There are so many items that you'll find on any suggested baby registry. And it's overwhelming! Below are the bare basics of what you would need in preparation for baby's and mom's needs.

Essentials Baby Registry
​
For Baby

• Nose Freida Snot Sucker
• Baby saline spray
• Woolino sleep sacks
• Swaddle blankets
• Diapers
• Diaper cream/balm
• Baby wipes (Water Wipes)
• First-Aid kit (FridaBaby Bitty Bundle of Joy, Kinsa digital thermometer, baby nail clippers)
• Onesies (at least 4-8 long-sleeve and 4-8 short-sleeve) – magnet snap or zipper
• 3-5 Fleece booties & hats
• Bouncy seat
• Baby moisturizer
• Burp cloths
• Baby shampoo and soap

Sleeping

• Arms Reach Co-Sleeper
• A napper or lounger
• *Red light option* night light
• Hushh portable white noise machine

If bottle feeding

• Bottles
• Baby-safe dish soap
• Drying rack

For Mainstay recovery areas

• Moses basket for bedside or couch-time diaper changes
• Basket liner
• Diaper caddy (for mom snacks/hydration, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, snot sucker, etc)
• Diaper-designated small trashcan (one for upstairs and for downstairs next to the changing basket)

For outings

• Diaper bag/backpack
• Baby carrier (Lillebaby or Ergo)
• Car seat
• Stroller (ideally convertible)
• Portable changing station

For mom's postpartum recovery

• Sitting donut cushion
• Sitz bath and/or herbal spray
• Maxi pads
• Comfortable mesh underwear
• Peri bottle (put some sitz tea in this bottle)
• Tucks Witch hazel pads
• Dermaplast
• Ibuprofen
• Bekung belly binding fabric (optional)

For nursing

• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Cooling breast gel pads
• Breast pump
• Milk storage bags
• Haakaa pump
• Nursing bras/camis
• Pumping hands-free bra
• One-hand snacks
• Water bottle
• Glider rocker and ottoman

You shouldn’t need these until at least 4 months:

• Baby Tylenol
• Crib (crib sheets, blankets, etc)
• Small attachable booster chair for feeding around 6 months
• Feeding tools (bibs, utensils, plates)
• Baby food containers
• Amber teething necklace
• Silicone teether toys
• Baby learning toys and books (Lovevery subscription)

Every doula is different in what they carry in their doula bag to support clients for birth. Over the years, I have learned that less is more. However, there are quite a few tried and true tools that I continue to carry to every birth, regardless of their frequency in use.

I used to carry everything under the sun that I thought I needed. As the years passed by, I learned which items in my bag were merely just taking up space vs. ones that I actually used. That being said, there are some random items that I thought would never be used and just recently, they were a life-saver to a client.

​Certain items I thought I needed but don't are:

• A deck of cards: I thought I would use them during boredom...nobody has ever been bored.
• Portable speaker: Clients usually bring their own.
• A notepad and pen: Phones fix that
• Rebozo: A hospital bed sheet has helped many situations where a rebozo could be helpful
• Flashlight: Just in case we have a surprise baby in the tub and I happen to be there, but our phones have them

I like backpack diaper bags for my birth bag, along with a fanny pack (with LOTS of pockets) for the small things I need while moving around with my clients.

Here is the list of essentials, in my opinion. After attending over 150 births:

• Phone: for photos, birth notes, flashlight, contraction timer app, any websites or eBook downloads on birth (for those pesky OP babies)
• Snacks: honey sticks are WHERE.IT'S.AT. So are walnuts, coconut water and nut butter packets
• TENS unit: So helpful during an intense labor pattern.
• Kleenex: Hospital tissue paper will rub your nose raw.
• Stevia & Dairy-free creamer packets: Hospitals offer coffee, but regular sugar/creamer.
• Massage tools: My hands are the primary tool, but others can come in handy for partners.
• Phone charger: Long hours.
• Energy tablets: For doula or partner, they dissolve into water for long births.
• Portable fan: Surprisingly popular and it can hang around mom's neck if need be.
• Batteries: For the fan and TENS unit
• The Labor Progress Handbook: When it's 4am and I can't think straight, a handbook on all the how-to's come in clutch.
• Soft White Tea Lights: Usually used for bathtub birth cave ambience.
• Scissors: Honey sticks don't open well with teeth. 
• Personal toiletries (face wipes, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dry shampoo, eye drops, etc)
• Doula certification: Hospitals ask for it nowadays
• Non-scented massage lotion: Massage is necessary
• Yoga pants/jacket/Doula shirt: The professional doula uniform
• Neck pillow: For labors when we all can get some shuteye
• Eye mask: See above
• Hand sanitizer: Just in case
• Medical Emergency Kit (gloves, baby hat, chux pads, blanket): accidental home births happen!
• Stress balls: A big hit for stressful contractions
• Ball pump: Hospitals will either over or under fill birth balls
• Icy Hot Pack: Laboring is strenuous and moms get hot or cold
• Colgate Wisps & Breath Mints: Vomiting is normal, stinky breath shouldn't be

Certain items not listed because I always keep in my purse:

