Birth Center Bag Checklist

This post includes a birth center bag checklist and what to pack for baby, mom, and dad for a birth center labor and delivery. I have compiled items and recommendations from my own birth center, childbirth classes taught by a doula, and YouTube videos from other women who have given birth at a birth center. 

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What I'm Using For My Birth Center Bags

For the baby's bag I am using the large Dagne Dover diaper bag in the color camel. For my own birth center bag I am using the Beis weekender bag in the color beige. Since I'm an over packer we are also taking our large suitcase. I put the packed diaper bag, my weekender bag, and the boppy in the suitcase and we used the extra space to pack a few things for my husband, labor snacks, etc. That way we can just roll in the suitcase instead of carrying several smaller bags, and once we get in the room we can separate them as needed! I am also taking my breast pump to the birth center and I packed that in this pump bag I found on Amazon.

The thing to remember when packing for a birth center (at least in my case) is that you will likely only stay there for about 4-6 hours after you give birth. However, I would also consider the possibility of a hospital transfer in which you might be there for a couple of days after giving birth. I tried to stick the necessities but packed a little more than needed just to make sure I feel prepared and as comfortable as possible! 

Birth Center Bag Checklist For Baby

• diapers and wipes if you prefer a specific brand - I packed both newborn size and size 1
• coconut oil packets - put on baby's bottom after birth to help wipe off meconium after first bowel movement 
• warm blanket - these are the softest blankets ever! 
• swaddle wrap - I love how stretchy these are! 
• towel or muslin swaddle - I'm planning a water birth and packing these just in case! 
• sound machine - baby is used to hearing loud sounds in your belly so this can be comforting after birth and this one can clip to the car seat for the ride home. 
• nail clippers or electric nail file - I'm bringing this in hopes the midwife will help me with this for the first time! I've heard baby's often are born with very sharp nails. 
• muslin burp cloth
• coming home outfit - I packed a newborn size and 0-3 month size (hat provided by birth center)
• extra onesies in size newborn and 0-3 months 
• bottles and formula if you plan to formula feed
• pacifier if you plan to introduce this right away 
• breastfeeding pillow
• car seat and base
• car seat blanket if it's cold  

Birth Center Bag Checklist For Mom

During labor

• 2 comfortable bras
  • 1 that stays dry and 1 that can get wet
  • best if they have the hook closure in the back for easy removal for skin to skin 
• labor clothing 
  • shorts and sweats
  • button down top
  • night gown 
  • bathrobe if planning to be in and out of water 
  • socks with grips and / or slippers 
• hair ties or claw clip 
• breast pump 
• breast pump bag - I used this to carry my breast pump parts and I also packed my labor snacks and drinks in here too 
• water bottle with straw 
• extra long phone charger
• pillow and blanket 
• fan
• birth ball
• hair comb - can squeeze this in palm of hand to distract from contractions 
• microwavable rice pack - this was suggested over a heating pad so you don't have to be next to an outlet 
• essential oils
  • Peace & Calming - for the diffuser 
  • White Angelica - apply to chest and shoulders for emotional support
  • Surrender - to inhale during contractions 
  • AromaEase - to inhale if nauseous
  • Valor - to roll on and inhale when feeling anxious
  • Deep Relief - to apply to sore muscles and joints 
• wireless headphones - I plan to listen to Christian Hypnobirthing or birth playlists on Spotify 
• lip balm 
• camera / extra battery / tripod 

After labor 

• nursing bra
• nursing robe or button down night gown 
• warm socks
• postpartum underwear / disposable underwear / pads / ice pads
• stool softener - suggested to help make first BM following birth more comfortable
• peri bottle
• shower flip flops
• toiletries for showering
• towel
• hairbrush 
• toothbrush & toothpaste 
• deodorant - I packed this one because it's non toxic and unscented

Going home

• going home outfit - I packed 2 options: 
  • black flowy dress with nursing bra
  • dark stretchy pants with a nursing tank
• cardigan if it's cold 
• postpartum underwear / disposable underwear / pads / ice pads
• nipple butter
• silver nursing cups

Birth Center Bag Checklist For Dad

• swim suit
• change of clothes / going home outfit 
• toothbrush and toothpaste 
• gum and / or mints
• snacks 

Some of these items may not be necessary or might be provided by your birth center! I could also be forgetting some items so make sure to check with your provider. This is just my personal packing list so I hope it was helpful to you! Wishing you a peaceful, safe, and smooth birth experience! 

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