What to pack in your hospital bag
Here is my hospital checklist to help prepare for the arrival of your little one. This detailed checklist for both mum and baby is everything I found helpful after the birth of my first baby. Hope you find it useful too.
For you:
Your birth plan and maternity notes.
A pen and paper/notebook. I found I wanted to write down my experience before I forgot it. It’s true that the brain clouds/blocks your memories of labour within hours/days of it happening, I guess so you’re willing to do it all over again even if it was a full-on experience.
An old nightdress or a loose oversized shirt to wear during labour.
Pyjama: button-down are best if you plan to breastfeed. My favourite pyjamas are from Deiji.
Warm socks.
Bras and underwear: I like the high waisted underwear you can get from Bonds or Target/Kmart etc. Breastfeeding bras if you plan to breastfeed. I own both Target ones and Juem bras which are pricey but so lovely.
2-3 packs of sanitary pads — either ‘super’ size or maternity size (you can buy maternity pads in supermarkets).
Perineal ice packs - the hospital will most likely give you disposable ice packs to use however if I had known about these Ice Ice Booby perineal and breast ice heat packs in advance I would have purchased them. They are great for when you get home as well and are better for the environment. I used these ice packs for up to 2 weeks after birth.
Toiletries: lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, face wash, moisturiser, make-up, hairbrush/comb. I took a few luxurious toiletry items too, for example, you could buy a special travel pack from Aesop to make it something special.
Hair ties or a scrunchie.
Quick-dry hair towel.
Absorbent breast pads. I prefer reusable (for environmental reasons) but having disposable on-hand for the early days is a good idea.
Massage oil or lotion if you’d like to be massaged during your labour or afterwards (I found I was quite achy so a nice massage in the days following was well received!).
Books, magazines - I found I didn’t have a chance to read anything as any downtime I did have I wanted to sleep, eat or just bask in the hormonal high I had from giving birth but it was good to know they were there if I wanted to read something
Charged camera, charger and memory card. A Polaroid camera is a nice idea too!
Chocolates for midwives as a thank you, we ended up picking up something from the store at the hospital but you could be prepped in advance.
Phone and charger.
Comfortable loose clothing.
A lightweight rob or dressing gown and slippers.
Dirty clothes bag/plastic bag
Drink bottle
Thongs (for shower or walking around the hospital)
Snacks: nuts, bananas, crackers, coconut water, dark chocolate and lollies but not too many as they will make your sugar levels spike then crash
Straw to help you drink while feeding
Clothes for birth partner:
Change of clothes if they’re staying overnight or if it’s a long labour
Board shorts if you plan on labouring in the shower, they’ll get wet too if they’re in there with you offering their support
Snacks for them too
Cash
For baby:
Growsuits (with fold-over mittens and closed in feet) - (Quantity – Two per day, plus some extras)
Singlets or bodysuits - (Quantity – Two per day, plus some extras)
Cotton beanie.
Muslin cloths.
Reusable terry-towelling nappy towels - so handy to mop up any messes! I love the Big Softies Towel Nappies.
Disposable nappies (if you plan to use them) as some hospitals do not supply these (Quantity – up to 10 per day)
Nappies and clothes for the baby to wear home.
Cleaning products for baby, nappy wipes or cotton wool for baby’s nappy changes (check with your hospital or birth centre to see if they provide these)
Leaving hospital outfit plus a change of clothes for the baby, if you have a long-distance to travel or incase first is soiled
Baby blanket - warmer if you’re giving birth in cold season
Baby capsule already fitted in your car