Your due date is fast approaching and you want to be ready to walk out that door when labor starts. As someone who LOVES lists and always over packs, I have reduced the amount of things that I recommend to only the essentials. As a Doula in Middle Georgia, I see so many bags being brought in and only a few things that are actually needed. Obviously, you do you and take all that makes you comfortable.

Here is a checklist of things you may want to take along to the hospital during labor.

• Don’t forget the car seat! Have it installed and ready to use by week 36
• Your birthplan. Have at least 3 copies along.
• -Id, insurance card & Wallet
• Toiletries
• Extra hair ties
• Chapstick
• Fan or white noise machine
• Robe or a pj shirt that opens in the front
• Nursing bra or tank
• Comfy clothes for postpartum ( plan to still wear pregnancy clothes for a bit)
• Cell phone, chargers & extension cords
• All the items you plan to use for comfort measures (play list, comb, tens unit,ect)
• Nipple cream
• Breast pads
• Drinks & lots of snacks
• Your comfy pillows and blankets
• Depends are so amazing and comfortable
• Going home outfit and blanket for baby
• Pacifier
• boppy (or just an extra pillow for breastfeeding support)

Hospitals provide….. Diapers, wipes, blankets, pads, mesh undies,peri bottle, birth ball & peanut ball..

Comfort Items I carry in my Doula bag to births.

• Battery operated tea lights
• Oils and diffuser
• Massage lotion and tools
• Honey sticks
• Hard candies
• Hand held fan

What are your must have's for your labor bag?