Whether you’re planning a home birth, hospital birth, or birthing center experience, knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming—especially when your due date is approaching. As Brood doulas, we’ve supported thousands of births and collaborated with our families and trusted care providers to create this comprehensive, practical, and comforting birth packing list!
No matter where you give birth, the goal is the same: to support your comfort, ease, and recovery.
Hospital Bag Essentials
When it’s time to head to the hospital, here’s what you’ll be glad you packed ↓
- Phone, laptop, and speaker chargers
- Pillows from home — One for you, one for your support team
- Music setup — Speaker, downloaded playlist, and charger
- Nice lighting — LED candles or fairy lights only
- Lip balm — All that deep breathing dries lips fast
- Water bottle — Keep it full and close; hydration is key
- Electric heat pad — For labouring muscles or sore postpartum body
- Comfortable robe and pajamas — Button-up tops are great for nursing
- Heaps of snacks — Fuel for you and your support team
- Your favourite warm drink — Think tea or broth, especially for postpartum nourishment and replenishment
Other helpful items ↓
- Padsicles — Instant perineal relief
- Toiletries with familiar scents
- Cozy socks, slippers, and loose clothes
- Hot water bottle — Great for afterpains or chilly rooms
- Baby’s going-home outfit
- Car seat and four muslin blankets — All you need for a safe ride home
- Nipple cream — Something simple like Medi-honey or a baby-friendly ingredient balm, helpful even right after birth
Hospitals typically provide mesh underwear, a peri bottle, postpartum pads, baby diapers, and wipes.
For Home Births
Preparing your space for a home birth? Here’s what to gather:
- Two to four fitted sheets and two to four cheap shower curtains — For your bed or couch
- Fifteen to twenty-five (yes, you read that right!) towels — Darker colours and ones you’re okay discarding
- Five to seven washcloths
- Ice and pre-made electrolyte-based drinks
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Snacks — Focus on healing, easy-to-digest foods like bone broth
- Muslin blankets — Three to five soft receiving blankets for baby
- Nice lighting — LED candles, tea lights, or fairy lights
- Yoga or exercise mat
- Two large bottles of hydrogen peroxide — For cleanup
Tips for Your Support Team
Your doula, partner, or other support people will need to pack too. Here’s what we recommend ↓
- Sleeping bag or blanket — For overnights in postpartum rooms
- Snacks and drinks — For energy and long stretches of support
- Slippers or flip-flops
- Comfortable clothes and layers
- Toiletries and a change of clothes
Want to Pack Light? Here’s What You Can Skip
- Fancy outfits for baby — Keep it simple and cozy
- Anything scented — Unless it’s your comfort scent
- Extra postpartum products — Most hospitals provide the basics or can DIY with their supplies
- Large suitcases — A duffel or backpack is often enough
Pro Tips from Doulas
- Start packing early — Aim to be ready by 36 weeks, just in case!
- Put a sticky note on your bag with last-minute items like phone chargers or snacks
- Label your bags — Especially if others will be helping you carry or unpack
- Practice car seat installation early — It’s tricky when you’re tired or in a rush, and most hospitals require you to have one installed before you can leave the hospital! We recommend Safer Seats for in-person guidance and support.
You Deserve Comfort and Support
This isn’t just about logistics. Each item you bring can serve a purpose—whether it’s practical, emotional, or grounding. Packing with intention is one of the many small ways you can care for yourself during birth.
Click here to download a printable version of this list!
