Six Unique Birth Bag Essentials That You Will Thank Yourself Later For
When planning for birth packing, that birth bag can be an overwhelming task. Often, in my final prenatal meeting with families, before we wait for the big day to arrive, I get asked if I can look over the birth bag(s). Almost always, this comes while nesting in the nursery, putting every last detail together as it is said and done. Baby books on the shelf, little booties in the closet, and a teddy bear on the rocking chair, yet the hospital bag sits by the door, almost ready…
Now, this isn’t anyone’s fault! There is no clear cookie-cutter manual on how to pack the best, most efficient, “totally needed everything in there” birth bag. But with the help of a few essentials, you will be glad you took the time to toss them in. Because any expectant parent(s) already have enough to figure out before a new addition arrives. Even if it is a first, second, third, or counting baby on the way, the birth bag dilemma seems to come up naturally. Figuring out what to bring with you as an essential you can’t forget, “just in case,” or as a tentative measure in case the designated birthing place won’t supply it, can be a headache anyone would want to put to the side. That’s where I come in for help. These six essentials I suggest families put in their birth bag - and trust me, they thanked themselves later!
Six Unique
Essentials:
1. Pre-Written “Baby is Here!” Messages
Prewriting a “baby is here” text message can make sharing the news with loved ones much easier in the moment. After birth, you’ll likely be focused on recovery, bonding, and resting, so having a pre-drafted message allows you to quickly copy, paste, and send without extra thought or effort. You can choose to include a photo of your baby or simply share the exciting news in words—whatever feels right for you. This message is also a great opportunity to set boundaries regarding visitors, health precautions, and communication expectations, ensuring you can soak in this special time without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s a simple template you can use or customize:
"Baby [Name] has arrived! Born on [Date] at [Time], weighing [Weight] and measuring [Length]. We are completely in love and soaking in all the newborn snuggles. 💕 We appreciate all the love and support and ask for patience as we take this time to rest and bond. If you’d like to visit, please check in with us first, and if you’re feeling under the weather, we kindly ask that you wait until everyone is healthy. We may be slow to respond to messages, but please know your love and well-wishes mean the world to us! Thank you for understanding as we enjoy these first precious moments with our new addition."
This way, you can share the joy while also setting clear expectations, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—welcoming your baby into the world.
2. DIY Garland From Loved Ones
Whether birthing at home, a birth center, or hospital it is important to feel surrounded by love! Oxytocin, our love hormone, is boosted when we feel safe, private, and comfortable - all things loved ones provide us with. Oxytocin also creates a positive feedback loop in labor, helping to increase the strength of contractions needed to deliver your baby.
Asking at your baby shower or any point in pregnancy for family, friends, care team members, social groups like a church group, or even coworkers to write you short empowering thoughts and wishes for you and baby is a simple favor to ask. Older siblings can even participate with colorful drawings. Or pick some favorite memories and heartfelt photos! Adding affirmations can be a bonus addition as well! Stringing these love letters on a piece of wire or string, then tossing it in your birth bag so they can later be strung at your birth place, can be a relaxing and heartfelt craft.
Then, in labor, when you look up and see messages and images of love, even though you likely won’t be reading each word as contractions come along, simply knowing the love and support you and baby have can move mountains. These words can be read to you by your birth partners and care team to remind you of the positive words surrounding you. Ultimately, increase your oxytocin as you lean into your power to give birth. Creating a positive, peaceful, loving birth space is essential to optimal oxytocin production and release, even in the simplest of forms.
3. Your Own Pillow and Blankets
Packing your blankets and pillows in your hospital bag can make a significant difference in your birth experience. Familiar scents and textures help create a sense of comfort and security, which can encourage the release of oxytocin even further. For partners and birthing people, having their pillow and blanket means they can rest more comfortably, staying present and supportive throughout the birth. This small touch of home can make the hospital environment feel less sterile and more inviting, easing stress for both the birthing person and their support team.
After birth, these cozy items continue to be beneficial, especially when establishing breastfeeding. A well-positioned pillow can provide better support for both parent and baby, promoting a more relaxed and ergonomic nursing posture. Soft, familiar blankets can also enhance skin-to-skin contact, reinforcing the warmth and security that newborns crave in their early hours. By bringing your comforting items, you’re not just adding convenience—you’re actively supporting a smoother, more nurturing transition into postpartum recovery.
4. A Cooler Full of Nutritional Snacks
Bringing your own cooler of snacks as part of your birth bag ensures you have nourishing, familiar foods to keep your energy levels up during labor. Birth is a marathon, not a sprint, and just like any endurance event, your body needs sustained fuel and hydration to perform at its best. Hospitals may have limited food options, and depending on their policies, they may not always provide the nutrient-dense snacks your body craves. Having your own supply means you can choose what works best for you while maintaining comfort and control over what you consume.
Great options for labor-friendly snacks include protein-packed foods like nut butter packets, Greek yogurt, cheese sticks, and hard-boiled eggs, along with easy-to-digest carbohydrates such as bananas, dates, whole-grain crackers, and oatmeal cups. Fresh or dried fruit, granola bars, trail mix, and rice cakes with almond butter provide quick energy without being too heavy. Prepackaged smoothies, applesauce pouches, and electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or electrolyte tablets mixed with water help maintain hydration and replenish essential minerals. If you prefer something more savory, options like hummus with veggie sticks, avocado slices, or even a mild broth-based soup in a thermos can be soothing and nourishing. Staying hydrated and well-fed throughout labor helps prevent fatigue, supports muscle function, and ensures you have the stamina to meet your baby with strength and energy.
5. Seriously Upgrade that Peri Bottle
Going to the bathroom after birth can feel intimidating, especially with stitches, swelling, or general tenderness. The standard hospital peri bottle helps, but an upgraded version, like the Frida Mom peri bottle, can make a world of difference in comfort, hygiene, and healing. Its angled spout allows for a more effective and gentle cleanse without awkward positioning, making it much easier to rinse off without irritation. Using warm water can soothe soreness, reduce stinging, and promote healing, all while keeping the area clean and reducing the risk of infection.
In those first postpartum days, anything that makes bathroom trips easier can have a big impact on how you feel. A good peri bottle provides a refreshing, hands-free way to cleanse, which can be especially helpful for those recovering from a vaginal birth or a cesarean who may have limited mobility. Pairing it with witch hazel, herbal infusions, or sitz baths can further support healing and provide additional relief. Investing in small comforts like an upgraded peri bottle can help you feel more cared for, making your postpartum recovery a little smoother and more manageable.
6. Create Birth Playlists
Having a birth playlist ready to go can be a powerful tool for setting the tone of your labor and helping you stay grounded through each stage. Music can influence mood, energy, and even pain perception, making it an excellent companion during birth. In early labor, when you may still be moving around and working through contractions, upbeat music with a steady rhythm—such as pop, R&B, or even dance beats—can keep your energy up and your mindset positive. As labor progresses into active labor and transition, shifting to more calming, meditative music can help you stay relaxed yet focused. Soft instrumental tracks, gentle acoustic songs, or even nature sounds can create a soothing environment that encourages deep breathing and tension release. Asking for anyone present at the birth to change or stop playing the music is totally okay when you are needing a change and can be a simple way to feel heard and supported.
A great bonus tip is to save any birth meditations, affirmations, or hypnobirthing tracks to your playlist so you have them ready when you need extra relaxation and encouragement. These recordings can help refocus your mind, remind you of your strength, and provide reassurance during the most intense moments. Having a well-thought-out playlist ensures that no matter what stage of labor you’re in, you have the right soundtrack to support you emotionally and physically.
