How to Pack the Perfect Hospital Bag for an Unmedicated Birth in Evanston

From a VBAC Mama + Evanston Newborn Photographer Who’s Been There

If you’re planning a med-free birth in Evanston, this guide is just for you. As an Evanston newborn photographer and mom of 3, I am here to share all of my tips with you!

We’re not just talking about what to throw in your hospital bag — this is a carefully crafted list based on my experience, tailored for mamas delivering at Evanston Hospital (like I did!) and preparing for a confident, supported, and empowering birth.

Just over a year ago, I had an unmedicated VBAC at Evanston Hospital after a C-section with twins, and while the experience was incredibly empowering, it also came with a lot of planning. I wanted to be ready for anything, and what I packed (or forgot!) made a real difference in how supported and comfortable I felt during labor. All of my favorite products will also be linked!

Evanston Fresh 48 Photography
Evanston Fresh 48 Photography

First Up: Snacks & Hydration

Labor is a marathon, and you’ll want to keep your energy up — especially if you’re going unmedicated. One of the best parts of going med-free is that your hospital is more likely to be okay with you eating in labor!

Pack:

These snacks are great for early labor — and your partner will thank you too!

What to Wear & Comfort Items to Bring to Stay Comfortable

It’s always a good idea to have a few changes of clothes with you in case your labor goes longer than expected. After all, you never know what might happen during childbirth! Being able to move freely and feel good in your body is essential.

Here’s what I brought and loved:

Bonus comforts:

I’ll never forget how much comfort that my labor comb brought me during contractions. I think I used it for almost every single one!

Evanston Fresh 48 Photography
Evanston Fresh 48 Photography

What to Know About Evanston Hospital’s Birthing Amenities

As someone who delivered at Evanston Hospital, here’s what I loved about their birthing setup — especially for unmedicated births:

  • Peanut balls are available to help with positioning and comfort
  • Spa-like, renovated bathrooms in the birthing suites
  • Showers in every room (warm water = natural pain relief)
  • One birthing room has a labor tub — if hydrotherapy is part of your plan, ask your OB or Midwife ahead about availability (last time I checked, they were first-come, first-serve)

The environment at Evanston Hospital was truly supportive of the birth experience I wanted — calming, respectful, and flexible. The nurses were also absolute angels!

Doula Support: Why I Chose 312 Doulas

Another game-changer for your birth experience? Bringing a doula! She won’t fit in your hospital bag, but she might carry it for you! One of the most valuable choices I made in preparing for my VBAC was working with 312 Doulas.

Their support before, during, and after birth made me feel so prepared and empowered!

Not only do they offer labor support, they also include a variety of birth-prep classes in your package. Two classes I took that were absolutely essential:

  • Comfort Measures for Labor — hands-on techniques for coping, moving, and managing labor sensations
  • VBAC Workshop — gave me clarity and confidence to advocate for myself

If you’re anywhere near Chicago or the Chicago North Shore, I can’t recommend 312 Doulas enough!

Breastfeeding Must-Haves for Your Hospital Bag

If you’re planning to breastfeed, a little prep goes a long way. I am so glad to have had such a positive breastfeeding experience with my 3rd baby, Eva. I believe that I was set up for success by my nurses and midwife at Evanston Hospital! As soon as she was born, she was placed on my chest, latched within 10 minutes, and did not leave my arms until an entire hour after birth. I really think this helped our early bonding and breastfeeding relationship so much!

Here’s what I recommend packing:

Thinking About Water Labor? Here’s What to Pack

Even if a full water birth isn’t in the cards, laboring in water (especially in that one room with a tub at Evanston Hospital!) can help you relax and manage intensity. Some Midwife groups also are able to bring an inflatable labor tub to the hospital, so be sure to ask!

Bring:

  • A sports bra or swim top
  • Flip-flops
  • A large towel and small towel for under your neck
  • Waterproof speaker or headphones for your hypnobirthing tracks or calming playlists

Capture the Magic: Don’t Forget Your Photographer

As an Evanston newborn photographer, I know how fleeting those first moments are! Those tiny toes and sleepy snuggles unfortunately don’t keep!

While I don’t currently photograph births, I do offer Fresh 48s on a very limited basis as well as in-home and studio newborn photography sessions to capture your baby’s first days. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, your new baby’s story is worth documenting!

Click here to learn more about my Evanston newborn photography

Katie Michelle Photography is an Evanston studio newborn photographer, also specializing in fresh 48 and in-home newborn photography in the Chicago area, including Lake Forest, Arlington Heights, Evanston, and the North Shore.

For more of my newborn photography, please click here to view my portfolio and see if my work matches your vision for you newborn photo session!

If you are interested in booking a Fresh 48 or Newborn Session, please reach out via the contact page.

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