What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Along with the other thousands of preparations before baby arrives, 36 weeks into your pregnancy you should think about packing your hospital bag. Even if you have an arranged birthing date or cesarean section it is best to be prepared in case you go into labor early.

Even if it is your first time most women are very prepared with the essentials they will need in the hospital, however there are some items that you may have overlooked.

Essentials:

• Tooth brush, tooth paste and other toiletries.
• Up to 3 birthing t-shirts or nighties.
• A dressing gown – a good tip is to choose a dark colour to disguise stains.
• Isotonic drinks and glucose tablets – labor is hungry work, to ensure full hydration and energy during labour use these supplements.
• Snack/finger food.
• Birth plan and notes.
• 5-8 pairs of comfortable knickers.
• A comfortable change of clothes for returning home.
• 2 extra outfits, just in case!
• A book, magazine or newspaper (if allowed in the hospital you may want to bring a tablet or ipad). Labour can take time and it’s always nice to have something to do as you wait for your little one.
• Music – MP3 player or CD player to play birthing music (if you have a CD call ahead to the hospital to check they have a CD player).

Things you may have overlooked

• Hair bands or clips.
• A pair of socks – your feet are constantly exposed during labour, they may get a little chilly.
• Wet wipes.
• Compact powder – for those first photos with your baby.
• 24+ ‘night use’ sanitary towels.
• 2-3 bras. If you’re planning to breast feed nursing bras can be worn before and after the birth.
• Slippers – preferably slip on.
• Lip balm – the last thing you need is sore and chapped lips from the gas and air.
• Pillows – hospitals don’t always have all the pillows you need, bring a couple and if they’re not needed they can be kept in the car or in the corner of your room, if you have a nursing pillow bring it along to the hospital – sometimes it nice to have something from home too.
• Birthing ball – call ahead to the hospital if they have one in your size don’t worry, if not take yours along.
• A hairdryer – you’re probably going to want to wash your hair after labour and before returning home, most hospitals don’t provide dryers.
• Towels – although hospitals provide towels they have been washed and bleached so many times that the material can feel rough on your skin – bring your own towels for when you shower.
• Straws – whilst in labour it may be challenging to drink from an open cup, a straw makes life a lot easier.
• Ear plugs and eye masks – labour and postnatal wards aren’t the quietest of places, are very well lit and nurses do their rounds about once every hour.
• Moisturiser – skin dries out during labour.
• Water spray.
• Hand held fan.
• Camera, phone and chargers – necessary for those all-important first pictures and calling the new grandparents.
• A box of breast pads.
• A pretty nursing top or nightie that can be easily unbuttoned or just pulled down if you’re planning to breast feed.
• Emergency contact details – your immediate family, doctor and GP.

Things for your baby

• Three sleep suits and vests.
• 20 nappies for a two day stay in the hospital.
• Muslin – to clean up any milk spillages.
• Hat, socks and booties.
• Baby blanket – some hospitals can be a little cold and you will need it for the journey home.
• An outfit to return home in.
• Jacket – if you’re having a winter baby.
• A car seat – some hospitals will refuse to discharge you if you don’t have a car seat and intend on travelling via car.

Every woman has unique needs and of course different hospitals allow different things. Find out what your hospital offers and what you might want to bring in order to be comfortable and prepared. It’s always great to have something special for this unforgettable experience- shop for a beautiful nursing nightie and cardigan for the occasion.