North Atlanta Guide to Must-Have Items for a Natural Hospital Birth

If you’re planning a med-free birth in North Atlanta, I have something you’re going to love! 
I’m talking about packing your hospital bag, but this isn’t an ordinary list.

This is one written specifically for Moms in North Atlanta planning a med-free or natural birth.

I remember when I was packing my bag… in the middle of labor and about to head to the hospital. Seeing as you’re reading this post, hopefully you’ll be more prepared than I was!

Ready to get started? Let’s make sure your bag is packed with everything you need to feel empowered, plus a few comforts from home!

First things first… FOOD!

Contrary to what many will tell you, you CAN eat and drink while in labor. There are a few things you’ll want to make sure you have on hand to keep your energy up.

Some of my favorite snacks during labor include RX bars, fresh and/or dried fruit (berries, bananas, melon, dates), and small nut butter packs. Homemade protein balls would also a great option (see below for a recipe). I also loved raw honey sticks for when I needed energy but wasn’t in the mood to eat. You can pick some up from Milton Honey Farm or Georgia Honey Farm.

Consider bringing coconut water or your favorite electrolyte mix to replenish electrolytes. I love Trader Joe’s, Costco, or Harmless Harvest coconut water and Re-Lyte Electrolyte mix. Ancient Awakenings in Woodstock carries Re-Lyte if you’re looking to pick it up locally.

For a natural birth in North Atlanta, pack items that will keep you comfortable and relaxed.

These items don’t make you “extra”. The more comfortable and relaxed you are, the faster your labor will progress. While you can’t bring aallll the comforts of home with you (unless you’re having a home birth, of course), there’s a few things you can bring to the hospital to help keep you comfortable.

Consider bringing a soft cotton labor gown or robe from home that is easy to move around in. While they have one for you at the hospital, wearing something of your own can be nice. This will help you stay comfortable during labor, and it will also make it easier for nurses and doctors to check your progress (if you choose).

Have you ever stayed in an airbnb or hotel and slept terribly because of a really bad pillow? That’s exactly why you should bring your own pillow to the hospital! Do yourself a favor and get some soft linen covers while you’re at it! You’ll thank your future self.

I loved having cold lavender washcloths available during labor to place on your neck and forehead. You may prefer them to be warm- I liked them cold because I was HOT!

How to prep lavender washcloths for labor:

• Fill a bowl with cool or warm water and add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Chamomile would also be a great addition here as it’s calming and grounding.
• Place each washcloth in the bowl, wring out, and then roll up. You can prep these prior and keep them in a small lunch bag with an ice pack or have your partner or doula help prepare them at the hospital.

For postpartum, the hospital will provide you with some variation of mesh panties and pads. Many moms love these, but I wasn’t the biggest fan. Do yourself a favor and get a pack or two of these Rael Organic Cotton Cover Disposable Underwear . They feel close to full-coverage regular underwear and are free from all fragrances and chlorine. It’s the little things that feel luxurious!

If you’re working with a doula, she may bring along essential oils and a diffuser. I packed one for after labor just in case I wanted it after she had left. Make sure to pick an oil to diffuse that is pregnancy & baby safe. Lavender is a great option. Peppermint essential oil can be really helpful for nausea during labor, too.

That’s not the only thing a doula is great for…
She won’t fit in your hospital bag, but she might carry it for you!

Not only does a doula help advocate for you and provide emotional & physical support during labor, they can also be an incredible resource during pregnancy. They’re not only there to help you stay calm and focused but to use their knowledge to enhance your comfort with techniques like counter-pressure, massage, and position changes to keep labor progressing and you as comfortable as possible.

If you’re looking for an incredible doula, I highly recommend Morgan Simpson with Atlanta Christian Doula. She also offers clients in-home Chiropractic care, as seen below!

If you’re planning to breastfeed, here’s a few things to consider bringing…

●      A Nursing Pillow: A nursing pillow can be helpful in those early days when trying to position baby while nursing. We didn’t end up using one much, but a lot of moms swear by them!

●      A Small Plastic Syringe: Your hospital may have one already, but a small syringe can be helpful for administering colostrum to baby in those early hours, if desired.

●      Nipple Butter: I really love this one from Earth Mama.

Sometimes breastfeeding doesn’t come as easily. In that case, the hospital likely has a lactation consultant available to help you. If you are still having trouble with baby latching, extreme pain, etc. after returning home, it may be helpful to schedule another consultation with a specialist like McKale Fleming with Dyad Wellness. Not only a board certified lactation consultant, McKale is also a licensed massage therapist experienced in craniosacral therapy, craniosacral fascial therapy, myofascial therapy, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point therapy, reflexology, and structural integration. Often times, babies can have trouble with latching due to oral ties, tightness in the body from positioning in the womb and during labor, and other issues. Mckale offers in-home visits in the Atlanta area and made a WORLD of difference for me and my daughter.

If you’re having a water birth, make sure to pack a top that can get wet.

While most hospitals don’t offer water birth as an option, Wellstar North Fulton in Roswell, GA and Atlanta Birth Center do! If you’re delivering at Northside Atlanta or Forsyth, or another local Atlanta hospital without the option for a birth pool, there is still the option to labor in the shower. The warm water can help with pain relief.

If you’ll be spending any time in the shower or birth pool during labor, I suggest bringing a sports bra. I found that was most comfortable. The hospital will have lots of towels available for you to dry off with- so you can leave those at home – that’s one less thing for you to wash!

A hypnobirthing audio or calming birth playlist can be really helpful as well.

Of course, don’t forget your birth or newborn photographer!

Photos by Peyton Jessica Photography

Whether you choose to have your birth photographed or wait until baby is born for a Fresh 48 or Newborn session, capturing those early hours and days with your baby is one of the best decisions you can make!

Trying to decide between hiring a birth or newborn photographer? Here’s some things to think about:

1. What moments are most important for you to have professionally captured? Would you love photos of your partner’s support, those moments just before your baby arrives, and the moment your baby is placed in your arms? Or is holding your baby is your nursery or snuggling on the couch in your North Atlanta home or a local light & bright studio what you envision?
2. Do you feel comfortable with another person being present for your labor? If so, a birth photographer may be a great option. It’s not uncommon for doulas to be photographers too. If your doula isn’t a photographer, don’t be afraid to ask if she can snap a few photos on your phone! If you’re uncomfortable having a photographer in the room with you, a newborn or Fresh 48 photographer may be a better option for your family. Then when things have settled down a bit and you’ve settled in at home, the newborn photographer can come to you.

If you’re considering hiring a newborn photographer for your baby’s upcoming birth, I’d love the opportunity to learn what’s most important to you! Click here to see more of my North Atlanta Newborn Photography.

So what do you need to bring to the hospital when you have a natural birth?

Download my free checklist above with my favorite protein ball recipe and make sure you have everything you need! And don’t forget, if you’re looking for a North Atlanta newborn or maternity photographer, I’d love to chat with you about capturing your family with your newest addition!