---

Birth Kit Essentials: What to Pack for Birth & Postpartum Recovery

Packing your birth kit is one of the most grounding things you can do in the final weeks of pregnancy.

We’ve asked mamas who’ve been there.
We’ve talked to midwives.
We’ve done it ourselves.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, birthing unit stay or home birth, having your birth bag packed ahead of time (ideally around 34–36 weeks) helps you feel calm, prepared and ready.

Every birth is different — so your birth kit essentials will vary depending on:

• your planned type of birth
• your comfort preferences
• how long you expect to stay
• your postpartum recovery needs

Even if you’re planning a home birth, it’s wise to have a hospital bag packed — just in case plans change.

Here’s what to include in your birth kit and postpartum hospital bag checklist.

You can grab our downloadable birth kit checklist here

Birth Kit Essentials: For the Mamas

These are labour bag essentials that support comfort, hydration and mental focus during birth.

• Written birth preferences
• Birth vision board or affirmations
• Water bottle with straw
• Lip balm (labour = dry lips)
• Facial mist
• Massage or aromatherapy oils
• Phone, charger & headphones
• Birth playlist + portable speaker
• Loose, breathable labour clothing
• Comfy blanket (hospital sheets are thin)
• Energy snacks (bliss balls, dates, coconut water)
• Slippers or warm socks
• Hair ties or clips
• Heat packs / cooling pads
• TENS machine (if using)
• Viva La Vulva Birth Comb
• Viva La Vulva Clary Sage roller oil
• Colostrum (if collected and labelled)
• Masks

Pro tip: Coconut water is excellent for hydration during labour.

Birth Kit Essentials: For Your Birth Support Person

Your support person needs comfort too — especially if you’re staying several days.

• Swimwear (for shower/bath support)
• Snacks
• Pain relief (hospitals don’t supply partners)
• Change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Pen
• Entertainment (book, laptop, Netflix)
• Own pillow

And don’t forget your VIP list — who you’d like to notify when baby arrives.

Immediate Postpartum Essentials: What You’ll Need After Birth

The first 3–5 days after birth are intense. You’ll be tired, healing, adjusting to feeding and bonding with your baby.

Postpartum recovery essentials matter just as much as labour comfort.

For the Mama: Postpartum Recovery Kit

• Perineal Healing Spray
• Peri Wash Bottle
• Witch Hazel
• Front-opening PJs
• Nursing bras/tops
• Loose cotton underwear
• Maternity pads or postpartum nappies
• Silverettes
• Boob balm
• Bathrobe
• Toiletries
• Medications & vitamins
• Earplugs & eye mask
• Nourishing snacks
• Kiwi Crush (hello first poo)
• Plastic bags for washing

Important: Use non-scented products postpartum — your baby recognises your natural smell.

Newborn Birth Kit Essentials

For baby’s first days:

• 4 x long sleeve onesies
• 2 x cardigans
• Merino jumper
• Singlets
• Socks & booties
• Woollen hat
• Swaddles (2–3)
• Newborn nappies
• Water-based wipes
• Baby balm
• Pacifier (if desired)
• Bottles & formula (if required)

Avoid synthetic fabrics — merino and cotton are best for temperature regulation.

For the Car Ride Home

• Correctly fitted car seat
• Baby blanket

Hospitals won’t discharge you without a safely fitted seat — double check this early.

 

Packing your birth kit can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to remember labour comfort items and postpartum recovery essentials.

That’s why we created the Labour of Love Kit — a carefully curated bundle of Viva La Vulva postpartum healing favourites designed to support your body through birth and the early days after baby arrives.

It includes must-have recovery staples like perineal care, soothing support and natural healing products — all in one easy kit, so you can focus on birthing and bonding, not last-minute shopping.

Perfect to add straight into your birth bag or have ready at home for those first postpartum days.

👉 Explore the Labour of Love Kit here