Top Things to Pack in Your Birth Bag for YOUR PARTNER
While in the hospital, you not only need to think about what you and your new baby will need, your partner will also need to plan for their needs AND what they can bring to support you the best. Unfortunately most hospitals don’t provide meals for partners, but they do have options. The following is a list of things they might want to bring for a more enjoyable hospital stay while they support you.
Check out what to bring for YOU here, and for YOUR BABY here.
What to pack for YOUR PARTNER:
For the partner to bring for themselves:
Camera - You’ll want amazing pictures of the birth, of your newborn, and the whole experience. If you have a phone with a good camera, great. Some people want to bring a DSLR camera to capture these special moments.
All the snacks - Supporting a labor and birth and then having a hospital stay can be a long time. Plan ahead by bringing good protein snacks. And it’s a bonus to have foods that don’t have a strong scent (your laboring partner will thank you).
Cash/Card - Cash is great for vending machines, although most probably also take cards. You’ll also want money for the cafeteria or for zipping out for some takeout.
Phone and chargers - An extra long charging cable is super helpful, some hospital outlets are a little far away.
Comfy pillow and blanket - Some hospitals just have a fold down chair for partners to sleep in, others have a couch or a cot and mattress. Either way, it’s nice to have some comfortable things from home.
Clothing layers - The temperature of the room will (and should) be dictated by the laboring person. You may be hot or cold, so it helps to bring clothes to layer.
The Birth Partner book - This book is fantastic for helping your partner know how to support you the best way possible.
For the partner to bring to support YOU:
Speaker or some way to play music - You can create a birth playlist ahead of time, and they can make it happen in the birth room.
Twinkle lights or flameless candles - They can set this up in the room to make a cozier experience.
Handheld fan - This is one of the most helpful things! If you are feeling nauseous, overheated while pushing or in the tub, a little fresh air helps so much. And this one can attach to anything to be hands free.
Lots of love, patience, and attention - This is a big day in both of your lives, and such a good opportunity for bonding and starting out this parenting journey the right way. Be present.
One of the greatest supports for your partner is the addition of a Birth Doula! Doulas do not take the place of your partner, they’ll be a good resource for both of you, encouraging you to work together and giving ideas of how they can support you the best. If you’re close to the Portland, OR area, I would love to chat to see how I can support your partner and your birth! Fill out my free consultation form here.
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