I’m not sure I have talked about it much, but this time around I am planning on going drug-free for my childbirth experience. With my first pregnancy, I had a birth plan that was hopeful about avoiding an epidural, but I ended up getting one anyway. I think it was due to a combination of factors: not knowing what to expect pain-wise, having my mom in the room who was cringing every single time I had a contraction, and not having much of a game plan for how Mr. Cotton Candy and I would respond when the contractions got worse and the pain became unbearable.

This time, I am more determined than ever for a drug-free birth. It’s a personal choice that I feel strongly about for myself, though I don’t believe there is anything wrong with opting for the drugs. I’m just hoping to push through the pain and achieve this goal in what will most likely be my last pregnancy and delivery.

This time around, I am feeling more prepared. My mom will NOT be in the labor room—she’ll be with Little Cotton Candy either at our home or hers. Mr. Cotton Candy and I have taken an Advanced Coping Strategies class to gain some more knowledge about how to get through the pain and how he can support me. And I have updated my birth plan and discussed it with my OB, and we will let the nurses know not to offer me drugs. (Of course, if it turns out to be in mine or baby’s best interest to have medical interventions, I am not going to say no—this is an “ideal birth plan” situation.)

All that said, I have spent the past few days packing my hospital bag in preparation for the birth of our Baby Cotton Candy, so I thought I’d share with you what I’ve got in my bag. Many of these things would come in handy whether you’re planning on a drug-free labor or not, so hopefully you can get some inspiration from this list!

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During Labor:

  1. Nightgown for labor (old & black) – Instead of laboring in a hospital gown like I did last time, this time I’ve packed a worn old nursing nightgown that can just get thrown away after labor.
  2. Birth plan + coping strategies booklet – I’ve printed off a copy of my birth plan to share with the nurses/staff, and I also tucked in the printouts that Mr. CC and I got at our birthing class in case we need to refresh ourselves on some ideas during labor.
  3. Phone charger + phone loaded with labor playlist – During my first labor/delivery experience, the only music I wanted to listen to was super ambient, relaxing songs. I thought going in maybe I would want a “power playlist” with rousing anthems, but that turned out to not be the case. This time, my playlist is entirely made up of songs from the following artists: Sigur Ros, Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, and Explosions in the Sky.
  4. Bluetooth speaker – To play the labor playlist.
  5. Yoga ball + yoga blocks – I’m not sure if I will pack these because they will take up a lot of space, but I may want them to help get into optimal birthing positions. It’ll probably be a game time decision based on what positions are feeling good at home during early labor.
  6. Coconut water + Cliff bars – Luckily our hospital is okay with me eating/drinking during labor, so I am packing a few drinks and snacks to keep myself going (if I want them). As a bonus, Mr. Cotton Candy will be able to grab a Cliff bar to keep up his energy, too. We should also probably throw in a soda for him since he doesn’t drink coffee or energy drinks.
  7. Lotion + lavender essential oil – This is another optional thing to pack. I’m not sure if we need it, but it might come in handy during labor. Mr. Cotton Candy has been practicing labor massage techniques on me, and I think that lotion plus the relaxing scent of lavender would help to keep me relaxed.

After Birth:

  1. Cotton underwear (sized up) – I’ve packed some comfy undies for after giving birth, though I will probably opt for the free hospital mesh granny panties.
  2. Breastfeeding Made Simple – I read this book earlier in my pregnancy and found the suggestions for relaxed breastfeeding positions to be very helpful. I re-checked it out from the library so that I can bring it with me to the hospital in case I need some ideas.
  3. Pajama bottoms, nursing tanks & bras, robe – I want to make sure I’m super comfy after delivery and for nursing. The robe is great in case I get any visitors and need to cover up.
  4. Toiletries (hair brush, lotion, face wash, hair ties, toothbrush/toothpaste) – I’m just packing the basics that I will need to feel clean and like myself.
  5. Dry shampoo – For a quick hair fix.
  6. Maternity dress – To wear home.
  7. Baby’s going home outfit
  8. Installed infant car seat

I think that’s it! Did I forget anything? What are you packing in your hospital bag?