Packing your green bags for childbirth

Gather up these eco-savvy supplies before you go into labor.

Tue, Feb 10 2009 at 2:00 PM

Around your seventh month of pregnancy, it's a good idea to start thinking about the items you will want to take along to the hospital or birthing center when you go in to labor. You can keep it green by planning in advance and thinking about all the things you might need to ease your baby's transition into the world. Use this checklist as a guide to help you make sure that you have everything you need.

Paperwork

Green birth plan
Health insurance card

For you

Organic snacks and ice pops
Organic cotton pillowcase
Cozy socks and slippers
Organic robe
Toiletries
Non-toxic massage oils and lotions

For your partner

Cell phone and charger
Prepaid calling card (cell phones are often prohibited in hospitals)
Digital camera and/or video camera with rechargeable batteries and chargers
Cash for parking meters, vending machines and payphones
Phone list
Healthy snacks and treats

For baby

Organic cotton T-shirts or onesies
Organic cotton baby bedding and blankets (check with the hospital first to make sure this is allowed)
Non-toxic soaps, lotions and creams
Eco-friendly diapers
Organic socks, booties and cap
Infant car seat
BPA-free baby bottles and organic formula (if you choose to use formula instead of breastfeeding)

Post-partum

Comfy organic nightgown
Nursing bras (if breastfeeding)
Comfy, organic going-home outfit

Extras

iPod or CD player
DVD player
Laptop (some hospitals now have wireless internet for instant labor updates)
Extra pillows
Birthing ball

Of course, this list is just a guide. Feel free to add to it as you see fit. The important thing is to make sure that you gather all of the items you may need ahead of time so that when your labor begins you can grab your bag easily or have a friend pick it up for you.

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