What to pack in your birth go-bag

• Personal labor & delivery gown — Emily loved the Kindred Bravely universal labor & delivery gown; she found it to be much easier to use and more comfortable than the hospital-issued gown

• Non-slip / grip socks (hospitals/clinics may provide these to you)

• Toiletries

• Extra clothing for several days

• Comfortable pillow(s)

• Sleeping mask / earplugs (in case you need to sleep in a noisy hospital area)

• Coming-home clothing and blanket for baby

• Nipple cream, nursing bra, and nursing pillow (if you plan to breastfeed)

• Portable speaker (if you'd like to play music)

• Several printed copies of your birth plan / preferences sheet (read more here)

• Cell phone charger

• Large reusable water bottle

• Electric hand-held fan — pushing a baby out can be hot and sweaty work!!

• Snacks & drinks

  • Nut and dried fruit mixes

  • Water and tea

  • Perfect Bar

  • YES Bar (SF)

  • Biena snacks

• Other resources to consider bringing with you

  • Birth ball / exercise ball

    • “What is a birthing ball?”

    • The Birth Ball

  • TENS unit

    • How might a TENS unit help during labor?

    • Be sure to read the manual for your TENS unit and practice using it ahead of time!

    • Babycare TENS - Emily found the Elle TENS 2 to be very helpful during her labor

  • Birth comb

    • How might a birth comb help during labor?

  • Music

    • Consider having a high-intensity playlist and a calm playlist ready to go, so you can switch things up as needed during labor

  • String lights (for calming ambience)

  • Rebozo

  • Birth pool / water therapy

    • Can be rented through Natural Resources (SF)

  • Contraction timer

    • Full Term — contraction timer app

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