Labour and Birth Supplies
for Giving Birth
A list of the most essential birth supplies.
The day of your baby's birth is all about you and although birth is usually a simple, uncomplicated natural process that doesn't require much, its a good idea to have everything on hand that you might need to make you comfortable, especially if your labor and birth will not be at home.
This page has a list of basic items for:
In addition to the listed on this page items below, you may also need some of the following:
For Mother - Labour and Birth Supplies
- cotton nightgown or long, loose-fitting T-shirt for laboring comfortably
- cropped top or bra if you plan for laboring or giving birth in water
- socks in case your feet get cold
- hair bands to keep your hair out of your way
- birth ball if not provided
- personal toiletries (and make-up)
- lip balm
- 2 face cloths
- massage oil e.g. sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil or any plant-based oil
Make a Happy Hugger
- Place 1 kg of uncooked rice into a thick, long sock and tie the end closed.
- Place in a microwave to heat for about 2 minutes.
- wheaty bag / 'happy-hugger' or hot-water bottle for comfort on lower back or belly during labor
- iPod or CD player
- candles
- your own pillow or other familiar objects such as photos, favourite scripture verses
- energy giving drinks and snacks
- juice and snacks for your birth partner/s
- camera with batteries charged
- cellphone and charger
- perineal cold pack for vaginal birth
- 3 cold packs for cesarean birth
- 2 packs maternity pads
- one stress pad for vaginal birth
- 2 pairs mesh underwear
- dressing gown and slippers
For after Labor - Post-partum
- change of clothes or pyjamas or front-opening nightgown for after the birth
- maternity bras and crop tops for support
- breast pads
- energy-giving drinks or herbal tea
- course salt for care of tears or episiotomy
- ultra-soft double-ply toilet paper
- bag for dirty laundry
Supplies for Your Partner
- the birth plan - VERY IMPORTANT
- cash / credit cards
- hospital authorization number / medical insurance numbers
- identity documents for both parents
- watch for timing contractions
- note pad and pen
- cellphone
- camera with batteries charged
- snacks and soft drinks
Birth Supplies for Baby
Remember to hold your baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth and for as long as possible during the first 24 hours. After that you may wish to dress baby. You will need the following:
- receiving blankets to swaddle baby
- cap
- vest
- long-sleeved outfit
- socks
- diapers or nappies (unless you are planning to be diaper free!)
- baby wipes
- surgical spirits / cord powder for umbilical cord
- nail clippers to cut long nails
- cloth baby sling or baby carrier
Make Your Own Baby Sling in Minutes
Click here for easy instructions to make your own baby sling or baby wrap.
You don't even have to be able to sew!
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