What to pack in your hospital bag
Hello, my name is Claire, and I’m going to go through with you today the best things to pack for your stay in the hospital if you’re planning on delivering there. When packing, it’s important to remember that you’re packing not just for yourself but for the baby and for your birth partner too. Space is limited in the hospital, so it’s recommended to bring a small holdall or small suitcase. Birth partners and visitors can bring anything extra that you need afterward.
For mum, we recommend a nice loose-fitting top, a t-shirt nightie that you can wear for delivery and that is easy to pull up for breastfeeding, and a change of clothes for afterward. Bring plenty of big, comfortable pants for before and after delivery. It’s important to choose pants that are a size bigger than you normally would so that they can pull up over the bump. These are especially useful after a caesarean section. Bring plenty of pads, as you will go through quite a few. Maternity pads are recommended because they are bigger, thicker, and more comfortable for after birth, as they do not have plastic.
A couple of non-underwired bras suitable for breastfeeding are also recommended. Pack toiletries such as your usual shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and toothbrush. You might want to pack two toothbrushes, one for your birth partner. Bring slippers, flip-flops, or comfortable shoes to avoid walking around the hospital barefoot. Bring one towel for yourself, as towels for the baby are provided. Pack plenty of isotonic drinks for energy and hard-boiled sweets, which are ideal because you can place them in your mouth and take them out if you have a contraction or feel nauseous.
Bring snacks for yourself and your birth partner. It’s important not to eat anything too heavy, as you may feel quite nauseous during labour. You may spend a long time on the labour ward, so consider food, snacks, and drinks for your birth partner too. Bring some clothes for the baby, but don’t overpack, as birth partners can bring anything else that you need afterward. Three baby grows and three vests should be enough to start with. You’ll also need a hat for the baby and some newborn-size nappies. Bring cotton wool or water wipes, as baby wipes are not recommended.
Since you may spend more time than expected on the labour ward, it’s a good idea to bring a tablet or some reading materials such as crosswords or word searches to pass the time. Make sure your birth partner has enough petrol in the car and that you have change available for parking when you arrive at the hospital.