Have you started packing your hospital bag for labour yet? If you're having a hospital birth, you'll definitely need to bring things with you for your labour and time on the maternity ward. Some hospitals will provide more things than others, so ask if they have a list.
Your hospital bag should be whatever works best for you – a holdall, cabin bag, rucksack or small suitcase. Something that is easy to see in to and find stuff in (for those inevitable 'can you get me my lip balm, darling' moments when all your partner can locate is body spray and a single baby sock).
Most pregnant ladies are packing their hospital bag at around 35 weeks of pregnancy. You should divide up the following into two small pieces of luggage. Have your labour bag ready to take with you when you think you are going into labour.
For You:
- Hospital Notes and Birthing Plan – These are essential to remember so make sure they are safely in your bag.
- Comfy t-shirt/nightie for during labour – It may get messy so don’t buy anything special or just go for a cheap option.
- Warm socks – Bizarrely although the rest of you is boiling during labour your feet get very cold.
- Front opening PJs or nightie – After birth you may or may not stay in but clean pjs are a must and if you are planning to breastfeed front opening ones will be best. Hospitals can be hot so don’t go for your thermals!
- Dressing gown and slippers/Flip flops – In case you fancy a wander whilst in labour or afterwards
- Lip balm – You will find you get very dry lips so I found lip balm a life saver
- Hairband if you have long hair
- Magazines, books or music – In the early stages you may need something to pass the time and music can be calming later on so choose your track list wisely!
- Water spray or hand held fan – You may not want your other half dabbing you with a wet flannel but a nice water spray or fan works wonders
- Drinks and snacks – It is important to keep your strength up and keep hydrated. Go for water or isotonic drinks. You won’t want anything too sickly but bananas, oat biscuits and some muesli bars work well. Saying that, if you fancy a Mars bar go for it!
- Black knickers and disposable knickers- In truth you won’t want to be wearing these again so I opted for cheap supermarket multi packs.
- Hand Sanitiser – Belive me, you will use this a lot!
- Toiletries – Decant in to smaller bottles or buy travel sizes to save space. Deodorant is a must as you can find you sweat more after birth.
- Towels, Hairbrush and toothbrush
- Maternity Pads – These are essential and quite a lot of them. Also make sure you have a good stock at home for when you get back.
- Nursing bra and breast pads if you are planning to breast feed
- Comfy clothes for travelling home in – Don’t go thinking you are going to home looking all glamorous! Those that do are few and far between. You need leggings or loose trousers and a loose fitting top. Your bump will have gone down but you probably won’t be back in your normal clothes yet.
For Baby:
- 5 Sleepsuits and 5 vests – These are essential. It can be hard to judge what size baby will be but I’d suggest you go for newborn or 0-3. If you have a teeny baby or equally a large baby then you can always get people to bring things when they visit.
- One pair of socks – You can pop these over sleepsuits if they get cold toes.
- Hat and Cardy – Ideal for keeping baby warm and cosy.
- Nappies – You may need a whole pack as babies can get through a lot!
- Muslin Squares – Ideal for everything!
- Going home outfit – You may want something special but a comfy babygro is best. I had a cute one set out for Alice but she ended up going home in her vest as we were having a heatwave!
- Car Seat – The hospital will normally want to check that you have securely fastened baby in before you leave
For Your Partner:
- Fully charged phone – Make sure they have a list of everyone you want contact after the birth. Either programme in the phone or write down a list.
- Camera – For capturing baby’s first pictures
- Cash/Change for the car park
- Snacks and drinks – Obviously the hospital is likely to have places to purchase these but believe me you don’t want your other half rushing off mid way through labour as they are a bit peckish!
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