Packing for a water birth is less about bringing everything and more about knowing what your birth setting provides. Your needs may differ depending on whether you plan to give birth at home or in a birth center, and what your midwife supplies. Start with a simple bag for labor and recovery, then confirm equipment details ahead of time. A little preparation can help you feel more settled when it is time to focus on your birth.
Start With the Basics
Pack comfortable clothes for early labor, such as a loose robe, soft top, or swimsuit if you prefer one in the tub. Add a few hair ties, lip balm, a water bottle with a straw, and any glasses or personal-care items you use daily. Choose things you can reach easily and do not mind getting damp. Keep valuables and anything you would be upset to lose at home.
Bring identification, insurance information, and any documents your midwife has asked you to have on hand. If you take regular medication, ask your care provider how to manage it during labor and pack it according to their instructions. A short list of important contacts can be useful, too. Store paperwork in a waterproof pouch or a separate bag away from the birth pool.
Ask About Pool Equipment
Before buying or borrowing equipment, ask your midwife what is provided and what you need to arrange. Confirm who supplies the birth pool, liner, water hose, faucet adapter, and any water-temperature tools. Ask whether the room has a suitable water source and drain, and what setup space is needed. If you are giving birth at home, clarify who will assemble and fill the pool, and when.
Discuss the plan for keeping the water at a comfortable temperature and monitoring it. Ask what cleaning supplies or protective coverings are appropriate for the pool and surrounding floor. Find out whether you need a specific pump, extension cord, or other accessory, and whether the equipment has been checked before your due date. Follow your midwife’s instructions rather than improvising with items that may not fit or be suitable.
Pack for Labor and Birth
Set aside towels, washcloths, and a warm robe, but first check how many your birth setting supplies. A nonslip mat near the pool, a waterproof floor covering, and a large cup or bottle for drinking may also be useful if your midwife approves. Keep snacks and easy-to-drink fluids nearby for your support person to offer, following your care team’s guidance about eating and drinking during labor.
For your support person, pack spare clothes, a phone charger, and snacks. Consider a dimmable light or a small speaker if those help create a calm environment, while keeping walkways and the pool area clear. If you plan to use a camera, decide in advance who will handle it so you can stay focused. Your midwife can advise which items are safe and practical around water and birth equipment.
Plan for Recovery
Pack loose, easy-to-change clothes for after the birth, along with underwear, a nursing bra if you want one, and toiletries. Ask your midwife what postpartum supplies will be available, including pads and any items for perineal care, so you can avoid packing duplicates. Include clothes and a blanket for your baby, chosen for the room temperature and the season, and keep them dry in a separate bag.
Prepare a simple home setup for the first hours after birth: a place to rest, water and snacks within reach, and essentials for feeding and changing your baby. If you are giving birth away from home, check what you will need for the trip back and who will carry your bags. Keep the recovery bag separate from labor supplies so someone can find it quickly when you need it.
Use this list as a starting point, then tailor it to your birth location and care plan. Ask your midwife what they provide, what you should bring, and how pool setup and cleanup will work. For local guidance, Bend Birth Waters can help you review practical questions before your water birth.