What to Pack in Your Birth Bag (Get your FREE Birth Bag Checklist)

Whether you're planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or you're still not 100% sure, one thing I always get asked is: "What should I pack in my birth bag?" And I get it — when you’re preparing to meet your baby, the last thing you want is to forget something important (or pack enough for a two-week holiday 😅).

As a hypnobirthing practitioner (and a fellow mum), I’m here to make this part simple, stress-free and even a little exciting. Your birth bag is more than just “stuff” — it’s about creating comfort, calm and confidence. Whether you're giving birth in a hospital or at home, having familiar, soothing things around you can really support your mindset and your oxytocin flow (that’s the lovely hormone that helps labour along!).

Let’s break it down into two parts: hospital and home.

🏥 For a Hospital Birth

Here are the essentials I always recommend to my clients:

🧘‍♀️ Comfort & Calm

• Birth plan (printed)

• Positive affirmation cards (grab yours here)

• Headphones & your calm playlist or hypnobirthing tracks

• Essential oils (think calming smells like lavender) & a cloth or roller

• Eye mask & lip balm (hospital air can be dry)

🧺 Clothing

• Loose, comfy clothes for labour

• A robe or cardigan (something cosy)

• Flip flops or slippers

• Plenty of high-waisted knickers & a few nursing bras

• Going home outfit for you & baby (easy to get on!)

🍼 Baby Bits

• Nappies (at least 10)

• A couple of sleepsuits & vests

• Hat, mittens, and blanket

• Cotton wool or wipes

🍫 Snacks!

• For you and your birth partner — think high-energy, easy-to-eat

• Refillable water bottle

• Electrolyte drinks or coconut water

🧼 Toiletries

• Hair tie, toothbrush, face mist, shower gel, deodorant

• Maternity pads/nappies & nipple cream

• Towel & washcloth

🏡 For a Home Birth

You won’t need to pack a bag, but having a dedicated “birth box” or corner ready is a great idea. You might include:

• Clean towels & a waterproof sheet or shower curtain

• A birth pool (if using one) + liner & hose

• Fairy lights or candles for ambience

• A bowl for vomit (hopefully you won't need this!)

• Plenty of snacks & drinks

• Your hypnobirthing tracks, playlist, oils, and affirmations

• Clean clothes for you & baby

• Extra pillows and blankets

• Bin bags, pads, and flannels

• A phone charger!

  
  

🎁 Want the Full Checklist?

I’ve created a free, printable Birth Bag Checklist just for you — designed to take the stress out of packing and help you feel prepared, calm, and confident.

👇Download the FREE Birth Bag Checklist Here

There’s no perfect way to pack your birth bag — it’s all about what makes you feel supported and grounded. Trust yourself, prep what you can, and let go of the rest. Birth is about surrender, not perfection.

If you’re still feeling unsure or want to feel more prepared for birth in general, I’d love to support you through one of my upcoming hypnobirthing courses. They’re gentle, empowering, and absolutely not about pretending birth is “easy” — they’re about making you feel capable and informed, however your journey unfolds.