What I Packed in my Birth Bag (South Asia Edition)

As I have reflected on the birth of Micah, our March baby, I noticed several differences from having a baby in the States. I felt like we were packing a TON of items and it’s because we were! The items that would normally be provided in the States but aren’t here, took up quite a bit of space– guessing how many giant pads I would need to bring, newborn diapers, wipes, postpartum care items, and snacks. Two full days in the hospital felt like a very long time compared to the 6 hours we stayed after our first child was born. There were some items we didn’t use but overall, I feel like the packing went pretty well.

Everything in bold are things you typically wouldn’t pack when giving birth in a Western context and might need to pack when giving birth abroad.

Bags

When we were leaving our Airbnb and knew our baby was on the way, this is what we carried as we headed down the stairs and out the gate to catch our taxi:

• My husband carried: a small backpack with his items and a rolling suitcase with mama and baby items
• I carried: a large tote bag with our toddler’s items, which we gave to our friends who watched him for a few hours

Mama

I ended up packing a felt caddy in my suitcase. It was wonderful! I kept in on my bed or the nightstand and it was stocked with everything Micah and I needed such as diapers, wipes, newborn sleepers, and easy-to-grab snack foods. It kept things organized and easy to access, especially since I wasn’t moving around a whole lot.

• Cozy bathrobe (used)- loved having this right after I gave birth and during my stay
• indoor shoes- (used)- our provider required you to leave your outdoor shoes at the entrance. They provided Crocs but I have issues with my arches and am so glad I brought my own comfortable indoor shoes.
• felt caddy (like this or this)
• socks (didn’t use)
• leggings (didn’t use) – I was just too hot
• ziplock for dirty or wet clothing (didn’t use but glad I brought)
• sports bra for water birth (used)
• nursing bra (used)
• nightgown/ nursing gown (used)
• headband (used)
• pajama set (used)

Not pictured

• cup and straw for labor and staying hydrated afterward (used!!)
• my medical file of all pregnancy scans and documents– virtually nothing here is digitalized. I made sure I had this because they expect you to have it at every appointment.
• printed birth plan- 2 copies
• AirPods for labor (used!!!!)
• hair ties (used)
• sound machine and chord (used)
• dress for going home (used)
• snacks (trail mix, yogurt…)
• phone charger and a plug adapter for outlets in the country
• ID and passport photo (just in case because I heard from someone I might need a passport photo. Didn’t need it but always good to be prepared abroad). Normally you would bring your insurance card but we don’t ever need it overseas. We submit claims to our insurance company in the States after we pay it out of pocket.
• cosmetics /makeup
• speaker or Homepod (used)

Wish I would have brought

• shampoo and conditioner
• vitamins
• more snacks–Always. (Little peanut butter container. And 1 pack of high protein good granola bars from the States. Easy in-the-night snack when I was ravenously hungry).
• pillow from home (but probably didn’t have enough hands to carry it)
• more toys for Eli because we had him with us for a day and a half

Baby

• 2 sleepers/ outfits (used)
• burp cloth (used)
• blanket (used)
• swaddle (didn’t use)
• hat (used)
• wipes (used)–these were not provided. Brought half a pack
• diapers (used)– these were not provided. brought 12
• nail file (used)- I don’t like putting mittens on my babies. I file their nails right away so they have access to their hands since that’s what they are used to in the womb.
• diaper cover to prevent blowouts (didn’t use)

Not pictured

• paci (used) –So glad I brought a paci for a blood test they had to do. He took it immediately. He was VERY soothed during the blood draw which was a painful artery stick.
• bulb syringe (didn’t use but glad I had it on hand because it was not provided)
• coconut oil or other oil- to help get off meconium during those first poops (used)

Postpartum

• peri bottle (used)- since it’s South Asia, most bathrooms have a bidet but sometimes the pressure is way too strong–ouch! wouldn’t want that after birth.haha! I used my peri bottle and am really glad I brought it.
• Arnica for cramps (didn’t use) –but used it a TON when I got back home to relieve mosquito bites and bedbug itching. haha.
• dermoplast (used)
• Tucks (didn’t use)– but used at home
• pads and padsicles (used)– these were not provided but were available for purchase if you didn’t have them. I am SO glad I made these at home and brought them. For the padsicles, I used witch hazel spray, aloe vera gel, and several drops of lavender essential oil on each pad.
• reusable breast pads (didn’t use)
• underwear (used)– not provided
• nursing cover (didn’t use)

Not pictured

• silverette nursing cups (used the day I went home when I was feeling sore)

Wish I would have brought

• Night light with red light (instead of using my phone light)
• Stool softener -to help get things moving 🙂

Other/ Decor

• Luci string lights (used) – our go-to cozy twinkle light item. We have used these at both births.
• affirmation cards from Mama Natural & others I made (used) – brought a few of my favorites
• rope and clips (didn’t use)
• washi tape (used)
• sharpie and moose (didn’t use)
• wooden signs (used)
• balloons, banner, label maker (didn’t use)

• baby wrap/ carrier (used)– car seats are not required here. I know–Crazy!
• travel sheet–the beds and pillows were pretty hard so this made sleeping feel a little more like home (used)

First Image by Snuggle Diaries.