Mat Bag
Packing Your Hospital Bag – What Do You Need for a Hospital Birth?
Packing Your Hospital Bag – What Do You Need For A Hospital Birth?
When to pack your hospital bag?
Hospital bags are often left to the last minute, as there are so many other preparations required for a new baby. At the end of 36 weeks your baby is full-term so could arrive at any time, this is when you should have your hospital bag packed, if you have not already done so.
Where to start?
Do not panic. We have compiled a list of essential items for your birth bag; this list is a culmination of midwives’ suggestions and mother’s feedback over the last 2 years. Do not forget that partners love to be involved. You could delegate some, or all, of the task of putting your hospital bag together while you relax in preparation for the big day.
What to pack in your hospital bag?
Some people pack a whole suitcase for their hospital births and a few are unprepared and just manage to bring themselves. This list covers the essential items you should take to support your hospital birth and why. There is also list of suggested luxury items afterwards which mothers have found comforting and relaxing to have with them in hospital:
Essential Hospital Birth Bag Items
During Labour
- Sponge
For cooling mother during labour - Lip Balm
Thirsty work can leave you with dry lips - Bendy straws
Makes it easier to drink from glasses or cups if you are focussed on labour - Hair band
To keep hair out of your face - Tissues
There won’t be a dry eye when your baby arrives - T-shirt/Spare top
Useful for either the mum or the birth partner if their top gets soiled or wet during the birth.
After Labour
- Nursing Pads
Useful whether you choose to breastfeed or not - Flannel
Soaked in warm water and placed on your perineum after the birth to relieve soreness - Pants
Either cotton or disposable pants which you are willing to throw away after use - Maternity Towels
- Absorbent Mat (you can also buy disposable changing mats instead)
Great for protecting the bed, chairs, car seat. Useful for when waters have broken and also to use in the first 48 hours after childbirth.
Wash Bag
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Body wash
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
Baby Bag
- Baby grow
- Newborn nappies
- Baby hat and mittens
- Hooded baby towel
For wrapping up your baby when it’s first born - Cotton buds or wet wipes
Luxury Hospital Birth Bag Items
Home from Home
- Night dress
Which does up at the front so you can breast feed your baby easily - Dressing gown
- Slippers
Relaxation
- Massage oil and massager
- Lavender oil
Lavender promotes relaxation and is a popular choice of oil for use in labour. It can be added to massage oil, or to water and sprayed around the room - Music and music player
To create a calm ambience for you to labour and give birth in
And finally…
Don’t forget to put your baby seat in the car so that you can take your new baby home safely and start enjoying the new addition to your family.
About the Author
Kate Pryse-Lloyd is co-founder of Hello Baby, www.hello-baby.net, and promotes women’s choice in childbirth.
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