Prepping for Birth & Postpartum (from a third time mom!)
When you’re having a baby whether it’s your first or your third, the prep can be the most fun (and the most daunting) part of the third trimester. Now that I’ve done this a few times, I can confidently tell you what’s needed and what’s just not worth it. First up is packing your bag if you plan on a birth at the hospital or birth center.
A hospital bag is a really personal thing. We all have our “creature comforts” and everyone has opinions on things that are “must have” vs. unnecessary. This list includes the bare essentials plus some “extras” so that you can pick and choose the things that sound good to you! I recommend checking in with your hospital and/or doula to see if there are any restrictions about what you can bring, but most hospitals have no problem with you moving in and making the room feel like home!
These are an absolute must for hospital during labor and recovery:
Comb for labor pain (gripping the comb can help cope with contractions!)
Pumping/nursing bra (I love the ones from Bodily)
Toiletry bag with toothbrush & toothpaste, small shampoo/ conditioner, body wash or soap, and lotion
Makeup bag (if you want!)
Flip flops for shower
Your partner’s stuff! They’ll likely need:
change of clothes & new socks and underwear
toiletries/ toothbrush
mouthwash & deodorant (you want them to smell good when they’re in your face!)
bathing suit (if you plan to labor in tub/ shower at all)
their own pillow, blanket, towel
pajamas
snacks
What You Need For Baby:
Any blanket, hat, name sign etc. you want to take photos with
Going home outfit- I love kimono style wraps for newborns because they are loose and don’t irritate the belly button cord.
1 extra outfit/ pajama
Car seat installed to go home in
Nice to Haves:
Polaroid Camera and Film
Essential oil roller or spray- Lavender Peppermint Eucalyptus, Citrus scents, Clary Sage are most commonly used in labor.
Your own pillow
Your own towel
Comfy Blanket from home
Headphones/ ear buds or a portable speaker
Tablet or eReader for watching shows or reading
Don’t forget! put a post-it note on the door to grab these things on your way out:
ID for each parent
Insurance card/ paperwork
Birth Plan (if you have one)
Phones
Colostrum from freezer (if using) labeled with your name
How to Pack:
I like to do a duffel for the things I’ll use right away in labor and right after. If you plan on using “extras” like twinkle lights etc. for your room, put those in there too. I put my birth plan on top of this bag and throw phones, wallet, keys etc. in the side pockets when it’s time to go.
Then I do a small suitcase with things we won’t need until later, like our towels, change of clothes, the baby’s stuff etc. My husband goes to grab it from the car when needed. This avoids lugging a ton of stuff when we check into the hospital and things are a little chaotic!
I put a post in note on the door with all of the “Don’t forget” stuff to be sure we have everything before we leave!
For older siblings, I pack a “go bag” for the person they’ll be with while I’m delivering. This go bag includes:
2 pairs of PJs
2 sets of clothes & socks
Diapers for 2 days
Tooth brushes
A couple of favorite books
Notes from me
Pictures of us as a family
The big kid “go bag” can be left at the door with your other things, or can be dropped off early with the caregiver who will be in charge. This just depends on what your plan for child care arrangements are!
Postpartum Recovery Essentials (for when you go home)
When you get home, you’ll want to have a little station set up with your recovery items. I like to prep this early in advance too. I just use any type of basket or caddy and set it up by the toilet in the bathroom. Some stuff I like to buy ahead of time, but know that if you don’t do this, it’s OK! Most hospitals are very generous with giving you things like extra pads, disposable underwear, etc.
For your Bathroom:
Padsicles (recipe below!)
Padsicles can be a great way to soothe both the perineum and the vulva after a vaginal birth or even a c-section recovery if you’d pushed for a while. A padsicle is just a frozen or maxi pad that can reduce swelling and reduce pain and burning. It’s important to remember, though, that while frozen padsicles feel AH-MAZING after birth, you don’t want to use them TOO much or for much longer than a day or two postpartum. Ice can constrict blood vessels and decrease blood flow - essentially slowing the healing process.
To make a padsicle you’ll need:
aluminum foil
Large plastic freezer bag or tupperware container (at least as long as pad)
overnight sanitary napkins or pads (I prefer no wings)
100% pure organic lavender essential oil (optional)
To assemble your padsicles:
Step 1: Grab a large freezer bag or tupperware container and label it “padsicles”
Step 2: Lay a piece of aluminum foil on your counter or table
Step 3: Unwrap a sanitary napkin or pad, and lay it on top of the aluminum foil in the center
Step 4: Squeeze the aloe vera gel generously all over the pad and spread with a spoon. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping with inflammation.
Step 5: Sprinkle or spray the witch hazel over the pad. Witch hazel can reduce swelling, and pain, plus relieves itching and inflammation, which is great for treating hemorrhoids.
Step 6: (Optional) add 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the pad. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties as well, and the scent can be calming.
Step 7: Gently fold the sides of the aluminum foil over the pad, leaving it flat. This will prevent the pads from sticking to each other or together.
Stack the pads in your bag or container and place in the freezer for at least an hour. These can be made in a batch while you’re pregnant to keep in the freezer so they’re ready to go when you’re home and recovering!
For your Nightstand:
When you get back home, in addition to having the bathroom stocked, it’s nice to have a little station in your room for some self care. Of course you’ll want to have a little caddy by the bed with things for baby like diaper cream, diapers and wipes, your Haakaa or other pump, burp cloths etc. (see a list of my favorite Nursery Items here) but it’s also nice to have some stuff handy for YOU! I like to keep these items ready and stocked by my bed:
Snacks/ candy
Water bottle or other drinks
Cozy socks
Extra Breast Pads/ Nursing Tank
Face wipes
Hand lotion
Skincare/ sheet masks
Nipple Cream
Magazines
Phone charger/ eReader & Charger
Blue light blocking glasses
Medications
That’s it! I know this seems daunting but once the “nesting” bug hits in the third trimester doing all of this prep can be really fun! If you have extra time after packing all of this stuff and want more to do to make life a *little* easier postpartum!
What to prep next?
After getting all your gear set up, it’s time to prep for baby to actually be here! Check out the HSB 0-18 Month Course to learn everything you need to know about infant sleep & behavior with NO stress!
