One of the most important things on a Parent's to-do list is packing their bag for the hospital. They've got all the baby clothes washed and put away and the nursery or sleeping space is set up and now they need to tackle to hospital bag! One of the most common questions I get as a doula is, "What should I take to the hospital?"

Good question! There are so many baby and postpartum items available and sometimes it's hard to know which ones are necessary and which ones can wait until you get home. After 5 deliveries of my own and attending many births as a doula I've created a list of the "must have" items that parents should bring to a birth.

The first must have is food. Most hospitals still don't allow eating during labor but they do allow liquids and you may be really hungry after labor so it's a good idea to pack some snacks.
Food & Supplements

• ​Tea: Red Raspberry Leaf, Mama's Milk Tea, Lavender or Chamomile
• Water
• Electrolyte Drinks (store bought or home made)
• Coconut Water
• Seed or nut butter
• Honey sticks
• Protein bars or snacks
• Lactation Snacks
• Fresh fruit (especially watermelon for hydration)
• Cheese sticks
• Dates 
• Magnesium - for AFTER LABOR to help keep calm and aid easy bowel movements. Magnesium is often used to stop labor so I only advise using it after labor.
• Essential Oils - Peppermint for nausea, citrus to energize or rejuvenate, Clary Sage for labor progress, Lavender to relax, etc. Make sure to contact an aroma therapy specialist!
• Prenatal Vitamins

Clothing, Undergarments & Hygeine

• Adult diapers - Seriously, trust me on this one. The last thing a parent needs to be worrying about after all the hard work of labor is leaking. Adult diapers are a good way to deal with postpartum bleeding and are the same price as pads. It's usually good to get one size over the normal to account for a mom's postpartum belly, which will still be a little bit big after delivery.
• Nursing bras - if you don't plan to breastfeed then bring very tight sports bras to ease engorgement. Nursing bras are also helpful if you're not breastfeeding but plan to pump to relieve a little bit of engorgement (but don't empty all the way!).
• Postpartum Gowns - I always advise bringing gowns over sweat pants or yoga pants because they are more comfortable and in the event of a c-section, parents won't have to worry about clothing rubbing against their incision. 
• Slippers - hospitals always provide slip-proof socks but sometimes it's more comfortable to bring your own socks or slippers
• Going home outfit - I thinking nursing gowns and slippers are perfect for this ;-)
• Dermoplast - A numbing spray for the perineum after a vaginal birth
• Healing Salve - Good for both baby and Mama. This healing salve can be used on the perineum, nipples, baby bottom or any other cut, bruise, bug bite or sore.
• Witch Hazel - Liquid witch hazel is available at most pharmacies or grocery stores and you can add it to your pads, diapers or peri bottles with just a squirt.
• Breast Pads - Milk usually starts leaking around day 3 (after most women get home from the hospital) but just incase it starts sooner, it's good to have a few breast pads on hand.
• Nursing Pillow
• Hygiene Products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, face moisturizer, body moisturizer, toothbrush, tooth paste, etc.

Electronics

• Phone chargers
• Laptop/charger
• Movies, music
• Blu Tooth Speaker
• Movies, CDs, Playlist, etc.
• Tablets and chargers
• Camera or photographer and charger

Baby's Needs

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Blankets - Swaddling and regular
• Going home outfit
• Extra outfit
• Burp cloths

These are the must haves in my book but feel free to comment or e-mail if you have comments or suggestions!

One of the most common questions I get from pregnant women is, "Should I make a birth plan?" My answer is yes! No matter what kind of birth you're planning, a comprehensive birth plan is a helpful step in knowing what your options are and what your primary and secondary goals are. Although your birth may not go exactly according to plan, it's important to let your care providers know what kind of birth you're hoping for and what your expectations are. You can begin your birth plan in pregnancy and it extends until the postpartum period and for your newborn as well.  

One of my favorite birth plans is from Earth Mama Angel Baby's website. The plan is pretty comprehensive and can be re-written however parents wish. You can view the birth plan template here: