Birth Center Packing List

Before my baby's arrival, I wondered what I would need to pack in my "go bag" for the big day. I Googled packing lists and scoured Pinterest - though I did find a few good birth center bag lists, I mostly found hospital bag lists which didn't quite fit the bill. I wouldn't need three days worth of clothes, for example, since most birth center moms go home 6-8 hours after delivery. Now that my baby has arrived, I thought I'd share a quick list of what I ended up using. Hopefully someone else will find it helpful!

**Super important thing I didn't do but wish I did** 

I wish I had walked my husband through what was in the bag!!! I remember being frustrated having to explain to him what compartment to look in to find what I was asking for. Also, if he knew everything that was in there he may have offered some of the items without being asked.

And without further ado, here is my Birth Center packing list. I managed to cram it all into the diaper bag!

Birth Center Bag Items

• Baby supplies
• 1 Swaddle
• 1 Hat
• 3-4 Diapers
• Baby wipes
• 2 Outfits for going home - one newborn size, one 0-3 months in case I had a big baby (thankfully for my body she was newborn size!)

• Mom supplies
• Labor clothes - I had packed a comfy sleep bra and soft t-shirt, which I ended up changing in to before we even left for the birth center. I unfortunately had like a billion hours of warning to get ready at home
• 1 Robe - wore this robe while still at the birth center after delivery, while family was in the room visiting
• 1 Going home outfit - I chose a comfy maternity dress with leggings in case it was cold out. I was due at the end of September so I figured it could be pretty warm or a bit chilly... it ended up being over 80 degrees that day so no leggings for me!
• 1 Sweater in case it was cold, did not end up using
• 2 Pairs comfy granny panties
• 1 Nursing bra - I brought nursing pads too but did not use. Not enough milk on day one to need them!
• 1 Hairbrush - also did not use but probably should have before pictures, lol
• Hair ties - I also thought I'd use a soft headband to keep the hair out of my face during labor, but I ended up not caring
• Toiletry bag - mine included deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and chapstick. I checked with the birth center ahead of time to make sure there was shampoo and body wash for my shower after delivery - much needed after Baby pooped meconium all over me!
• Check with the birth center ahead of time to see if you need to pack pads or a peri bottle, but most places provide these for you (mine did so I did not pack). You'll want to get some pads for home though!
• 1 Phone charger
• Dad supplies
• 1 Change of clothes - we packed a pair of shorts and t-shirt
• Toiletries - just deodorant and toothbrush
• 1 Phone charger (or not, if you have the same phone)
• SNACKS - this is what I was most glad I packed!! Exactly which snacks I ate is a bit of a blur, but I know I ate a bunch of them. Just things I could have little bites of helped - I sure needed the energy after 30 hours of early labor contractions! Don't forget to include some snacks for hubs too!
• Vitamin water/Gatorade/other electrolyte drinks
• Peanuts
• Protein bars/granola bars
• Dried fruit
• Chex Mix
• Apple slices
• Ice pops (these weren't packed in the diaper bag - we had them in a small cooler with the post-delivery meal, more on that later)

• Soothing stuff for labor - I packed rose-scented lotion and made special playlists, but I didn't use them! I played Pandora on my phone for a bit early on and after that I was too distracted to care! If you have a favorite pillow or something you may want that, though
• Last but not least, a couple plastic grocery bags - we ended up throwing dirty clothes in these to take home

Finally, here are a few non-bag items that we prepared:

• Carseat in car!
• Post-delivery meal - this may be unique to the birth center we went to, but we were told to plan ahead for what meal I'd want to eat post-delivery, in case it was the middle of the night with not much open. I prepped and froze meat sauce in advance to reheat and brought spaghetti to cook - there was a kitchen with pots and pans was available for our use
• I kept a trash bag and towel in my trunk in case my water broke in the car, did not end up using

And there you have it! I tried to keep it minimal because I hate schlepping stuff around that I don't need, but it still ends up being a pretty long list. What did you bring or wish you brought??