Choosing what to put in your hospital bag and packing is one of the most exciting parts of late pregnancy. It will help you gather together all the essentials you'll need during labor and birth and for after your baby is born.
Even if you're not planning the hospital birth you may need to go in unexpectedly, so try and have a bag packed by the time you're around 36 weeks pregnant, have it in the car. You'll be going to the hospital in or in the hallway ready to grab on your way out. If you plan to use personal electronic devices please check with the unit you're attending or ask your community Midwife.
You may want to bring in a few items from home such as your own pillow to make the environment more personal but be aware that hospitals can be short on space we can not guarantee the safety of your items. Prepare two small bags one for you one for your baby. If you're driving to hospital you could leave the baby bag in the car. The things you may need after the birth can be brought in later.
Write a checklist so you can take it off as you pack. Don't forget snacks and drinks. To find suitable size bags plan your journey to the hospital and how you're going to get there. Your hospital bag should be whatever works best for you. Holdall cabin bag, backpack or full suitcase.
It may be helpful to pack a bag together, so your first time and those where things are when you need and ask for them. This list should be used as a guide and therefore if not required don't pack it. Your first preference is a maternity notes, dressing gown. This will be useful if you end up pace in hospital corridors in early labor. You may also want one on the postnatal ward.
Hospitals can be very warm for a lightweight. One may be better a dark color or busy pattern will help to hide any stain. Backless slip-on slippers which are easy to get on and off, socks believe it or not your feet can get cold during labor. An old night dress or t-shirt to wear in labor. They'll probably get a bit messy so don't buy anything new or expensive to wear.
Music, a pair of playlist of music you enjoy and a device to play on. Some units provide a CD player or documentation but check for massage oil or lotion, if you'd like to be massaged during labor. Birth ball, this can help you labor effectively. However check whether the hospital has one you could use. If not take your own. Remember to bring up pump for your birth partner can inflate it for you. Lip balm. Your lips can dry out quickly on a warm labor ward.
Maternity pad and lots of spare knickers. Those will be particularly helpful too. Snacks and drinks for you while you're in labor. Isotonic sports drink are good for energy and labor. Things to help you relax or pass the time such as books and magazines. Hair bands or a clip. If you have long hair you may want it tied up.
A pillowcase one from home will be soft well at home and may help you relax. Tends pain relief machine if you're planning to use one, as well as the items I've just mentioned, you may want to add in some personal bits and bobs to your camera and spare batteries, iPod, phone. Please ensure batteries are fully charged before you come into hospital.
Consider a list of phone numbers for friends and family, if your partner does not necessarily have all of them stored on their phone. Water spray or handheld fan to call you down whilst you're in labor. Comfortable shoes they may be pasted in the corridors. A change of clothes. Your birth partner may not get chance to have a shower for quite a while, layers are a good idea as hospital is normally very warm. Money especially change for the car park, canteen and vending machine.
Swimwear if they want to join you in the swimming pool. Soft drinks, you don't want a dehydrated hungry birth partner looking after you. If they bring some snacks and drinks with them they can stay with you rather than leaving the room to search for food.
Something suitable to go home in. You will need loose, comfortable clothes to wear whilst you're in hospitals and for the journey home. It will take a while for your tummy to go down so you'll probably still need your maternity clothes when you go home. Nursing bras. Pack two or three breast pads, maternity pad. I'd recommend a supermarket own brand thick and not plastic lined. Bring a couple of packs as it is recommended to change them regularly.
Night shirt or t-shirt front opening shirt are useful in the early days of breastfeeding. Toiletries to camp them into smaller bottles or by travellers to save on space. And the postnatal ward. You may be hot while stirring hospitals, so don't skip a deodorant. Pillow. A v-shaped pillow can give you extra support when breastfeeding your baby. A hair brush, toothbrush and toothpaste. Old or cheap sneakers or even disposable knickers.
Don't bring your best ones as they will get messy. The cotton knickers can be very useful following birth. If you have a severe pain, they won't rub your wound. Eye mask and ear plugs to help you sleep on a brightly lit, noisy ward. Plastic bags put dirty clothes into. Two or three sleep suits and vests.
Nappies. Your new born will get through as many as eight in a day. Cotton-wool finale changing and top and Taylan top and tail bowl, nuslin squares or bibs. The mopping up any milk your baby brings up. Perhaps one outfits for trip home all in one stretchy outfits are easier.
Ready-made formula milk if you plan to artificially feed your baby plus bottles and teats. Baby car seat. You must have an appropriate baby car seat to transport your baby home. Practice putting the seat in your car and adjust in the strap, so you are familiar with it by the time baby arrived.
Baby blanket although hospitals are very warm you may need a blanket if it's chilly outside when you leave. Jacket or snow suir for winter babies. Remove before placing your baby in a car seat. Now you have an idea of what to pack. Let's explore who to call and when have your transport to the hospital.
Organize if your partner is bringing you in make sure the car is topped up with fuel. If you are relying on the neighbor or friend ensure you have a backup and just in case they are not about at the crucial moment. An option is to have a taxi number stored on your phone just in case labor can start anytime day or night.
If you have other children or pets owned make sure you have a care arrangement planned. It can be a highly anxious time with your first pregnancy identifying when you're in labor. They're likely to recognize the signs of labor when the time comes, but if you're in any doubt or have any concerns don't hesitate to contact the hospital or which you love it.
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