What to Pack in Your Hospital/Labour Bag?

It’s a good idea to pack your hospital bag between 32-36 weeks pregnant, even if you are planning on a home birth you may need to unexpectedly go in. We have put together a list of things you will need during your stay at hospital along with a few tips too!

TOP TIP

Check with your hospital midwives first as they may be able to give you a checklist, and can advise you on what to bring, they will also let you know what they do and don’t provide, as some provide more than others! For example some hospitals provide nappies etc and some may not.

Hospitals are usually very tight on space, and you could be asked to store your belongings in a small cupboard by your bed, so you may want to pack two separate bags - one for labour and the birth of your baby, and another for the postnatal ward.  The second bag can always be left in the car or at home (in an obvious place where your partner can find it!)

TOP TIP

Why not make use of your new changing bag for baby and use it as your labour bag? Its big enough!! The MaByLand Changing Bag sets are great to use as a hospital bag, they are roomy yet compact and easy to clean too!

 The Essentials for Labour (Bag 1)

  • Your Birth Plan and Hospital Notes – When you arrive hand them over to the midwife before you forget! Not everyone writes a birthing plan but if you want to write one your midwife will help you with this.
  • An Old Nightdress or large t-shirt to give birth in.  You can buy special maternity nightdresses, but keep in mind it will probably get ruined and thrown away! (so don’t buy anything too fancy).
  •  5-6 pairs of old (comfortable) Knickers – again they will probably get ruined so don’t bring your best undies! Some hospitals provide underwear, but it’s nicer to have your own! TOP TIP buy a multipack of cotton knickers (M&S have a good selection of knicker multipacks)
  • Loose Clothes for After Birth – something that opens at the front makes early breast feeding a bit easier, don’t bring your best night clothes they could still get a bit messy!
  • Make-up & Hairbrush, Hair Tie – Just a bit of foundation and/mascara even  some blush! A small handbag brush will do, as those first happy mummy and baby pictures will always be around!
  • Snacks and Drinks – you will need to keep your energy up, energy tablets, and enrgy drinks are great! Also bring some snacks for afterwards too, such as your favourite choccies, and cereal bars are great too!
  • Camera or Camcorder – some hospitals are strict about video tapping, it’s a good idea to ask beforehand! TOP TIP remember to charge the camera, and maybe even bring the charger with you!

 

Nice to have – Home Away from Home

Bring some things which keep you calm and will also help pass the time!

  • Books, Magazines, iPod, Sudoku/Crosswords – bring an easy-to-read book or anything to keep you entertained and/or relaxed whilst you’re in early labour, as you could be there for a while!  TOP TIP - “A book and some music!! Labour can be very tedious and long-winded (mine certainly was!!) so something to pass the time between induction and pushing was a god send to me as it took my mind off things” – Hayley
  • Battery powered CD player – You may want to play music while giving birth. Most hospitals don’t let you plug things in, so check, but you could use batteries.
  • Birthing Ball – eases early labour, and encourages dilation. (Check with your hospital first they may have some of their own.)
  • Dressing Gown and Slippers – For ‘taking walks’ around the hospital to help move labour along. And for your stay in the postnatal ward.
  • Pillow – hospital pillows can tend to ‘lack stuffing’ so you may want your own!
  • Massage and/or Aromatherapy Oil – if you love smellys and back rubs
  • TENS Machine – If you have decided to use one.

 

TOP TIPS FROM REAL MUMS!

KEEP UP YOUR ENERGY

“Giant chocolate buttons for me - absolute god send” – Michelle D

“I think that hand sterilizer is a must, fine mist water spray can be refreshing on your face when in labour. Dextrose energy tablets are good to suck on too.” – Faye & Lou

KEEPING COOL

 “Water mist spray did wonders for me!” – Tanya C

“I had a little hand fan which was great!” – Melanie B

“Bring a flannel or sponge to keep you cool when pushing!!” – Charlotte M

DRY SKIN/LIPS

“Vaseline for your lips, my lips kept going so dry and it really helped” – Kirsty E

“Bring Moisturiser as I find in hospitals my skin always goes really dry, and socks!” – Vicky H

You may not have ot stay overnight, and sometimes you can be discharged the same day! Everyone is diiferent, but it is a good idea to pack 2 bags.  The second bag will have all the things you and your new baby need during your stay in hospital.

 

The Essentials for After Birth (Bag 2)

  • Maternity Towels – or (Night-Time Sanitary Towels are better.)
  • Clothes to go home in – don’t bring your pre-pregnancy clothes as they most likely won’t fit (sorry!) Bring loose comfy clothes such as baggy jogging bottoms or maternity your clothes. It will take a little while for your tummy to go down.
  • Toiletries – bring travel size shampoos etc, a few hair ties, head band, hairbrush, toothbrush etc TOP TIP bring some Vaseline or Lip Balm - dry lips are a common complaint!
  • Nursing Bra and Breast Pads - Pack breast pads and maternity towels beforehand, as your flustered partner won't have a clue where/which to buy, esp if he is on his own!!
  • Baby’s Outfit – bring a few babygros, light mittens (stops scratching), a light cotton hat, or warmer clothing depending on the weather. Pick out one cute outfit to wear for his/her first family photo! newborn size unless you know your baby is going to be born over 10lbs, then bring 0-3months
  • Baby Blanket – for cuddles at the hospital, and taking baby home in! If it’s winter bring a thicker blanket
  • Nappies, Wipes/Cotton Wool, Changing Mat – some hospitals provide these things so remember to ask!
  • Muslins – bring a couple
  • Car Seat – You won’t be allowed home by car without an infant car seat. Some car seats include newborn headrests and others don’t, but they are sold separately

TOP TIP - If you drive, fit the car seat in good time (before your due date) and make sure you are familiar on how to use it safely. (Especially if its an ISO FIX.)

 

Nice to Have - Home away from Home Items

  • Dressing Gown and Slippers – For ‘taking walks’ around the hospital to help move labour along. And for your stay in the postnatal ward.
  • MORE SNACKS! – Hospitals aren’t renowned for their food, if you bring a few snacks with you to keep you going in between meals, it also means your partner isn’t sent on another errand to find food and can spend more time with you!

 We hope this helps when it comes to packing your hospital bag, and that we haven’t missed anything off, if you’d like to add anything let us know! Have fun packing, smile, and get excited!!