When packing a hospital bag there are many
things to consider. The bag must include items both for during the birth and
after. There should also be practical items as well as things to make your time
in the hospital more comfortable.
1. Your Birth Plan (and Hospital Notes)
A birth plan is a way for
you to communicate your wishes and lets your midwife and doctor know your
preferences, for example your thoughts on how to manage labour pain and on
interventions. It may be a good idea to
carry these around with you from 36 weeks.
You will need an old nightdress or big t-shirt for during your labour as well as nightwear and going home clothes. It is also a good idea to pack a couple of nursing bras and some breast pads. The key to all the clothes you bring in your hospital bag is that they are comfortable. Pack loose comfortable maternity clothing, as when you leave hospital you will still have a large pregnancy bump (a surprise for many a Mum!)
3. Maternity Pads
It is a good idea to bring
plenty of maternity pads with you to the hospital. It is recommended that you
buy at least two or three packs of 12 maternity pads, as you could need to
change your pad every 1-2 hours in the time immediately after giving birth. Plenty of spare underwear is also recommended.
This may seem quite
self-explanatory but make sure you don’t forget any of the more obvious items! Bring the basics including a towel, toothpaste
and toothbrush, deodorant, flannel and stuff to have a shower. Also don’t
forget to pack some lip balm in an easily accessible place and some make up if
you think that you will want it. A
hairbrush and hair ties are also a good idea - Hospitals are very warm and
Childbirth can be a sweaty affair so the last thing that you will want is hair
getting in the way!
Hospital food doesn’t have
the best of reputations and labour can take an awful long time. Packing plenty of snacks and drinks for your
labour and recovery is a great idea. A
pack of dried prunes may help the process of going to the loo if you are sore
after giving birth.
Bear in mind that you will
probably not want your birthing partner to go very far when you are in labour
so pack enough for them as well as yourself!
6. Camera
Packing a camera is essential to capture your first photos of your newborn. Ensure that the camera is fully charged with plenty of memory. It would be such a shame if this special moment were not documented due to not having enough storage space!
7.
Things for Baby
Baby clothes are best kept
simple when they are newborn. A pack of
vests, a few sleep suits, a hat and scratch mitts are all you will need. If you do have to stay in hospital a little
longer, your friends and family will be happy to pick up more essentials.
Most people also like to
pack a special outfit for their newborn baby and take this opportunity to give
them their first cuddly toy. Also make sure you’ve packed the more mundane
items for your child, like a blanket to keep them warm outside and plenty of nappies
and cotton wool!
Although technically not in your hospital bag, it is essential that you have a car seat fitted – it is unlikely that you will be allowed to leave the hospital without the car seat being seen by your midwife.
8.
Extras
There are so many optional
extra things that you may find make the birth and your time in the hospital
after the birth more comfortable. Magazines can be a good idea as early labour
can be slow whilst earplugs and an eye mask are welcomed by many to help them
sleep afterwards. If you plan to share
your news after the birth, a phone charger is a must!
Most hospitals charge for
parking so a purse with some loose change will ensure that you are not
scrabbling around for cash when you have other more important things on your
mind!
Now
that you’ve organised your hospital bag make sure you leave it in an accessible
location like next to the front door or in the car that you will drive to the hospital.
We hope that these top tips will help you
feel more prepared for your birth and wish you all the very best!
