As you prepare for the incredible journey of welcoming your little one, packing your hospital bag is a crucial step. Whether you're planning a home birth or heading to a hospital or birth centre, being ready for any situation is key. Aim to have your bag packed by the 36th week of pregnancy.
Personal touches can make your hospital environment feel more like home but remember to check the hospital's policy on what you can bring. Keep valuables like jewellery & large sums of cash at home for safety.
Consider packing two separate bags: one for labour & immediate post-birth needs, & another for your stay on the postnatal ward. If you're being driven, the second bag can stay in the car until needed.
Essentials for Labour:
- Health documents: Packing your Medicare card, health insurance info, and any necessary hospital forms ensures a smooth check-in process. These documents provide crucial information for medical staff and help avoid any administrative delays.
- Birth plan & maternity notes: Having your birth plan and maternity notes on hand ensures that your healthcare team is aware of your preferences and medical history, allowing them to provide personalised care.
- Comfortable attire: A nightdress or oversized t-shirt, lightweight dressing gown, and easy-to-slip-on slippers or thongs provide comfort and mobility during labour. Easy-to-wear clothing helps you feel more at ease in a hospital setting.
- Warmth & comfort: Socks keep your feet warm in cold hospital rooms, while personal pillows, like the Pregnancy Waist Support Pillow, offer added comfort and support during labour.
- Relaxation aids: Massage oil, a birth ball, and a Bluetooth Audio Headband with a playlist of your favourite tunes help create a calming environment, reduce stress, and promote relaxation during labour.
- Snacks & hydration: Carbohydrate-rich snacks and hydrating drinks like coconut water or sports drinks provide energy and hydration, crucial for maintaining stamina during labour.
- Entertainment: Books, magazines, or a tablet help pass the time during early labour, providing distraction and comfort.
- Personal care & additional comforts: Lip balm for dry lips, a subtle perfume, moisturiser, and deodorant to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable, boosting your morale during labour, hair band to hold your hair out of the way so you can concentrate on more important things, glasses to be able to see whatâs happening, and then a TENS machine can also help manage pain naturally.Â
- Extra additions that will make pregnancy more comfortable: A Heating Massage Pad and a Maternity Support Band offer additional comfort, helping to ease muscle tension and provide support during labour.
For Your Birth Partner:
- Comfort & convenience: A change of clothes, comfortable shoes, & snacks to keep energy levels up.
- Essentials: A mobile phone and charger, a list of contact numbers, and a camera capture special moments and ensure communication with loved ones.
- Practical items: A water spray or fan, bendy straws for easy drinking, and swimwear if participating in a water birth provide practical solutions for comfort and participation.
Post-Birth Necessities:
- A change of clothes. Comfortable clothing for your hospital stay and journey home ensures you feel at ease and supported postpartum.
- Breastfeeding supplies: Nursing bras as your breasts are going to need extra support, breast pads for your leaky breasts (yes they are going to leak đ, and nipple cream for dry nipples as they have never been sucked on like this before. These will provide comfort and support, facilitating a smoother breastfeeding experience.
- Breastfeeding App like The Phoenix Diary to track your feeds, sleeps, nappy changes & more. Make life as easy as you can with this simple to use app. Your baby brain will start to kick in after birth so this app will enhance your postpartum organisation.
- Maternity pads & comfortable underwear. These are essential for postpartum recovery, providing comfort and hygiene.
- Personal care items: Travel-sized toiletries, an eye mask (our Bluetooth Audio Headband also doubles as a mask), & ear plugs for restful sleep.
- A notepad is handy for jotting down important information, questions for doctors, and precious memories.
For Your Baby:
- Sleepsuits, vests, socks, and a hat keep your newborn warm and comfortable and dress them for their first trip home.
- Travel essentials: A going-home outfit and a baby blanket ensure your baby is comfortable and cosy for the journey home.
- Nappy supplies: Disposable or reusable nappies, wipes, and muslin squares are essential for keeping your baby clean and comfortable.
- Safety: An infant car seat is crucial for your babyâs safe journey home from the hospital.
- Donât forget: Baby wipes are essential for quick clean-ups and maintaining hygiene.
Extra Tips for Preparation:
- Familiarise yourself with the signs of labour. Understanding labour signs helps you know when it's time to head to the hospital, reducing anxiety.
- Review what others wish they'd known before the big day. Learning from others' experiences provides valuable insights and tips for your own labour journey.
- Explore tips for packing a caesarean hospital bag if needed. If a caesarean is planned or possible, packing specific items ensures you're prepared for recovery.
By packing thoughtfully, you can focus on the joy and excitement of meeting your new baby, knowing you have everything you need for a smooth labour and postpartum experience.