Birthing Partner Hospital Bag Checklist: Everything You Need To Pack
OK birth partners - this one’s for you. A whole blog to get you ready for your partner’s C-Section birth. It’s a biggy - you want to show up and be the best partner, but you’re not sure where to start, right? Well let’s start with your bag and what to take with you! Read on for our C-Section specific suggestions.
What do I need to pack for myself, as a birthing partner?
Food! - You may be worrying about feeling faint, so this one is really important. Even if you don’t want to, eat and drink the morning of the birth. You’ll likely be feeling like you can’t because your partner isn’t able to, but you need to. They’re going to be well taken care of. You need to keep yourself in the best condition so you can support them, and that starts with eating. So, pack them snacks!
Change of clothes - the maternity ward is hotter than hell itself. Trust me, I’ve worked on them for years, and oh my lordy they’re like a furness. You’re going to sweat. On top of that, you’re going to be nervous, and then you’re going to have a baby on you, and they too are like little hot water bottles. Pack a couple of T-shirts for a quick change.
What do I need to pack for my partner?
A long charging cable is a must, so she can have access to her phone at all times to contact you if you head home or pop to the shop.
Mint tea and peppermint chewing gum are important because her bowel pain is going to be pretty awful and these two things are going to help regain that function really quickly.
One of the most important things I say to partners about the hospital bag is: know what’s in there. When your partner comes back from birth, she’ll not be able to move much. You are going to be in charge. You’re going to be the one pulling out baby clothes and getting her the things that she will need for that first shower.
Knowing where things are, what to pull out when and what to leave until you’re going home from the hospital is important. Spend some time before the big day getting to grips with the main bag and talk together about how you can show up as the best birth partner.