So you’re about to head to your induction! You’re going to meet your babe soon, and that’s so exciting! Maybe your bags have been packed for weeks. Maybe, if you’re a repeat parent, you’re packing right now.
You want to know, should you bring anything different/additional for induced labor versus spontaneous labor?
Maybe.
If you’re going into the hospital the night before your induction for a cervical ripener (Cervidil or Cytotec) you may want to add in some comfort items to help you get as much rest as you can.
A few items to consider packing for your induction:
- Your pillow. We all know how much more inviting our personal pillows are than those plastic, paper-thin hospital pillows.
- BCB: big comfy blanket for the birthing person (and one for the partner). Don’t worry, you can move these out of the way before the fun begins. You’re just making the environment comfy and cozy.
- White twinkle lights or some other type of dim light to put in the restroom so you can see, but not turn on the fluorescent lights.
- Noise machine, or something to play ambient noise on. Hospitals are LOUD. Especially on the L&D floor.
- Heating pad– sometimes cervical ripeners can be that little nudge you need to put you into labor, sometimes you don’t feel much at all, and sometimes you’ll have some period-like cramping. A heating pad can help with some of that uncomfortable cramping.
- Something calming to do during downtime when you aren’t sleeping (or are in early labor) like a book or magazine to read, or a favorite show to watch on your phone or a tablet.
- Snacks. Always and forever.
If you’ve gone into the hospital overnight before an induction, what would you add? Any other items you found helpful that should be added to our list?
This is a list of things we’d add to your regularly scheduled packed bags. You can find Rocket City Doula’s full packing list here.
