What to Bring to the Hospital or Birth Center: Professional Birth Doula’s Guide

Preparing for a positive birth at a hospital or birth center is an exciting journey! It’s all about creating a calm, nurturing environment to support your body’s natural rhythms during labor. I highly recommend a class, such as HypnoBirthing, to learn how to move into “labor land” easier. Labor land is something women often experience in birthing. It is due to hormones being elevated. In this experience, the mother may lose track of time. Beta endorphins and natural oxytocin get activated and help the birthing along with a watery,  dreamy, or deeply intuitive state. This varies from woman to woman. However, the right vibes help. Birthing women need spaces where they feel safe and comfortable for the best outcomes. As your doula and birth companion, I want to help you feel empowered and prepared. If you’ve been wondering “What should I pack for my birth?”, here is a handy guide, including some of my favorite essential oils, snacks, and comfort items.

1. Essential Oils for Relaxation and Energy

Aromatherapy plays a beautiful role, helping to create a serene atmosphere and address common discomforts. Here are my top recommendations:

• Lavender: Known for its calming effects, lavender can also mimic estrogen, which some believe may help speed up labor. Diffuse it in the room or apply it to a pillow for soothing relaxation.
• Peppermint: Perfect for relieving nausea and boosting energy if you feel fatigued. Inhale it directly or apply it (diluted) to your temples.
• Geranium: This oil supports heart-centered energy and emotional balance. It’s lovely when blended with black pepper for massage.
• Black Pepper: A favorite for easing low back pain. Mix it with a carrier oil and a few drops of geranium for a soothing massage.
• Frankincense: Known for grounding and calming, it’s helpful for deepening relaxation and focus during labor.
• Orange: A bright, uplifting scent that can help when you’re feeling a little low or need a gentle energy boost.
• Rose: The ultimate oil for relaxation. Its floral scent is comforting and helps create a nurturing environment.
• Clary Sage: Renowned for its labor-supportive properties, it can encourage birth rushes and overall labor progression.

Tip: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil) before applying to the skin, and check with your healthcare provider before use.

2. Snacks and Hydration

Labor for some can be longer. The concept here is steady energy and stamina.. this is not a sprint, so keeping your energy up is essential. Pack:

• Honey sticks: A quick and easy source of energy when you need a natural sugar boost.
• Electrolytes: Bring electrolyte packets or drinks to stay hydrated and maintain stamina.
• Power Bars: easy to eat and lots of protein 
• Bone broth: protein plus vital nutrients 
• Hard boiled eggs: help blood sugar levels
• Oatmeal with nuts
• Apple juice 
• Smoothies or protein drinks 
• Cheese and crackers 
• Cut up fruit: halved grapes are my favorite 
• Red raspberry leaf tea: good for uterus 
• Your favorite water cup if desired 
• Chamomile or sleepytime tea if you need help getting a little nap. 
• Snacks and drinks for birth partner as well. I highly suggest your partner make their own lunch/dinner and take it if time allows. 

*there may be some special circumstances that are contraindications for eating in labor, yet most of time it’s ok. In high-risk situations, speak with your nurse or doctor about this. Usually, most hospitals are becoming more aware of the importance of the mother having sustained energy levels. Note: Avoid higher acidic foods.     

3. Comfort Items for a Peaceful Environment

Creating a cozy, familiar space will help you stay relaxed and focused:

• Soft blanket or robe: Something that smells like home can be very comforting.
• If you are going to the hospital bring your own pillow. It may get covered in birth fluids so expect you might need to throw it out. 
• Eye mask and earplugs: Perfect for blocking out distractions and helping you sink into deep relaxation.
• Affirmation cards: Positive affirmations can keep you grounded and focused on your birth intentions.
• HypnoBirthing visual tools like the rose image 
• Music or HypnoBirth tracks: Bring a playlist of calming music or HypnoBirth audio to guide you through.
• Headphones: listening to hypnosis tracks with these on can help you go deeper into hypnosis! 
• Slippers or flip flops 
• Birth gown/loose-fitting skirt: If hospital, opt for buying your own gown. Expect to get dirty. Consider taking two. 
• Flameless candle: place in the hospital room or bathroom while you turn down all the other lights. 

4. Other Helpful Items

• Massage tools: A tennis ball or massage roller can work wonders on tired muscles. Electric massage tools can be nice as well. 
• Warm socks: Keep your feet warm and cozy, as it can help you feel grounded.
• Lip balm: Hospital air can be dry, and keeping your lips moisturized is a small but important comfort.
• Most hospitals and birth centers have birth balls, but if you prefer you can bring your own. 
• Birth plan or preferences: typed out in a folder
• Insurance information: for some hospitals. 
• Driver’s license 
• A professional and experienced birth doula can make a world of difference for personalized care and advocacy! 

• If you are going to a hospital bring your toiletries; glasses, contacts, contact solution, place to store your jewelry, brush, face wash, soap, toothbrush, makeup, makeup remover wipes, medications or supplements.
• Nursing tops with lose pants or nursing gowns: If you want to breastfeed you need easy access! 
• Change of clothes for the ride home. Something comfy and easy to pull up! 
• Depends: adult diapers. They just make postpartum easier. 
• Items for baby: diapers and wipes, onesies, baby blankets, and carseat secured in the car.
• If you are at a birth center an easy warm meal to eat after birth. Most mothers get hungry about an hour or so after birth. 
• If you can, pack the birth bag and postpartum bag separately. It will just make it easier to explain to people where to find things for you. 

The most important thing to carry with you is an authentic connection to your unique baby. Every birth is a miracle, and what feels right to you matters most. Trust your instincts, lean into your breath, and know you are supported by your body, your birth team, and your HypnoBirth practice. There is no right or wrong way to have a baby. What matters most is how you learn to be patient and compassionate towards yourself in the birthing experience. Also, it’s key to bond with your baby directly after birth and do plenty of skin-to-skin for 2-3 days to help your milk come in. 

Wishing you a peaceful, empowered birth experience! 💜✨

With love,  
Candice Enriquez, CHt, CD(DONA)