Pack your bags!

I bring a birth bag with me to all of my births that has lots of goodies in it. What is even better at a birth is when a family comes prepared with their own bag of goodies, because it will be so much more meaningful and personal to them. I often encourage my clients to pack once the labor has started, since it is usually best to try to stay at home as long as possible, unless you have a medical reason to go into the hospital immediately upon onset of labor. Remember, always listen to your intuition and what your body is telling you about when you should leave for the hospital or wherever you will be birthing.

The following are things that you may find helpful during your birth. Feel free to tweak this and make it right for you.

A small gift of chocolate, etc to give to the nursing staff (it's always nice to come in and have them love you already!)

Several copies of your 1 page birth plan-- and tape to tape one onto your door for all who enter to read.

A sign politely requesting quiet respectful voices.

Electric Candles.
Christmas lights
Essential Oils (or other scents you like, natural ones enhance labor best)
Your own sheets, pillows, comforter (maybe even a second set for your partner's bed)
Your own clothes (something comfortable, loose, that opens at the bottom-- a cotton night dress, big T-shirt, etc.)
Sports bra and or swim suit to get into the tub or shower with, if you are wanting to be more modest
Swim wear for your partner's bed
Music. A wide variety of soft and calming, to up beat and energizing.
Comfy slippers.
Large towels (if you want, the hospital usually has thin small ones)
Things that remind you of home/ focal points (pictures, plants, memorabilia, art, etc.)
A robe to walk the halls in.
Hair tie/ head band
Small crock pot with ginger for warm compresses while pushing
Honey sticks
Snacks and foods you like that will keep your energy up (fruit, nuts, cheese, hard boiled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, LARA bars)
Personal water bottle.
Personal Toiletries (Its always nice to have your own shampoo and soap that smells like home)
Comfy clothes and nursing bras for post birth.
Your own birth ball, rebozo, and massage tools.
Computer and phone, chargers, camera, video camera.
Quiet work for slow or restful times.
Phone and email list of your support team (Lactation, Pediatrician, Chiropractor, Cranial Sacral Therapist, Someone who you know would be encouraging if you needed it during or after birth, etc)

Just thinking ahead about how you want to make your environment comfy for you will probably help you think of your own ideas. The possibilities are endless! I would love to hear about the unique things some of you have brought with you to your births.