Now that I am 36 weeks pregnant, I started packing my birth center bag. I will say packing for a birth center bag may be different from packing a hospital bag. If you didn’t know, at most birth centers, you typically go home on the same day.
The birth center I am giving birth at allows for you to stay up to 12 hours. With my first pregnancy, we only stayed for about 5 hours total. I arrived at 7pm and we left around 12am. I know – it sounds crazy, but going home right away felt like the right decision for us. We were able to be comfortable in our own space and my daughter saw the pediatrician the very next morning and the birthing center sent a nurse to our home the 3rd day we were home.
Another thing to consider if you plan to give birth at a birthing center is that they do not provide the same essentials as a hospital, so things like diapers, wipes, toiletries, hospital gown, etc are not provided, so it is essential that you bring those kinds of things.
So when considering what to bring with you that day, you really only need to pack as if you are traveling for one night. Below you will find a list of items to bring for the whole family!
**This post contains affiliate links to items that I own and I know you’ll benefit from! You can read the full disclosure here**
Mommy Essentials
- Change of clothes: I am packing two (just in case)
- Laboring outfit: I was nude for my first pregnancy, but you never know so I am bringing a loose dress like this one.
- Slippers & flip flops
- Nursing Bra
- Disposable Underwear
- Overnight pads
- Comfy underwear
- Toiletries: toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, skincare products, deodorant
- Hair Ties
- Chapstick
- Headband
Daddy Essentials
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries: deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste
- Charger
- Snacks
- Towel: brith center will provide some for mom, but not dad
Baby Essentials
- Going home outfit (two sizes: NB and 0-3 months) This outfit should also include pants for baby because of carseat straps
- Diapers & wipes
- Pacifier
- burp cloths
- Swaddle
For my first pregnancy, I overpacked! I didn’t use anything but my toiletries and change of clothes, so I didn’t want to overpack this time. As I mentioned before, your bag may be prepared differently if you are giving birth in a hospital.
To make things easier, I Included a PDF file for you to print.
If you want to read about my tips on having an unmedicated birth, you can read my blog post here!
If you want to follow my pregnancy journey in real time, you can follow me on Instagram 🙂
xoxo, Adrianna