Whether you’re giving birth in Seattle at Swedish First Hill, UW Medical Center Montlake, Overlake Childbirth Center, Evergreen Health Family Maternity Center, this list of what to pack for your birth will make sure you’re completely prepared. I tend to be a “less is more person” but after my own birthing experience, I’d recommend overpacking and being overprepared. Mostly because I underpacked and regretted it.
I wish I’d packed more for my birth because I was SO cold, I didn’t pack my birthing plan (tiktok videos of mean nurses saying they just toss it in the trash convinced me no one needed it. WRONG.) I packed a few things from this list but not enough to feel comfortable and I ended up awake for 3 days straight in the hospital. I don’t want moms to echo that experience, so if you’re about to give birth and you have no idea what to bring in your hospital bag, here’s what I recommend you pack for your birth and postpartum.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Mercae, the Seattle-based photographer behind Lilac & Ivy Photography. I create grandmillennial inspired and east coast influenced maternity and newborn portraits for nostalgic Seattle mothers who love the beautiful historic architecture of Seattle and vintage-inspired styling as much as I do.
I specialize in studio maternity and in home newborn sessions because you shouldn’t have to make the Herculean effort to drive for hours, pray for sunshine, hike into the mountains, or be forced to cancel for rain. Once you inquire, I’ll send you over a welcome guide and a link to schedule a phone call to plan our session and answer any lingering questions!
The Skinny On What To Pack For Your Birth & Postpartum
Photo ID + Insurance Card
This is the bare minimum and should be on the very top of your birthing bag. You’ll need these on hand regardless of what else is on your list to pack for your birth.
6 foot charging cable for your phone
You never know where the outlet will be located, or if it’s convenient for you. You’ll need to make a series of important calls to insurance, pediatrician offices and family after birth. A charging cable for your phone is an essential item to pack for your birth. You will want your phone just in case, plus it might be nice to watch a movie or something to take your mind off of giving birth if your labor is going slow. Once labor picked up I was obviously occupied but there was a large portion of time for me that was very quiet since I had to be induced.
Any medication and/or sleep aids you normally take
It’s important to remember to pack enough for at least a week in your bag, JUST IN CASE. I forgot my melatonin and didn’t sleep for 3 days in the hospital because I had a difficult birth and they needed me to stay longer than just the usual 24 hours for vaginal deliveries. It felt like torture, so don’t forget to these have to be packed for your birth.
Your own pillows & blanket(s)
I remember shivering under the many many hospital blankets I begged for. I was SO cold and couldn’t get warm anymore (due to blood loss). But I just know if I’d have brought my own blankets and pillows I’d have been so much better off. But your own pillows and blankets will always feel more comforting, so add that to the list to pack for your birth.
Maternity gown and robe to wear afterwards
There are plenty of options so that you can wear something more comfortable than the typical hospital gowns, this option from Kindred Bravely is lovely. This soft robe from Hatch is excellent to wear after giving birth to allow for skin to skin without limiting access for various checks nurses might need to. I love the long sleeves because I particularly remember freezing. However, in the summer rooms do tend to heat up due to the sunshine.
Slippers
These adorable slippers from Hill House are so cute and cozy, but really any nice slippers will do. You don’t want to have to reach down, especially if you have a c section, so make sure to select slip on slippers.
Hair ties or Headband (avoid claw clips)
Clawclips are super uncomfortable to wear in a hospital bed, so I’d leave those at home if I were you. But a head band or hair ties will save you. Babies also have a next level grip so any hair that gets near them will get clenched in tiny baby fists and yanked hard right out of your head.
Toiletries
These are a big time comfort option when you pack for your birth. Hospital soaps and shampoos aren’t for the faint of heart, so if you can pack the good stuff from home. Your list for toiletries should include: travel size shampoo and conditioner, hair brush, body soap (hospital stuff sucks), toothpaste, tooth brush, face wash, moisturizer, deoderant, razor, and perhaps some makeup essentials from your makeup bag.
Nursing bra that opens to the front
Selecting a nursing bra that feels soft and stretches nicely as your breasts will fluxuate in size based on when your milk comes in. Kindred Bravely has plenty of fantastic options up to a 3X, but if you’re hunting for something more budget friendly Target has these available.
Soft pajamas with a lot of stretch
I really like this top from Kindred Bravely, since it makes skin to skin easy and has a lot of give. You’ll want something that can accomodate a body that will probably still be swollen. Ready to head home? This hospital departure set from Hatch is lovely and fully functional for when you’re discharged.
Disposable adult diapers
There should be options available up to 3X, but if you can’t find them in your size, buy the largest pads you’ve ever seen in your life, the cheapest granny panties you can find in your size, and lean with it rock with it. Trust me when I tell you, no one cares what’s happening down there while you recover. Just be gentle with yourself and use what you can.
Nipple Cream
Nipple cream should be organic and should be safe to use on your nipples to sooth any cracks or irritation without take off before baby feeds. This option is my recommendation.
Bluetooth Speaker
You’d be surprised how helpful a bluetooth speaker is. Whether you’re giving birth listening to Enya or your favorite podcast, having something to distract you that sooths your nerves never hurt. Plus, having something to play white noise on after baby is born is really nice. Make sure it’s on your list to pack for your birth.
What To Pack For Your Birth For Baby
White noise machine for baby
If you’d like to use your phone without it connected to bluetooth for white noise, bringing a white noise machine is SUPER helpful. Especially when you need to call insurance or make an appointment for babies first pediatricians appointment.
Nail clippers or files
Babies are born with freakishly long nails, be prepared to tame freddy krueger over there.
Carseat with the base pre-installed
Bring the carseat, installed and fully assembled. Make sure it’s a newborn carseat like this one.
Going home outfit with matching hat
Bring 3 size options: premie, newborn and 0-3 months. There’s no way to know exactly how big your baby will be so having options means at least one option will fit baby after they’re born.
Swaddle blanket that matches the outfit and hat
Bunting bag if you’re having your baby in cold weather
Bunting bags that goes over the carseat in case you’re going home in cold weather are a LIFE saver. No worrying about carseat safety and heavy coats. This one is a super cozy option I recommend.
Mercae is a Grandmillennial-inspired, East Coast-influenced Seattle maternity and newborn photographer creating timeless portraits for mothers who want to fill their homes with their family’s story. Inspired by Bridgerton novels, the collected beauty of Grandmillennial style, and the magic of ballet, her work carries a metaphorical soundtrack of Tchaikovsky, blending romance, nostalgia, and refined simplicity into photographs made to be held, displayed, and passed down.
