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
Swaddle (if using)
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 and chargers
Colostrum from freezer (if using) labeled with your name, in a cooler or freezer bag
to prep your older kids:
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!
If you’ve got toddlers or older kids and you’re worried about their sleep once new baby arrives, or you want tips for prepping them, my Toddler Bundle includes a FREE guide all about welcoming a new baby sibling! Check out the details of what’s inside here.
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:
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 Newborn & Baby Bundle to learn everything you need to know about infant sleep & behavior with NO stress! This will include our Newborn Masterclass AND our best selling Crib and Floor Bed Guide!
