Packing Your Hospital Birth Bag?
Here's What You Really Need
I'm thrilled to introduce my first guest blogger, Kim Mousley, a compassionate and experienced Bristol-based doula, hypnobirthing instructor, and pregnancy yoga teacher. Kim from Birth Body Breath has a natural talent for helping people feel empowered, calm, and prepared through pregnancy, birth, and the early days of parenting. With her warm, grounded approach, she’s here to share her top tips on what to pack for a comfortable, confidence-boosting birth experience, and spoiler alert - it's way less than you think! I hope you enjoy Kim's expert insights and down-to-earth advice!
Preparing for your birth can be both exciting and overwhelming, and packing your hospital birth bag is a key part of that. As a doula, I’ve seen birth bags stuffed to the brim with everything imaginable, and I’ve also seen babies born so quickly there was barely time to grab a nappy! The truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to pack your bag. What matters most is packing what helps YOU feel comfortable, confident, and ready to meet your baby. Here are my top tips for packing a hospital birth bag that keeps things simple and stress-free!
1. Snacks to Keep You Energised
Hospital food isn’t exactly top-notch, and yes, you can eat during labour! Pack small, easy-to-digest snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and cereal bars to keep your energy up. Honey is a great option for a quick boost, and don’t forget to pack snacks for your birth partner too—no one wants a partner complaining about hunger while you’re in labour!
2. Stay Hydrated
Hospital rooms often come with tiny plastic cups, so bring a large water bottle with a straw or sports cap for easy drinking. Sports drinks like Lucozade or coconut water can be great alternatives to keep your energy levels up and add a bit of flavour. Staying hydrated is essential for both energy and stamina during birth.
3. Items to Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
A few personal touches can make your hospital room feel more homely. Fairy lights or battery-operated tea lights can create a calming atmosphere with soft lighting. Bring a photo of something or someone you love to help keep you grounded. Birth affirmations, your own pillow, or a favourite blanket from home can all help you relax and feel more at ease.
4. Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger
You’ll want to capture those first moments with your baby, and possibly keep in touch with family, so make sure you don’t run out of battery! Hospitals often involve some waiting around, so a fully charged phone is useful for updates, entertainment, and, of course, baby pictures.
5. A Comfy Outfit for You
Once you've packed nappies and few items for your baby, you'll want to think about your own clothes. Hospital gowns aren’t the comfiest, so pack a lightweight dressing gown, soft pyjamas, and flip-flops (hospitals are often quite warm) to make yourself more comfortable. Whether you’re staying for just a few hours or overnight, having your own cosy clothes will help you feel more at home. I recommend heading home in your comfy get-up too—there’s no need for anything fancy!
6. Bonus suggestions from The little Bodhi Photography community
Debbie asked her wonderful clients what they would recommend mamas to pack in their hospital birth bag and this is what they came up with.
- big pants
- handheld fan
- an eye mask
- wave comb
- essential oils
- birth plan
- More snacks than you think you'll need
- camera
- travel pillow
- birthing playlist
The Key: Keep it Simple
You don’t need to overpack or prepare for every possible situation. If you forget something, it’s easy enough to send your partner or doula to get it—or even order online for same-day delivery. Focus on packing what will help you feel calm and comfortable.
For those birthing at home, everything you need is already to hand, but it’s still a good idea to have a few basics (like nappies and a car seat) packed in case plans change. Packing your bag with your partner can also be a good idea so they know where everything is and can grab what you need without asking lots of questions while you’re in “labour land”.
I'm Kim from Birth Body Breath, a Bristol-based doula, hypnobirthing teacher, and pregnancy yoga instructor with a passion for supporting people on their parenting journey as they move from trepidation to trust. I provide wraparound care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
Where to Find Kim
You can find Kim from Birth Body Breath and check out her fabulous doula, hypnobirthing and yoga offerings below.
Instagram: @birth.body.breath
Facebook: @birthbodybreathwithkim
Website: Birth Body Breath