Getting your hospital bag ready can create a real sense of excitement, and helps relieve some nervous tension by knowing that you at least have control over this task! Every labour and birthing experience is different, but having a few of your fave items with you can provide some personal comfort.
Your length of stay in hospital may vary; you may be admitted pre-labour for induction or monitoring, active labour may be long, or post-birth may require further monitoring and care for you and/or your baby. If you pack for 3 nights, that should cover you and you can always ask friends or family to bring you extra goods.
Remember that you may not have a private room and/or bathroom, so pack in a way that you can easily access items from your bag or carry toiletries and clothing to the bathroom.
FOR YOU ..
High waisted comfortable briefs (large enough to fit a large pad)
Pyjamas
Slippers (hard sole are ideal to avoid wet feet)
Comfy pants and loose tops
If you're planning a waterbirth, consider what you may like to wear in this scenario
Breastfeeding singlets (Bonds wirefree range are faves for many)
A My Little River breastfeeding apron (with lots of people coming in and out of your room, you may like a little privacy as you start to navigate breastfeeding)
Loose jumper or cardigan
Snacks (you may not be able to eat once in active labour or nearing a potential caesarean, but snacks beforehand and after are a lovely treat)
Water bottle
Phone charger
iPad (download music or content in advance as wifi may not be great)
Kindle / book / magazines
Headphones (in case you are in a shared room)
Toiletries - much of this are your usual faves you'd travel with, the likes of:
Shampoo and conditioner
Face cleanser
Body wash
Moisturiser
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Lip balm
Hairbrush and accessories (bobby pins, hair ties)
Dry shampoo
Pads (The hospital does supply these, but they are very uncomfortable! we recommend TOM organic maternity pads)
Breast pads (Avent disposable's are a great option)
Soothing nipple balm like lanolin nipple cream, Weleda nipple care cream, Simple Naked avocado and evening primrose skin cream or Tui balm.
FOR YOUR SUPPORT PERSON ..
Snacks (or they may dig into yours!)
Entertainment devices and chargers (we're sure their attention will be on your needs, but for the long downtime periods, they made need a distraction too)
Toiletries
Pyjamas
Change of clothes
Clothing for a waterbirth if that is part of your birth plan and your support person intends to be in the water with you
FOR YOUR BABY..
Newborn outfits (little onesies are great)
Warm cardigan
Merino singlet/onesies
Beanie
Booties
Muslin wrap
Blanket
Nappies will be provided by the hospital so you won't need to pack these
You will also need your babies car seat installed and ready for when you leave the hospital
EXTRAS ..
Wash bag/plastic bag for laundry
You're encouraged to make the hospital room feel as homely as you need, so if you like, take your own pillow, aromatherapy scents, blankets etc.
Milestone cards, you may want to do your birth announcement card at the hospital (Snuggle Hunny have a beautiful collection and stocked by Eco Sprout)
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