Hospital Bag Essentials

We are down to the last two(ish) weeks before Baby's arrival and figured it was about time to pack the infamous hospital/birth bag! 

Third and last baby unless God has other plans and after a LONG 44 hour labor with my first and a FAST and furious 3 hour with my second I'm hoping for a calmer experience this time around. You know maybe a nice 6 hour labor? Arrive to the hospital 6-7 cm dilated, fill up the birthing tub, hang our white Christmas lights for a nice soft glow, give my birth photographer plenty of time to arrive, maybe nibble on a few snacks, drink some Ningxia Red and bone broth, diffuse some Citrus Fresh and then just breath the baby out into the warm water, snuggle, lots of bonding, nurse, enjoy a delicious warm meal delivered from a local restaurant and then both of us drift into a peaceful sleep.  Third times the charm right???

In the meantime, I like to pack two bags: one for my labor and one for the postpartum stay. I know it's ONE more bag to bring in but it seems to work easier in the moment for my birth team to find what I might need in that moment.

Labor Bag:
Comfy inexpensive shorts. I don't love hospital gowns and found some cute jersey shorts for $4 at Walmart, perfect for labor, easy to move it and if they are ruined I'm not concerned.
Swimsuit top- Cute, comfortable and perfect for a waterbirth. I suggest finding a top you can untie easily for easy skin-to-skin access after baby is born.
Coconut Water- Coconut water is hydrating, a great source of minerals and beneficial after prolonged exercise (hello birth).
Healthy Snacks- Bone broth for an easy to digest nutrition packed drink, organic granola bars, dried fruit, yogurt, organic greens juice, crackers, really anything easy to eat and digest are my friend during labor!
Ceramic Mug- I'm not a fan of microwaving in the hospital provided styrofoam cups .
Pillow from home- There is something comforting about your own home smell and the feel of your favorite pillow.
Chapstick- The cinnamon one from Young Living is my current favorite.
Labor relaxation tools- Back rollers, head massager, rebozo fabric
Citrus Fresh essential oil- This one is a favorite I use with my doula clients, it's really grounding, relaxing and helps with nausea.
Peppermint essential oil- Really good energizer, clarity, focus and helps with feelings of nausea.
Panaway essential oil- I'll be using this to help soothe sore muscles in the event of back labor. The wintergreen scent is also really energizing.

Postpartum Bag
Comfy and cute easy to nurse in clothes- Let's be real, I'm exhausted after giving birth but there is something about a new top and and a sweet pair of yoga pants that can make a girl feel a little more human lol!
Tolettires- I know the hospital will provide shampoo and soap but I'll be bringing some of my favorite lavender-mint shampoo and Thieves toothpaste to make the hospital feel a little more like home. 
Nursing Pillow- The Boppy is simple and makes a huge difference for me with latching those first few weeks.
Infant gowns- Comfy for baby and they make diaper changes just a little bit easier on Mom and Dad.

What are your favorite hospital MUST HAVES? Anything I missed? 

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