What's in my Birth Center bag?

You guys know I MUST love you because I went and got my bag out of the car and unpacked it JUST to take pictures.. then had to repack it. You're welcome :)

Well, being that we are birthing in a birth center rather than a hospital, the items we need may be a little different. Some are pretty general to either situation, though. One thing to note, however, is that if all goes well you are released from the birth center 6-8 hours after delivery if everyone is doing well (don't worry a midwife comes and checks and me and baby the very next day.. in our own home). So we are not there 48 hours meaning our packing might be a lot less than what a hospital bag would require.

Here's what I've got for our "big day"

-Toiletry Bag
(I bought a bunch of travel size stuff so I wouldn't have to worry about packing the stuff we already have last minute). This includes: top row mini toothpastes and tooth brushes for me and Jake, hair accessories (clip, hair bands, head band), a bandana so I can feel like a bad mamajama.. haha no it's for if I want to shut out any light I can blindfold myself or hold my hair back with it. Middle row deodorant for Jake and I, Dr. Bronners soap, shampoo and conditioner, mints (mainly for Jake just incase, I can't have bad breath in my face during labor), perfume, and lip balm. Bottom row numbing spray and witch hazel pads for me lady parts, nipple cream, nursing pads, face wash and moisturizer, lavender oil (for aromatherapy), plastic baggies (for my iPhone when I'm in the tub so I can listen to my Hypnobabies tracks) and headphones.

I packed it all up in a bag like this

-Clothes for Mom

This is pretty straight forward, I packed comfy and minimalistic. I have to have a comfy robe (this one is a short one that goes to the knees). This will be great for after I get out of the tub and lay on the bed, it will allow me to be skin to skin with the baby without being buck naked. I have 2 regular t-shirts and 2 long sleeve cotton t-shirts (I know I won't need that many, but better to have more than what you need), 2 pairs of yoga pants, 3 pairs of cotton briefs (I don't care about these underwear, I bought them specifically for after labor so if I have to toss them afterwards that's okay), a nursing bra, cozy socks, bathing suit bottoms and 2 black tank tops (one for birthing in the tub and one for whatever). 

-For Baby

Starting from the top left... one big cozy blanket, two receiving blankets, wipes and new born diapers (yes we are cloth diapering but these are just for the first few days), 4 long sleeve sleepers (the bottom dog one is fleece), 3 burp cloths, 1 cozy sleep sack, 4 hats, two pairs of socks and two pairs of mittens.

Easy peesy!

-Misc Items (not pictured)

Bath towel, hand towel, maxi pads (for postpartum), journal and pen (to record labor as it progresses so I can look back and write my birth story), tripod for camera, camera, batteries, computer and charger, phone charger, Bible, pain relievers for after delivery (ibuprofen or Tylenol), make up bag (gotta stay fresh lol), pillow and candles. 

*Some of these items are items that will be grabbed "last minute" like our computer and phone chargers. I have our list printed out so when we have to go we can look and grab the remaining items. 

-For Dad (not pictured)

Don't forget about Dad! He is simple enough. Just a separate backpack with clothes for him. Bathing suit, gym shorts, t-shirts, a pair of jeans, and socks. Any toiletries he needs are already packed in the toiletry bag. 

-Food/Drinks (not pictured)

Unlike the hospital, I am allowed to eat and drink to my hearts' content. Now whether or not I will is a different story.. but it's nice to know I have the option, especially because birth is hard work and I'll need the energy. IV fluids? No thank you when I can have a protein bar! I packed V8 smoothie juice, Sobe Life Water (good electrolytes!), water bottles, trail mix, Clif Bars, microwave ready soups, and crackers. I didn't pull the food bag out of the car (it's February so I know it won't spoil) so I might be forgetting something. Also we might order a meal in depending on the time of day because the birth center is right near a college campus so there is tons of food options to choose from. 

Whew! Well, now you know what we are bringing to prepare ourselves! We are very excited and ready to go whenever he is.

Hope this helps any mama's who are looking what to pack for their bags!

-Jessica