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My Hospital Bag Packing List: Labour Must-Haves and Surprising Regrets

As a first-time mum, I had my hospital bag packed a fair few weeks before my due date. Maybe my organisation cursed it because I was then overdue by 15 days! But eventually, the time came to head to the hospital (at 13 days overdue) and here’s what I took with me – including the things I didn’t use…

First things first, I would like a disclaimer to say when I refer to hospital ‘bag’, I in fact mean an entire suitcase. Trust me, there’s a lot of stuff you need. Keep scrolling for your downloadable hospital checklist.

For me

Maternity notes and birth preferences – VERY important

Dressing gown – I went for a thin one rather than a thick one because I figured I’d be pretty toasty in hospital

Towel – top tip, go for a dark colour (I didn’t use this in the end as they provided towels, but good to have just in case)

Button up nightie – good for breastfeeding and I sized up for comfort

Pyjamas – button up for easy access and I sized up so they didn’t dig in

Nursing bra and vest top – ideal for the quiet time after the baby is born while trying to get them to latch

Slippers – there’s nothing quite like the home comfort of pair of slippers

Fluffy socks – in case the ward is chilly overnight

Flip-flops – for the showers! (I forgot to use mine – fingers crossed I don’t get a verruca)

Maternity cycle shorts – to wear in early labour (I didn’t end up wearing these)

Sports bra – I chose this for the birthing pool (but didn’t have a water birth in the end)

Loungewear – a chose a beige co-ord as my coming home outfit

Bag for laundry – handy to keep dirty washing separate from your other things

Disposable pants, adult nappies, dark cotton pants and maternity sanitary towels – be prepared for all of the post-partum bleeding

Travel mirror – to check out my face for those post-birth selfies

Make up – I just took concealer and brow pencil to look half normal

Flannel – A dark colour just like the towel

Toiletries – dry shampoo, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, face wipes, moisturiser, hairbrush, eye masks, toothbrush and toothpaste

Spritz for Bits – in case of a vaginal birth

Nipple balm – Lansinoh is the holy grail

Perineal bottle – to use instead of loo roll if having a vaginal birth

Sleep mask and earplugs – wards can be noisy

Sleep spray – for a calming touch while in labour

Birthing comb – I took a normal comb, there’s no need to buy anything fancy to squeeze in your hand to distract you from contractions (didn’t get out of the bag but did use hypnobirthing instead)

Long charger lead – to keep your phone charged up for all-important communications

Milestone card / announcement plaque – we didn’t know the gender, so we had a really cute ‘It’s a boy’ or ‘It’s a girl’ wooden disk for photos

Tens machine – great for early labour!

Airpods – ideal for listening to hypnobirthing affirmations (didn’t bother!)

Pregnancy pillow – a home comfort and also great to be used as a nursing pillow

Handheld fan – for the hot flushes during all the pain

Colostrum – I managed to harvest mine so I took some frozen syringes into the hospital

Snacks – sweets, chocolate biscuits, porridge and cereal bars to keep me fuelled

Drinks – Lucazade sport, orange juice cartons and flavoured water to stay hydrated

Water bottle with straw – easier to drink while in various birthing positions

For baby

Blanket – an essential

Comforter – (totally didn’t need)

Padded pram suit – (didn’t use as it’s not recommended for while they are in the car seat)

Nappies and nappy bags

Baby wipes

Bib – I only packed one as I figured there wouldn’t be much need (didn’t use)

Hand sanitiser – for nappy changes

Muslins – pack a few of these!

Swaddle – we got some lovely velcro ones from Primark

Babygrows – pack various sizes as you never know how big or small they will be

Going home outfit – top tip from one of my my mama friends, don’t put your little one in this until right at the last min in case of accidents

Hats – one wooly one and one cotton one

Mittens – anti-scratch mittens are needed before you can get home and cut baby’s nails

Socks – For the one outfit we had without footsies

For my birthing partner

Change of clothes – for potential overnight stay

Toiletries – to freshen up

iPad – labour can be a long old time, so some light entertainment will be needed

Click to download your handy hospital bag ticklist

YOUR HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLISTDownload

And best of luck embarking on the most amazing chapter of your life!

R x





Rachel

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