• Breath mints/spray/gum: See above
• DONA certified doula name tag: So I don't get confused with being a nurse
• My business cards: Networking with new provideres
• Water bottle: Doulas need hydration too
• Hair ties, clips and headband: For laboring mom and myself
• Cash: For vending machines for partner or myself
• Ear pods: If there is downtime, Netflix on my phone is nice. Keep one ear alert!
• Bach's Rescue Remedy: Back to back births are no joke on a doula 
• Deodorant: BO is not pleasant for a laboring mom to smell from support people
• Chapstick: For mom and myself
• Ibuprofen: Long births can create headaches

I am adding to my bag:

• A new Rice sock: They get dirty quickly because they are used to often for back pain. Use a pillow case to keep it clean and not direcltly on client's skin (lesson learned).
• Kneeling pad: For bathtub support time between partner and myself
• Alcohol pads: A trick I learned from an L&D nurse. The smell quickly dissolves nausea faster than medication or even essential oils
• Handheld mirror: For those crazy mamas who want to see their baby come out
• Energy shots/Liquid IV: Mostly for partners, but if I need a jolt, HEYO!
• Ice pack: Because hospitals take forever to grab one

​For many women who have just given birth, finding postpartum resources and care can be a
major challenge during the pandemic. This is the time when most new mothers need the most
support, especially following birth trauma, so it’s important to look for sources of advice and
encouragement. Love In Motion is one such source, with services like breastfeeding tips and
self-esteem building provided by birth and postpartum doula Liz Foster. Here’s a brief guide to
finding resources for yourself and your child when you’re stuck at home.

It’s not just your physical health that needs tending during times like these; you also need to pay attention to your mental well-being and make sure you’re able to cope with stress or anxiety in a positive way. That’s where social media comes in. Although getting lost in constantly-updating news feeds can be a detriment, social media outlets also offer a way to find support via groups of like-minded individuals who are going through similar situations. Most are moderated, but each group has its own set of rules, so check the guidelines before joining. 

​Stress, isolation, and lack of sleep can lead to depression pretty easily, so it’s important to practice self-care in order to manage those issues. Stay in touch with friends and family via video chats if possible, and utilize stress-management tactics such as meditation techniques and fitting in some exercise to give both your body and mind a boost.

There are endless tasks to take care of in the months and weeks leading up to having your baby, and one that should be prioritized is packing your hospital bag. While there are some essentials to remember, it’s also important to know what you don’t need. Use this guide to help you pack your hospital bag and be ready for your big day. If you need extra guidance, birth and postpartum doula Liz Foster can help.

​When it’s time to jump in the car and race off to the hospital, you’ll be far too distracted to carefully pack a bag. This is where preparation comes in: it’s a great idea to pack a bag at least two weeks before your due date so you can be ready when the time comes.
 
While each mother-to-be will have her own personal requirements, there are some big items that you can’t leave at home. One major must-have is a car seat: you’ll need a safe way to transport your new baby back home, and the hospital likely won’t even let you leave if you don’t have one ready to go.
 
A change of clothes is vital for your big day. Along with packing an outfit for the ride back home, you’ll also want comfortable clothes to wear in the hospital. Many moms opt for a special labor gown, which is a great alternative to the scratchy and unflattering gowns that hospitals typically have on hand for birthing moms. When you’re picking one out, try to find one that’s as comfortable as your favorite tee and that’s functional enough to be worn during labor.
 
It’s also a great idea to bring a nice top to wear in photos with the baby. It’s normal to feel pretty worn out after labor, so a flattering shirt will make you feel beautiful in photos. You can get a great top even if you’re on a budget — check online for an Old Navy promo code to get discounts when you buy.
 
Other important items to bring include any medications and special toiletries such as contact lens solution. Bring documents like your insurance policy information and driver’s license and a pen for ease in filling out forms. You’ll need a cell phone and charger to stay in touch with friends and family.
 
If you’re working with a doula, first check with her to determine what items you can leave out of your bag. For example, many doulas will bring comfort items such as massage oil, tea lights, and a portable speaker to make the birthing process more soothing. You may even want a book or magazine if you’re being induced as there may be some downtime.

Along with knowing what essentials to bring with you to the hospital, there are a few items that aren’t worth taking along. For example, the hospital will provide many items that are essential such as diapers. If you’re unsure, check with your hospital to learn what items they plan to provide for you and your new baby.
 
It’s not usually necessary to bring baby clothes to the hospital — they’ll likely send you home with a onesie. However, if your baby comes in the winter, you might want to pack extra blankets to keep them warm for the drive home.
 
Another item you might consider leaving at home is snacks. Many birthing mamas aren’t in the mood for snacks during labor. However, a couple of granola bars won’t take up too much space and could help your partner make it through the labor if you don’t have the stomach for it.
 
Packing for the hospital will likely make the birth feel far more real and imminent. While you may feel inclined to overpack, try not to load too many items into your hospital bag. A simple labor gown and comfortable clothes, plus a cell phone, charger, important documents, and ID cards will be sufficient. Just don’t forget the car seat.
 
Do you need some guidance as you prepare for the birth of your baby? Contact Liz Foster today to learn about her birth and postpartum doula services.