So the time has finally arrived for you to pack your hospital bag!
After speaking with experienced mums, midwives and doing some serious research, these are the top things that we believe you must not go without for you and your baby!
We suggest having 3 sections to your packing - one for your labour and birth, one for yourself after the birth and of course one for your new bundle of joy.
Don’t forget to also pack any documents and paperwork that is needed, such as your Medicare card, private health cover details, any maternal child records and your birth plan.
FOR MUM
- Either a nightshirt, oversized t-shirt or wrap around gown
- Thongs- thongs are great because it doesn’t matter if they get wet, a lot of mums we have spoken to have wanted to be under the shower or in the bath during their labour!
- Hair ties and head band
- An ipod with a labour playlist
- A drink bottle and some energy drinks and plenty of snacks!
- A phone charger- you want to make sure that the battery full when the special moment arrives!
- Lip balm
- Maternity pads- take at least two packs with you.
- Big underwear and several pairs! Some advice was to purchase black men’s underpants in a couple of sizes bigger than you would usually wear. In the case that you have a C-section, you’ll want knickers that sit higher than your incision and either way big enough for the maternity pads!
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- Comfortable clothes- you will want to be wearing oversized and relaxed styles. If you plan on breastfeeding, nursing tops and pyjamas with buttons are a must! Elastic waist pants too!
- Slippers or some warm socks- hospitals can get chilly
- Toiletries- a beautiful body wash and body cream will be a real luxury, however, remember to try and limit fragrances or keep things fragrance free as your new bub will be sensitive to these.
- Shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant
- