HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST
I wasn’t actually planning on writing another blog post until after my little boys arrival but today is his due date and several of you have reached out via Instagram asking for this post so I figured no harm in keeping myself busy seeing as he clearly doesn’t feel like showing up on time Lol!
Let’s talk packing the old hospital bag….
Regardless of whether you are planning to give birth at home or at the hospital I would recommend that you have your hospital bag packed and ready to go from 34 weeks ( I say this as I know two ladies who recently gave birth this early!) If you plan on having a home birth you still may end up changing your mind and going into hospital or needing to go last minute at the advice of your midwife so either way its better to be organised.
In terms of things like maternity PJ’s and nighties I found brands like H&M, Next and Missguided had some good options. In terms of comfy cotton post birth pants I went to Next, but also brought some disposable ones from Amazon for those first few days. When it comes to maternity pads bigger is better according to my friends who have recently had babies. Some even recommended you just go for Tena lady adult nappies and be done with it… I guess there is no point in trying to be dignified at this point. Basically both you and baby are going to be leaving hospital in a nappy! Lol
Mum’s Hospital Bag
ESSENTIALS:
Birth plan – 2 x Copies in case of a shift change.
Maternity notes
Something to read / watch (if being induced as it can take many hours)
Antibacterial wipes (To wipe down room)
Flip flops for shower or walking around the room.
Hairbands / Hair clip
Swimwear (for birthing pool if needed)
Nightdress / Oversized T shirt for labour
Lip Balm
Snacks & drinks
Glucose tablets for energy
TO SET THE ATMOSPHERE:
Massage oils / Essential oils.
Birthing ball
Small portable diffuser
Battery operated tea lights or fairy lights.
Noise Cancelling headphones
Music
Printed Positive Affirmations
TO HELP WITH LABOUR PAIN:
Flannel – Cold compress
Hot water bottle – (for back pain)
TENS pain relief machine – Take extra batteries and electrode pads.
Handheld fan
POST BIRTH ESSENTIALS:
Your favourite pillow (Soooo Important hospital pillows are crap!)
Neck / Travel pillow (To sit on in the car on the way home.)
Empty Sports / refillable bottle to rinse your vagina when peeing post birth.
Toiletries
Nursing bras x 2
Breast pads
Nipple cream
Arnica tablets
Maternity pads
Nightdress / PJs (open front for Breast feeding) x 2
Dressing gown
Slippers / Fluffy Socks
Dirty clothes bag
Hairbrush
Disposable pants / big pants
Ear plugs & eye mask
Dark coloured old towel
Fresh towel for shower
Going home outfit (Something loose)
Phone Charger
BABY’S HOSPITAL BAG
Car seat
Socks / Booties x1
Hat x1
Muslins x3
Sleep suits x 5
Vests x5
Going home outfit
Baby blanket x1
Scratch mitts x2
Nappies x 1 pack (They use 10 nappies per day)
Nappy sacks
Nappy cream / balm
Water wipes
Cotton wool balls
Small tub of pure olive oil.
Formula (if not breastfeeding)
Bottles x 2 (if not breast feeding)
Birth Partners BaG
Water spray to cool down / refresh
Change of clothes
Deodorant / Toothbrush
Contraction timer / app
Phone & Charger
Camera
Snacks / drinks
PJs (in case end up staying) – ( Sadly not relevant during in Covid 19)
Change for parking / vending machines
There you have it, a simple easy to follow guide as to what I would recommend you put into your hospital bag. However, there is bound to be a few things that need to be added to the bag last minute. So what I decided was to do a “Things to be added” list which I printed off and stuck to the fridge so that Tony can literally follow the list and throw it all in when the time comes without asking me what I need mid labour and getting yelled at!
As always do let me know if this post has been helpful, and let me know what other posts you would like to see. Just drop me a DM on Instagram @Shanie_Ryan as I would love to hear from you!
Love from
Shanie & Bump
