With my labor fast approaching, I realized I needed to get my tush in gear, revisit my natural birthing classes, and get organized for the impending trip to the birthing center where I will deliver! I CANNOT BELIEVE I’M LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AWAY!

OK, breathe…

I’ve had many requests to share what’s in my hospital bag, so here we go 🙂 I’m packing a lot of different things, as you never know what’s gonna work. I’m definitely OVER compensating from last time, when I barely backed a thing!

Here’s what I’m bringing.

Clothing

  • Comfy clothes: Loose fitting shirts with buttons for easy breastfeeding access. Yoga pants. Thick socks. Slip on shoes. Sweatshirts.
  • Nursing bras: For obvious reasons :). I love these ones.

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Electronics

  • iPod with awesome labor soundtrack: I learned from my last birth that I need some rocking music too (rather than just peaceful) so I’m filling my iPod with Beyonce, Kate Perry, P!NK, etc.
  • Cameras, chargers, laptop, etc.

Tools

  • Back massager: I like this DIY one.
  • Rice socks: This handy contraption can do wonders for pain. Simply take rice, pour into a tube sock and tie at top. You can then heat in a microwave (most hospitals and homes have them) and put on tender areas.]

Natural aids

  • Magnesium oil: This wonderful magnesium spray helps to relax muscles and calm mama. I hope to use during labor!
  • Arnica Montana Gel: Great for muscle aches before AND after birth, I’m definitely backing a tube of this stuff.
  • Essential oils: a natural way to stay calm and relaxed, I’m packing lavender, clary sage, frankincense, ylang ylang and peppermint. (Most of these oils can be found in the Young Living Premium Starter Kit.)
  • Homeopathic remedies: Caullophyllum 200C or Cimicifuga 200C for cervix dilation. Gelsemium 30C and Pulsatilla 30C to keep labor progressing nicely. During the pushing phase, Arnica – 200C can help with pain and fatigue. For back labor, try Kali Carb 200C. For overall exhaustion, use Kali Phos 200C. Additionally, Arnica 30C every few hours or even every 1/2 hour after labor helps with soreness. Gelsemium and Pulsatilla can also induce labor or help breech babies flip.
  • Sitz bath spray: This stuff is the BOMB and I will start using it immediately after birth to reduce soreness
  • After-Ease: This herbal tonic is supposed to help reduce the afterpains of birth (something that normally effects moms with multiple children)
  • Magnesium Citrate: This particular one is very strong and helps to ward off constipation which is common in postpartum mamas. Long-term, you want to chose a better form of magnesium.

Food & drink

  • Dates: reported to help ease labor, I’m packing these as a quick and easy snack. I like the ones rolled in coconut like these best.
  • Honey sticks: a great, easy form of natural sugar when I’m in active labor and don’t want to eat. I got mine at Whole Foods but you can get online here too.
  • Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: I’ve made a very concentrated batch using this mixed with honey and put into ice cubes. That way, when the big day comes, I can pop a few in several Mason jars, add water and be good to go. (You can find recipe for a strong, labor day brew here.)
  • Nuts and seeds/nut butter: A mix of pumpkin seeds, pecans and sunflower seeds are always tasty. I also like these nut butters for their convenience.
  • Coconut water: High in electrolytes, this is the ultimate “sports” drink… and mamas, labor is a MARATHON! I purchased this brand.
  • High mineral sea salt: To balance out the high potassium content in fruit and coconut water, I’ll be taking tastes of high-mineral sea salt to keep me balanced.
  • Organic chamomile tea bags: A viewer swore that drinking this hot during labor made it go super fast. It was a “trick” she learned from her grandmother.

Overkill? Probably.

Again, I think I’m compensating for last time, when I pretty much just brought my clothes.

What do you think?

Am I missing anything? What did you bring? What did you wish you had with you?

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