Must Have Birth Essentials for Home or Hospital
Preparing for birth is such an exciting time, but it can also feel like there are a million things to think about.
Whether you are planning a home birth or giving birth in a hospital, there are a few things that can make labor feel more comfortable, calm, and manageable.
These are some of the products I have personally found helpful or would want to have ready for another birth.
1. Birthing Ball
A birthing ball can be amazing during labor.
You can sit on it, sway, circle your hips, lean over it, or use it to help get into more comfortable positions.
During one of my births, I spent a huge portion of labor on my birth ball and it felt so good to keep moving.
Birthing Ball
2. Comfortable Robe
You definitely do not need anything fancy for birth, but having something soft and comfortable to wear can make a difference.
A robe is nice because it is easy to take on and off, gives you access for checks or breastfeeding, and still helps you feel a little more covered.
Comfortable Robe
3. Your Own Pillow
There is something about having your own pillow that instantly makes a hospital room feel more comfortable.
It can also be useful for supporting your back, knees, or arms during labor.
Just make sure you use a pillowcase that is easy to recognize so it does not accidentally get mixed up with hospital linens.
Comfortable Pillow
4. Relaxation and Comfort Items
Birth is physical, but your environment matters too.
Anything that helps you feel calm and safe is worth considering.
A few things I like are music, dim lighting, a birthing comb, massage, and familiar scents if your birth space allows them.
I used a regular comb during labor and it worked perfectly well. You definitely do not need a special one.
Birthing Comb
Bluetooth Speaker
I also made a whole playlist for birth with songs about babies, family, and becoming a mom. It made me feel excited and emotional in the best way.
5. Peri Bottle and Adult Diapers
These are technically postpartum items, but I would still have them packed and ready before birth.
The first time around, I avoided adult diapers because I felt awkward about them.
By the next birth, I knew better.
They were so much more comfortable than constantly dealing with giant pads, and I would absolutely use them again.
Peri Bottle
Adult Diapers
6. Snacks and Hydration
Labor is work.
Having easy snacks and something to drink can help keep your energy up, depending on your birth setting and your care provider’s recommendations.
I had Dairy Milk chocolate because it is my absolute favourite.
I also packed sour candy, which sounded like a great idea beforehand and was very much not what I wanted during labor. 😂
A reusable water bottle with a straw is also really handy because someone can hold it for you while you are in different positions.
7. Birth Affirmation Cards
This is one of my favourite birth prep items.
Affirmation cards can help give you something simple to focus on when labor gets intense. You can tape them around your birth space, keep them beside the bed, have your partner read them out loud, or choose a few favourites to bring in your hospital bag.
For one of my births, I had a letter board that said, “You are strong and can do this,” and even something that simple was encouraging.
I now make printable birth affirmation cards specifically for this purpose, with both Christian and non religious options.
You can print them at home, use a local print shop, or tuck a few into your birth bag.
Shop my printable birth affirmation cards here:
8. Baby’s First Outfit and Swaddle
Choosing that first outfit is one of those tiny things that feels so special.
I somehow always seem to choose something either too small or way too big, so I recommend packing more than one size. 😂
A soft swaddle is also nice to have ready for those first cuddles and photos.
Baby Swaddle
Whether you are planning a home birth or a hospital birth, you really do not need a huge amount of stuff.
The goal is not to pack every birth product on the internet.
It is just to have a few things around you that help you feel comfortable, supported, and prepared.
Pick what feels useful to you and leave the rest.
Your Doula,
Tay
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