When you go into labour, there’s a good chance the only thing you’ll be thinking about is the pain, and ‘GET ME TO THE HOSPITAL, STAT!’ There’s also a pretty good chance that your partner, regardless of how prepared they are, will go into panic mode and barely remember how to open the front door.
When you go into labour, there’s a good chance the only thing you’ll be thinking about is the pain, and ‘GET ME TO THE HOSPITAL, STAT!’
There’s also a pretty good chance that your partner, regardless of how prepared they are, will go into panic mode and barely remember how to open the front door.
So, to ensure you have everything you need with you when you go bursting through the hospital doors, it’s recommended you pack your hospital bag in advance. If everything is neatly packed in a bag by the door, all you’ll need to remember is to grab it as you rush out the door.
Your hospital bag should contain the appropriate items for during labour, after labour, and of course, for your beautiful little bub!
For Mum During the Labour
From all of your healthcare information to the crappiest old shirt or nightie you can find to wear during the labour, make sure you remember all of these essentials.
- Your Medicare card, and private health insurance details (if applicable), and any relevant hospital paperwork.
- If you have a birth plan, or any important maternity notes, be sure to pack them too.
- A light dressing gown. Many women end up pacing around their room and the halls when they’re in labour, so make sure you have a gown on to avoid any unintentional indecent exposure.
- Slippers and socks to keep your feet warm – It’s actually quite common for women to complain about cold feet during labour.
- Snacks and drinks. Labour times vary, but commonly range between 8-18 hours, so you’re going to want some snacks to nibble on.
- Hair ties. Because the last thing you want when you’re pushing like hell is sweaty hair plastered to your face.
- Music to listen to. Listening to something you enjoy can help calm you, and make the atmosphere in the room a little less tense.
- Heat packs. While most hospitals will supply these, by bringing your own you’re guaranteed to have one at all times. Hospital supplies can sometimes run low, and flagging down a nurse for something as simple as this can be tricky when they’re busy with their other patients.
For Mum After Birth
After you’ve given birth, you’ll want something comfy to wear and some toiletries so you can shower, but you’ll also need:
- Nursing bras. It’s best to be prepared, so make sure you pack a few.
- Breast pads and nipple cream. Welcome to the wonders of motherhood.
- Maternity pads. Definitely stock up big on these, and make sure you only wear daggy old nickersbecause things could get messy.
- A notepad and pen, or a tablet for tracking your baby’s feeding times/habits and for taking note of any questions you have for your midwife, as well as their answers.
- It’s also a good time to get used to feeding clothes, with the Honor Feeding Topfrom Soon Maternity being a stylish and comfy way to feed your bub.
For Your Bub
While you’re busy resting after labour and doting over your little angel, your partner will be busily rushing around making sure everything is organised for when you take your newest family member home. To make things easier for them, ensure you’ve packed:
- An infant car seat. You won’t be able to take your baby home without one.
- A comfortable, ideally all-in-one stretchy outfit for the trip home.
- Clothes for at the hospital, usually singlets and a few jumpsuits will suffice.
- A baby blanket, which is especially important if the weather is cold.
- Plenty of nappies, wipes and baby powder. Some hospitals will provide these resources, but it’s best to be prepared!
Always remember to check with the hospital before you start packing, just to make sure they don’t have any restrictions. Otherwise, happy packing!
And, of course, congratulations on your new bundle of joy!
