the inevitable perineal discomfort… I have applied it once already out of curiosity and, oh my goodness, what a delightful tingle!
- Radius floss sachets for compact and biodegradable flossing.
- Bébé Hibou liniment: this is for Little Miss Cub and me, yes, for cleansing both of our bottoms!
- Les CocoNuts lip balm and deodorant;
- Matter Company baby bum balm (ok this is for the baby but she doesn’t need her own toiletry bag) and skin soothing ointment for me;
- Les CocoNuts sample-sized soap;
- Green Beaver face wash and face cream (my FAVOURITE brand for skincare).
- A little bit of my Honey Pot Herbals shampoo;
- My prescription meds;
- Hair elastics & clips;
- My Radius travel toothbrush and my number one favourite toothpaste, Green Beaver again!
Undergarments
There’s a big difference between what you see here and what I packed for my bag with Cub. I only had disposable nursing pads and postpartum pads back then!
- Four pairs of comfy underwear;
- Two comfy nursing bras (Carriwell and Bamboobies);
- All the waterproof nursing pads I own (I’ll update with how many pairs I actually use once I’m home). My favourites from last pregnancy are those by Öko Creations, which I will also be officially reviewing this time around.
- All of the heavy-flow and postpartum cloth pads I own (I have no idea how many I’ll need, so I will update that also when I get home!). I have a bunch that Adrienne reviewed during the PostPartumPadParty.
- A package of heavy-flow Naty disposable pads to hopefully make up for what I’m lacking in reusable pads!
- Not pictured is a Funky Fluff dual-pocket wet bag, which I’ll use to bring the soiled pads home.
Clothing & Other Essentials
The main difference here compared to my last delivery is my Coussins Etc. Maternity Pillow. I had my husband bring me my nursing pillow from home after I delivered, both for nursing and for a more comfortable sleep. I plan to use my Coussins Etc. pillow for positioning myself during labour, which is why I have the waterproof cover for it! Postpartum, it will serve for comfy sleep and nursing.
- Coussins Etc. Maternity Pillow with waterproof cover.
- A pillow from my bed: I found I appreciated my own pillow both during delivery and while in the maternity ward.
- Rice bag: this was a must last time, my husband was constantly microwaving it to place on my lower back.
- Flip flops: for the shower and around the room.
- Padraigs for padding around the room.
- House coat.
- Two pairs of capri-style, drawstring pajama pants.
- My favourite pajama top (No Doubt, 1996 Tragic Kingdom Tour!);
- A maternity tank top for during the day at the hospital.
- Belly Bédaine maternity/babywearing sweater in case it’s chilly.
- A soft-waisted skirt and my Au Fait Mama tank top for coming home, plus a pair of tight exercise shorts to wear under said skirt to contain the massive postpartum pads!
Snacks
- Lemon-lime Gatorade.
- Fruit sauce cups.
- My stainless steel water bottle WITH A STRAW (super important so hubby can give me water easily).
- Popsicles.
If I weren’t so lazy, I’d pack more snacks, but there is a Good Earth Cafe at the hospital and other options nearby, so my birthing partner/errand boy shall have to cater to any cravings I may experience.
So tell me, what have I forgotten?!
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