What to Pack

What should I bring when I come to the Birth Center?

What to Have When You Arrive

For Labor

• Favorite music on iPod or iPhone with playlist – Bluetooth speakers available in each room
• Rice sock or microwaveable heat pack (may get soiled during labor/birth)
• Lotion or massage oil
• Bring essential oils for diffuser available in each room
• Small pictures or art pieces to personalize your birthing space
• Pillow, blanket, or wrap (may get soiled during labor/birth)
• Breast pump – may be needed to help labor progress

For Mom

(Keep in mind any clothing you bring may get soiled)

• Several loose, comfortable clothing items for laboring (modest night gown, “labor” gown, shorts, oversized T-shirts, sweats)
• A clean set of clothes for wearing home (6 months size maternity clothes, dress or sweats) with clean socks and nursing bra
• 2 sports bras that stay dry
• 2 dark sports bras or tankini tops for wearing in the tub
• Sweater or bathrobe, slippers, and warm socks
• Toiletries: toothbrush, deodorant, and hairbrush etc (we have shampoo/conditioner/hairdryer)
• Substantial meal to heat in the microwave/convection microwave/crockpot/griddle after birth

For Dad or Support Person

• Loose comfortable clothing and one complete change of clothes
• Swim trunks or shorts for getting into tub/shower
• Extra socks or slippers
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, breath mints
• Food – more substantial than mom’s labor snacks and included in postpartum meal

For Baby

• Light weight blankets (plus warm blankets if weather is cold)
• Clothing to wear home, hat provided
• Car seat with base already installed (birth assistant will help place infant in carrier, but will not install car seat)
• Bottles and formula if planning to formula feed

For Other Children

• Additional adult supervision other than mom and dad if children are less than 12 years old
• Plenty of snacks, favorite games, coloring books, crayons, and blanket for naps

Miscellaneous

• Camera/video camera with extra batteries or charging cord, tripod if desired
• Cell phone charger
• Netflix/Hulu/Disney+ login information – firestick access on the family room TV

You MUST bring a Substantial Meal

Ideas for snacks during labor:

Drinks

Favorite juices
Teas
Gatorade
Flavored water
Vitamin water
Coffee, apple juice and sprite are available at HFBC

Snacks

Fruit- banana, strawberries, berries
Single serving yogurt or adult drinkable yogurt
Peanut butter or cheese crackers
Protein bars, protein shakes
Trail mix, dry cereal
Prepackaged adult lunchables
Smoothies

Post-Birth Meal

We recommend a substantial, high-protein meal that can be made or reheated in a microwave/crockpot/griddle/blender

Eggs, sausage, bacon
Egg sandwiches
Egg casserole in single serving sizes
Toast, bagels
Lasagna
Tacos, burritos
Chili, or soup with plenty of protein
Spaghetti and meatballs
Deli sandwiches or subs.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.