What in the world is a goody bag? I learned the term from the old, eccentric lady that taught the one and only Lamaze class I attended. I thought it was catchy so I stuck with it. This is different than your New Baby Hospital Bag.
Checklist For Your Labor Goody Bag
When you are in the middle of labor, there are definitely things to ease your aches and pains, let alone your mood. These are your ‘goodies’ in your Labor Goody Bag. They’re various items as you’ll see below. You can try some at home while you’re working on your relaxation techniques. But it can be hard to judge exactly how you’ll respond until your right in the middle of labor. So I suggest taking ALL that you know you want to try. Then you’ll know in the thick of things what will work for you. But better to be with it than without it in order to make your labor more relaxing.
Relaxation Items
- massage therapy vibrators for your back or leg muscles
- things for massage, like lotions, oil, hand tools, sometimes even rolling pins rolled across your back help
- heating pad
- IPOD or MP3 player for calming music to listen to (here are my favorite artists for relaxing)
- bath salts or fragrances, like essential oils, if you want to get in the tub
- battery-powered candles (you can’t have an open flame in the hospital)
- chapstick
- sleep blinders over your eyes to block out the light
- ear plugs to block out the noisy distractions
Distraction Items
- books or IPAD/laptop, if you’re able to enjoy reading or watching something
- cards
- small travel games
- notebooks, journals for writing
- camera (I barely allow my husband to take ONE pre-birth picture of me, but some people like to document every moment)
- hard candies/suckers: you’ll get ice chips or popsicles at the hospital, but a candy can be more satisfying and last longer
There are a myriad of other items that you could bring, but these are the common basics. The first time around I probably brought everything on this list. But I learned almost immediately what I wanted: my IPOD to listen to Enya, and just chapstick really. But DON’T be afraid or feel silly to take anything and everything you think might help. It’s NEVER a problem to do so.
What have you taken to the hospital that made your labor more bearable? There are also many things you can do the naturally relieve your labor pain.
Get Your Birth Relaxation Kit For Your Labor
What’s in your goody bag?
This is great advice, I brought a rolling pin because that was suggested in my lamaze class. They said it was for massaging your back, but I never use it. lol
Yeah, I thought the rolling pin was weird too. I never used it either. Honestly, I didn’t even want my husband to touch me, so I didn’t do any massage really. I just wanted to walk or relax sitting up in bed.
Did you have your children naturally then? Feel free to share your story on the Your Stories page. We can help others know that there are many moms out there that have accomplished that feat. Thanks for your comment, Evelyn.
Hi, Sarah. Did you give birth in your home? Because I wonder some of those items such as vibrator is used in the public hospital? Correct me if I’m wrong. Thanks!
Hi Nieve. Both of my births have been in hospitals. Mainly I mean vibrators that are used by massage therapists for your back or leg muscles. Thanks for your question!
I can see where this will come in handy.
Thanks David. It’s definitely handy.