When I gave birth to my first child, I wasn’t 100% sure what I would need to bring to the birth center. Looking back, I did a pretty good job. I didn’t over pack and I had everything I needed for my ~16 hour stay at the birth center. This is a list of everything I brought or wish I would have brought.

Me (person giving birth)

Snacks (refrigerated/frozen)

Chili (or other premade meal)
Beef jerky
Muffins
Fresh fruit (watermelon, clementines, grapes)
Orange juice/lemonade
Chocolate milk w/ protein powder
Laboraid

Snacks (room temp.)

Crackers/animal crackers
Clif bars (no caffeine)
Granola bars
Apple sauce
Honey sticks
Ginger candies
Gum
Bone broth

Clothes

Flip flops/shower shoes
T-shirt x2
Nursing bra x2
Birth robe
Pajamas
Leggings
Underwear x4
Post partum undies
Socks
Pads
Sweatshirt
Nursing pads

Bathroom

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hair ties
Headband
Lotion
Face lotion
Face soap
Body soap
Deodorant
Fractioned coconut oil
Nipple cream
Squatty potty

General

Heating pad, battery, charger
Phone, charger
Speaker, charger
Headphones
Wallet
Journal
TENS machine
Large water bottle with straw
Glasses

Baby

Car seat
Outfits in newborn and 0-3 months
Disposable diapers
Baby wipes
Swaddle
Blanket
First aid kit
Sun hat
Headband
No scratch mittens
Wash cloths
Burp cloths

Support person (husband)

Meal(s) to eat
Clif bars/snacks
Swim trunks
Change of clothes
Body soap
Toothbrush
Glasses/contacts