What’s in My (Out of Hospital) Birth Bag

Well we’re officially at 39 weeks and on full time baby watch! I swear every little twinge, tightening and weird feeling I have sends me into full on “IS THIS IT?!” mode. Unfortunately, so far nothing, but I know James will be here soon! I have to constantly remind myself that he’ll come when he’s ready, and the more time he spends growing in my womb means the stronger his lungs will be when he’s born. I can’t complain about that! 

However, since we ARE so close to the due date, I decided to go ahead and get our bags packed and ready for when James decides to make his grand arrival. I know there are a LOT of “What’s in My Hospital Bag” posts out there, but since we’re having our baby at a birthing center, our bags look a bit different than the typical ones you may read about. And yes, you read that right. I’m not going to a hospital for the delivery, and I’m going au natural, baby! I plan on writing a post in the near future about why I chose to go to a birthing center instead of a hospital (so keep an eye out for that!), but for today’s purposes I’m sticking to just what Isaac and I are bringing with us when James is ready to come. 

However, before digging into the nitty gritty, I wanted to point out some of the things we’re doing at the birthing center that are a bit different than if we were having James in a hospital. Partly because I know many people aren’t familiar with what happens in a non-traditional birthing setting, but also because it helps explains why I packed what I packed. ;)

1. All early laboring is done at home. We don’t head to the birthing center until it’s become active labor (contractions 5 minutes apart). 
2. You are free to move around as needed during contractions to find positions that help ease the pain better and speed up the laboring process. That means I can get in the shower, walk up and down the stairs, lay on the bed, and so on. 
3. Water births are very common, and what I plan on doing. 
4. You are encouraged to snack through labor. No ice chip diets over here! 
5. After delivery mom (and dad) can have an herbal bath with the baby. 
6. You stay at the birthing center only about 4-6 hours after baby is born (or until mom and baby are stable) and then it’s home we go! 

So as you can see, some things are a bit different. We don’t need to pack changes of clothes, a ton of toiletries, or plan for an extended stay. And let’s just say… You probably don’t see “swim trunks” on your typical hospital bag list. ;)

What’s in My (Out of Hospital) Birth Bag

Food

One of the reasons I LOVE that I’m having my baby at the birthing center is the fact that I can eat basically whatever I want whenever I want. Since I’m not getting an epidural I don’t have to go on an ice chip diet, and I don’t have to suffer through hospital meals. The foods I have packed are mostly high carb, fat and protein snacks that will help me get through labor and provide me with the energy I need in order to bring James safely into the world. Isaac is also going to be snacking on this stuff, because let’s be real. He’s going to be working hard with me! 
KIND Bars
Toasted nuts- pecans, almonds and cashews
LUNA Bars 
Honey sticks
Peanut butter packs- to go with apples, or to eat by themselves!
Coconut water- for healthy electrolytes
Fruit and veggies- Mostly when I’m in early labor at home

Clothing

Nursing bras/bralettes- For labor, the herbal bath and afterwards since I plan on breastfeeding. I chose to bring ones that are comfy and thin)
Nursing nightgown- Once I’m out of the herbal bath, I’ll be wearing a nursing nightgown to go home in. Comfort at its finest, y’all!
Robe– Cuz it’s cute and goes perfectly with the nightgown #priorities
Swim trunks- In case I’m laboring in the shower, Isaac won’t get his clothes soaking wet
Change of clothes- Mostly for Isaac so he can freshen up after labor as well! 
Sticky socks- reppin’ the Bar Method everywhere I go, obvi. 
Headband– Because I can’t deliver a baby without my favorite True North Collection headbands ;)

Toiletries

Lip balm
Face wash and soap
Simple makeup– mascara, facial hydrating spray and eye cream (just in case I feel like looking a little prettier for post delivery pictures… You never know!)
Deodorant- duh
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Overnight maxi pads
Depends- for immediately after delivery. It get’s messy, y’all.

Other Stuff

Coconut oil- To put on James’s booty to help with cleaning his meconium poop
Camera- Our doula said she’ll snap some pictures of us during delivery and afterwards! 
Chargers- Better safe than sorry

James

And we can’t leave out the man of the hour! James has his own special bag full of goodies. Y’all… packing his bag was my favorite thing ever. I can’t wait to snuggle up with him!! 
Knotted gown
Swaddle blankets
Hat- Let’s be real. It’s to cover his potential cone head. ;)
Socks
Onesies- Just in case we need them, I have a newborn onesie and two 0-3 month ones
Diapers– I’m bringing both newborn and size 1 diapers since I have no idea how big he’ll be!
Wipes
Car seat– it’s already installed in our car!

Now that our birth bag is packed and ready to go, I am more excited than ever to finally meet our little man. It’s getting SO real, y’all! Now here’s to hoping we don’t have to wait too much longer for him. I don’t know how much more waiting my impatient momma heart can take. 

Read all my bumpdates here! :)

Now it’s your turn to talk! Answer one of these questions in the comments below:
Do you have any items you’d add to our birth bag?
Did you deliver in a hospital or in an out of hospital setting?

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