What’s in my hospital bag (for hypnobirthing)

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Considering I’m now 39 weeks pregnant (!!), I figure it’s probably time to share what’s in my hospital bag, which has been packed for a few weeks now. Most of the items I have packed are to help with hypnobirthing, which is the approach we plan to take during labor and delivery.

“Hypnobirthing is an evidence-based approach to birth that seeks to empower women and birthing people with knowledge, practical tools and support, enabling them to have a positive birth experience, however they choose to bring their baby into the world.” – The Positive Birth Company

We are still hoping for a spontaneous birth, but due to my “advanced maternal age” and being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, they want to induce me by 39w6d, and I’ve elected to go through with it. While not my preference, I’ve made peace with the idea of an induction, but also know that means the “hypnobirthing” items I have packed are even more essential to help me feel more calm, prepared, and empowered, regardless of the direction the birthing takes.

My tagline for this website is “Create an environment you thrive in”, so naturally one of the hypnobirthing aspects I deeply resonate with is creating a birth space that helps relax both the mind and body. This is done by focusing on the 5 senses:

1. Sight: What do you want to see? Ex. Creating a more relaxing environment through use of ambient lighting such as fairy lights and battery-operated tea lights candles. Also using an eye mask to help block out distractions.
2. Sound: What do you want to hear? Ex. Playing music, meditations, audiobooks, etc. on a bluetooth speaker or headphones. This can also be watching movies/shows that make you laugh or feel relaxed.
3. Smell – What do you want to smell? Ex. Using essential oil sprays, roll-ons, and oils to help calm, ground, or energize you. Some oils I’m using include lavender, orange, peppermint, frankincense, frasier fir, and clary sage. (Be mindful that some oils are unsafe during pregnancy, and you won’t want to use/smell them until in labor, like Clary Sage. In other words, do your research.)
4. Taste – What snacks do you want and how will you stay hydrated? Ex. Bring snacks for pre/post labor and keep a refillable water bottle handy, along with any water flavor enhancers or popsicles.
5. Touch – What can you wear/use to feel more comfortable? Ex. Bringing your own labor and delivery gown, comfy, loose clothes, cozy slippers, your own pillow, etc.

Watch the Video: What’s in my hospital bag

If you’re planning your hospital bag, I hope you find the video below helpful in some way. And if you’re planning a hospital birth and have some fear around it, as I did, I hope you’ll look into hypnobirthing. Be sure to check the bottom of this post for links to some of my favorite hypnobirthing resources and hospital bag items.