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  • What to Pack in Your Birth Bag

    What to Pack in Your Birth Bag

    One of the most common questions we get at Midwest Doulas the moment our clients hit their third trimester is,

    “What should I pack for my birth?”

    And while we know that you don’t need to have all of these items with you to have a baby, some people feel more at peace when they do a little nesting and planning with a bag that is ready to go. 

    At the top of this list we have some items we suggest having in your car, prepped and ready in case your water breaks or baby decides to make a swift arrival!

    What to pack in your birth bag - for the car
    • Baby’s car seat (properly installed)
    • Towels in case your water breaks on the way to your birth center or hospital
    • Blankets – in the (very rare) case your baby makes a swift arrival in route to your birth place
    • Gasoline! Keep your tank at least 1⁄2 full at all times

    Small bag with two changes of comfortable clothing for the birthing person and partner, plus cell phone chargers, toothbrushes, etc.

    What to pack in your birth bag - for the birth
    • Plenty of hair bands or hair clips for the birthing person during labor
    • Clothes for the birthing person to labor in– such as a big T-shirt, skirt, a loose nightgown, or bathrobe
    • Juices and snacks for labor
    • Plastic bags to carry laundry back home with you
    • Food/snacks for immediately after birth
    • Clothes for baby (diapers, blankets, booties, onesies, nightgown)
    • Clothes for birthing parent to go home in after birth (nightgown, robe, slippers, coat, maternity sized comfy clothes – yes, you will still look and feel a little pregnant!)
    • Change of clothes and swimsuit for partner (swimsuit to support laboring in water)
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste, breath mints, lip balm if desired
    • Music or other items desired for labor and birth such as photographs of family or peaceful images
    What to pack in your birth bag - optional items
    • Extra pillows and lightweight blanket for a more personal feel
    • Copy of your birth preferences document (if you don’t have a doula, you will have to share this with the team at your birth location yourself)
    • Camera or video camera if you haven’t hired a birth photographer

    Do you have more questions about what to pack in your bag for the hospital or birth center? Looking for more information about how a doula can help you and your partner prepare for birth? Contact Midwest Doulas for a free consultation.

  • Top 5 Ways to Thrive In Your Pandemic Pregnancy – Winter Edition

    Top 5 Ways to Thrive In Your Pandemic Pregnancy – Winter Edition

    We are all having to get creative and adapt during this new normal, but it can be especially hard on those of you who are pregnant during winter in the Midwest.

    In the past we may have written something about that babymoon trip to a sun-soaked beach, but not this year! This year, we know that what you need is some special stay-cation winter TLC.

    So especially for you, we’ve gathered our Top 5 Ways to survive and find some hygge in your pandemic winter pregnancy.

    1. Winter Pregnancy Self-care: At-home style!

    We love a good mask, and why not go all in with all of our favorites? Get yourself into that tub with some epsom salts and a soothing facial mask. Afterwards, wrap your feet in our ABSOLUTE FAVE foot and face masks. It’s almost as good as a real pedicure and facial – almost.

    2. Go for a nature walk.

    Seriously, trust us – you can be just as active during a winter pregnancy as you can in the summer! We have some of the most gorgeous trails that are easy to navigate, even with big winter boots. Check out this listof trails. There are some easy 2-7 mile options that give you a few benches to stop at if you need breaks to be mindful and breathe.

    3. How about some fancy mocktails?

    Just because you aren’t imbibing doesn’t mean you can’t have a fancy, winter-inspired drink! We are especially loving this Orange Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail.Don’t want to make your own? Then try our local restaurants drink kits and add club soda or tonic – Like Hola Arepa (one of our beloveds) because we want to support local restaurants so they can be ready with open doors when it’s safe to gather again.

    4. Speaking of dining, we hope you’re indulging in your favorite Twin Cities restaurants’ take-out options.

    Martina’s Lobster Spaghetti and Brussel Sprout salad is something we dream about daily. Make sure when you get home to put it on your nicest plates so you feel ALMOST like you’re dining in person. We also suggest dimming the lights, adding some candle tea lights, and these restaurant sounds playing in the background.

    5. We know you’re sick of Zoom, so why not have yourself a baby shower parade and bonfire?

    If it feels weird setting this up yourself, then just tag your friend, sister, or partner and say #5! It’s easy to arrange because ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE want to get out of the house and see your face (trust us). Let’s not forget that we can social distance and still be social.

    This is certainly a healthy list of ideas, but we want to hear from you as well! How have you been creating a little pregnancy self-care in your routine this pandemic winter?