Your hospital bag packing can be such a source of stress when you least need it in your last weeks of pregnancy.
Hospitals would recommend you start packing at 36 weeks of pregnancy but we would recommend to plan it in advance so that you don’t over-stress during the last weeks of your pregnancy.
If you think about asking around for advice on what to pack please don’t as you will end up with 3 massive bags looking like a high mountain camper !
The truth is, you really don’t need much with you at the hospital. Packing your hospital bag is truly a formality and you shouldn’t overthink it.
Instead enjoy your last weeks of pregnancy and focus only on your wellbeing going into labour ! Try to switch off your nesting/arranging/organising pregnancy instinct and think gentle walks, gentle yoga, meditation, reflexology, acupuncture and all the little things that will make you feel good
Important MUM things TO PACK in your hospital bag
- Essential toiletries (which is the most basic thing I forgot for my first birth !) toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, hair brush and deodorant are more than enough.
- An extra bag that can fit in your main bag as the hospital has large supplies for you and your baby to bring home
- Large water bottle as hydratation is key key key !!
- High quality Lip Balm as hospitals are very hot and your lips will feel very dry
- Comfy clothes (not too many again !)
- Large cotton under-wear (think about bringing 3 or 4 to have extra ones)
- Comfortable large nursing bra
- Breast disposable pads or nip balms if you are planning to breastfeed
- Socks or slippers to walk around the hospital as the floors can be very dirty
- Shower flips flops
- Hair ties for labour and after labour
- Your photo ID and other documents
- Your hospital birth plan
- Phone & Charger
- Peanut Ball if you are planning on using one during labor as your hospitals will rarely provide one
BABY Things to pack in your hospital bag
- Very comfy going home outfit (consider 2 options maximum)
- Baby bodysuit / sleep-suit and hat
Things NOT TO PACK in your hospital bag
- Dressy clothes, just think comfortable basics and easy access for nursing. No light colour clothes.
- Pre-pregnancy clothes. Remember you will be leaving the hospital with a smaller bump, but it won’t be gone entirely. You will still probably look about 20 weeks pregnant for another few weeks.
- All your makeup and hair products.
- Exercise ball, your hospital will definitely have some
- Towels, same your hospitals will provide them
- Reading material, you really won’t have much time to read
- Your breast pump as your hospital will provide them
- Your own pillows or blankets as your hospital will provide them
- Diapers and wipes for baby, as the hospital will get you covered in the first days
- Too many baby clothes. The benefits of skin to skin are amazing. Keep your baby close and soak up that bonding time.
- Baby toys, just forget totally about that
We hope this post will help you not to overload your hospital bag with unnecessary things as the most important thing is your mind and wellbeing going into labour !
