Calgary Maternity Photographer What to pack in your hospital bag

If you’re planning a med-free birth in Calgary, I have something you’re going to love!

I’m talking about packing your hospital bag, but this isn’t an ordinary list.

This is one crafted for Calgary Moms planning a med-free or natural birth.

I remember when I was packing my hospital bag (a casual 7 weeks early, because why not add a little panic to the mix?), I was a bundle of nerves. What if I forgot something? What if I brought the wrong thing? What if I showed up with nothing but a hairbrush and a box of crackers? I had my own checklist, but it was missing some of the real essentials.

For example—socks. Not just socks… big, fuzzy, grandma-would-approve socks. The hospital rooms are basically meat lockers, and the last thing you need while bringing life into the world is popsicle toes.

Then there’s Mr. Noodles. Say what you want, but instant noodles hit differently when you’re starving at 2 a.m. and the hospital food makes you wonder if cardboard has a flavour. (Spoiler: it does, and it’s called “hospital casserole.”)

Also, snacks. Granola bars, trail mix, chocolate…whatever will stop you from snapping at your partner when they start chewing too loudly. And don’t forget a huge cup—the kind that could double as a flower vase—because the nurses will keep filling it with ice water, and trust me, hydration has never tasted so good.

Ready to get started? Let’s make sure your bag is packed with everything you need to feel strong during your med-free birth.

Snacks & Drinks Are Your Best Friends

First things first—bring snacks. All the snacks. Granola bars, fruit, trail mix, chocolate…basically, pack like you’re sneaking food into a movie theatre for a triple feature. And don’t forget your favourite drinks. Bonus points for tossing in some Liquid I.V. or electrolyte packs—because labour is basically the Olympics, and you’re the main event.

Pack Extra Clothes (Because…Childbirth)

Labour can be a marathon, not a sprint, and you might be there longer than expected. Translation: bring more than one outfit. Comfy nightgowns, loose tops, or robes are your best bet. Something you can move in, breathe in, and not mind if it gets…well, let’s just say “messy.” (This is childbirth, after all!)

Stay Cozy & Calm
Hospital rooms have the charm of a walk-in freezer, so bring a robe, fuzzy socks, and maybe even your favourite blanket if it makes you feel at home. Comfort = sanity.

DIY Spa Kit (Because You Deserve It)
Washcloths and towels? Check. Unscented lotion? Absolutely. Think of it as your survival kit for staying fresh and human while doing superhuman things.

Bring Your Zen
Labour can get intense, so pack a little “relaxation toolbox.” Essential oils, a small diffuser, or even a deck of positive affirmations (because sometimes you need a reminder that you are, in fact, a goddess). Lavender is the MVP here—it’s basically a spa in a bottle.

Another game-changer for your birth experience? A doula—or a midwife!

Now, a doula won’t exactly fit in your hospital bag (unless you’ve got one of those bottomless Mary Poppins totes), but she might be the one carrying it for you.

Think of a doula as your birth fairy godmother—minus the wand, plus endless patience. She’s there to hold your hand, remind you to breathe when you forget how, and whisper the kind of encouragement that makes you feel like Beyoncé giving birth to Blue Ivy. She’s also a walking toolkit of comfort tricks: massage, position changes, breathing hacks—you name it.

And then there are midwives. If your doctor is the captain of the ship, your midwife is like the calm, wise co-pilot who makes sure you feel seen, heard, and cared for. Midwives bring a ton of expertise, plus a more holistic approach, and they’re amazing at helping you feel grounded when things start to feel a little overwhelming.

Whether you bring a doula, choose a midwife, or go for both (dream team!), you’re basically surrounding yourself with a personal squad whose number one goal is making sure you feel supported, safe, and strong.

Calgary maternity photographer in the snow

Let’s Talk Breastfeeding Essentials

If you’re planning on breastfeeding, a little preparation goes a long way (because trust me, your boobs are about to start a whole new career). Toss a few key items into your hospital bag and you’ll thank yourself later:

A nursing bra: Because wrestling with a regular bra while holding a newborn is…well, not recommended.
Nursing pads: These are your new BFFs. They soak up leaks and save your shirt from looking like you just finished a wet T-shirt contest.
A nursing pillow: Babies are tiny, but somehow weigh 40 pounds after 10 minutes in your arms. A pillow helps you get comfy and keeps baby in the right position.
Breast milk storage bags: For those moments when you feel like a dairy cow and want to save some of that liquid gold.
Lanolin cream: Because no one warned you that breastfeeding comes with sore nipples (and you deserve some relief).
A big water bottle: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Nursing is basically an extreme sport and you’ll be thirstier than you’ve ever been in your life.

With these items ready to go, you’ll be set to start your breastfeeding journey feeling a little less like “what do I do now?” and a little more like “I’ve got this.”

Calgary maternity photographer breastfeeding tips

Planning a Water Birth? Pack Your Pool Party Gear (Sort Of).

If you’re having a water birth, think of it like packing for the weirdest spa day of your life. You’re not exactly lounging with cucumber water, but hey, the tub is involved.

Swimsuit or a top you don’t mind getting wet: Some moms go full mermaid, others prefer to keep it modest—either way, make sure it’s something comfortable.
A large towel: You’ll want something cozy to wrap up in once you’re done. (Pro tip: oversized, fluffy towels are basically a post-birth hug.)
A small towel: Perfect for propping under your head while you’re in the tub. Nobody likes that awkward “wet hair stuck to the side of your face” feeling.
Hypnobirthing audio or calming meditations: Because nothing says zen goddess like breathing through contractions to the sound of ocean waves or a soothing voice reminding you that you’re amazing.

Water births can be an incredible, calming way to welcome your little one into the world. Just remember—you’re not packing for a tropical vacation, but you are packing for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.

Calgary maternity photographer water birth tips

And of course…don’t forget your maternity photographer!

Okay, so you can’t exactly tuck me into your hospital bag (though that would be convenient), but planning a maternity session before baby arrives is something you’ll never regret. Here’s why:

Celebrate your bump in style. This season of life is so fleeting, and having gorgeous portraits of your pregnancy lets you look back and remember the beauty of it all.
No stress about what to wear. I have a curated collection of stunning maternity dresses in the studio—flowy, elegant, and designed to make you feel like the goddess you are.
Professional hair & makeup included. You’ll be pampered before your session so you can relax, feel radiant, and step in front of the camera with total confidence.
Photos you’ll treasure forever. From the glow in your eyes to the curve of your baby bump, these images will capture the anticipation and love you’re feeling right now.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a maternity session, consider this your sign. You deserve to feel beautiful, celebrated, and documented in this incredible chapter of your story.

I hope reading Planning a Med-Free Birth? Here’s Your Quick Hospital Bag Must-Haves in Calgary has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Maternity Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of Maternity images.