12 Days of Christmas: Labor Edition

The Holiday time is magaical and the same can be said when preparing for birth. Whether you are planning for an unmedicated birth, an epidural or a scheduled (or unexpected) C-section, having the right tools in place can make all the difference. You can think of this list as your own very “Labor Survival Stocking”.

Birth Plan/Prefrences

This doesn’t have to be a rigid plan but should include what’s important to you so your birth team is aware and provide you with the best care. You’ll also want to keep this to one page. Pro Tip: Anything that is super important to you (delayed cord clamping, keeping your placenta, newborn vaccines) can also be verbally addressed to your labor and delivery nurse.

Your Support Team

The truth is: We’re not designed to do this alone and you will need support. Partner, doula or both can provide such incredible value to your experience. Your ideal birth team will know come with the vibe you need, understand what’s important to you, and will advocate for you when you find yourself going inward.

Chapstick/Lip Balm

Seems like a small necessity but trust me on this one. Dry lips are real! This one is small but mighty!

Snacks

Giving birth is hard work and your body will need fuel to get through it. Snacks are also important for the birth partner when they need to step away.

Music Playlist

Music has been known to release tension in the body and also ground you, so bring it! Choose songs that promote calm, empowerment, and make you feel safe.

Heating Pad

Warmth and ease labor discomfort and help your body relax. If you forget to pack this, not to worry, the hosptial provides this.

Warm Socks/Slippers

Hospitals tend to be very cold and dry and there’s nothing worse than having cold feet. You can even purchase an inexpensive pair just for the hospital and toss them when you get home.

Hair Ties

Feeling human matters.

Pillow from Home

I’ll be honest with you (nurses would agree), hospital pillows suck! They are flat and not very comfortable. If you have a comfy pillow you want to bring with you, go for it! With that being said, I would highly recommend you cover your pillow in a non-white pillowcase, that way it doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital’s pillows.

Nursing Bra/Tank Top

You’ll need soft and supportive on this one. Also, be sure to purchase your tanks and bras one size up to account for breast engorgement.

Battery Operated Candles

This isn’t a necessity but more of a nice to have item. Just like music, lighting can also promote relaxation. Also, who doesn’t love a candle-lit room? You’ll just want to make sure you bring in battery operated candles because fire in hospitals is frowned upon.

Extra Long Charging Cable

Big yes to this! Hospital rooms come with many outlets around the room but they are usually in hard to reach spots.

No matter how your baby enters this world, you deserve to be supported, informed, and cared for. At Uptown Doula, we are honored to walk alongside of you during this amazing and transformative time.