<p>What do you actually need in your hospital bag? We’re back with Season 3! In today’s episode, Aleea and Hav get real about preparing for labor—both physically and mentally. They share what they packed, what they actually used, and what they’d skip next time.</p><p>From comfort items and snacks to prioritizing what truly matters, this conversation leans into practicality over perfection. They also touch on nutrition (like dates and raspberry leaf tea) and how things like hospital tours and birth classes can help ease anxiety leading up to labor.</p><p>Tune in for an honest, down-to-earth take on preparing for the hospital—so you can feel more supported, confident, and ready for what’s ahead.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>RESOURCES</strong></p><ul><li>Birth plan episode: <a href="https://bit.ly/MOMFilesEp25">https://bit.ly/MOMFilesEp25</a></li><li><strong></strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156">⁠<strong>Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth Book</strong>⁠</a></li><li><p>The date study and the effects on labor: <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12045585/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12045585/</a></p></li><li><p>Huckleberry app: <a href="https://huckleberrycare.com/">https://huckleberrycare.com/</a></p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH US</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Follow us</strong> on <a href="https://instagram.com/goldengoosecreative">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@goldengoosecreative">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> @goldengoosecreative</li><li><strong>Need podcast support?</strong> <a href="/overview">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li><li><strong>Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind?</strong> <a href="https://www.goldengoosecreative.com/submissions">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li><p><br></p></ul><p><em>Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and personal experience purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to you.</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>CHAPTERS</strong></p><p>00:00 Preparing for labor</p><p>02:52 How to prepare mentally and physically for labor</p><p>06:09 Are hospital tours and birth classes worth it</p><p>09:09 Partner support during labor</p><p>11:58 Dates, raspberry leaf tea, and natural labor prep</p><p>14:58 What to pack in your hospital bag, realistically</p><p>19:57 Preparing for your hospital stay postpartum</p><p>22:31 Comfort essentials you will actually use in labor</p><p>25:25 Postpartum recovery what to expect and prepare</p><p>29:20 Birth plans boundaries and managing visitors</p><p>30:27 Tracking feeds and newborn care without overwhelm</p>