At the end of pregnancy, everything feels suspicious. A cramp makes you spiral. A twinge sends you straight to Google. You wonder if this is it or if your body is just doing yet another weird third-trimester thing. Not knowing can feel so unsettling, especially if this is your first baby or your last labor feels like a blur.

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most vulnerable, emotional, and transformative experiences of your life. During that time, your nurses are often the people by your side the most! Answering questions, advocating for you, supporting your recovery, and caring for your newborn with skill and compassion.

As a certified birth doula, postpartum doula, and former NICU nurse, I’ve had the unique experience of being on both sides of the hospital bed. I’ve worked long shifts caring for families during some of their most intense moments, and I’ve also supported parents as they navigate birth, recovery, and the early postpartum period.

If you’ve been pregnant for more than five minutes, chances are you’ve heard the term birth plan (and also heard wildly conflicting opinions about whether you “need” one at all)!

Some parents swear by them. Others say birth plans just set you up for disappointment. And if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by decisions, preferences, and unknowns, the idea of creating yet another document might feel like more pressure than support.

If you're the kind of mom who ruminates about how delivery day is going to go and rereads every baby product review, you’re in the right place. Packing your hospital bag shouldn’t add to your stress! 

Think of it as a controllable variable in a world of uncontrollable ones when it comes to giving birth and stepping into newborn parent life. Even if you forget something (which you won’t, I promise!) everything is figure-out-able and your support system (partner, family, doula) and hospital staff are going to do everything they can to get you what you need.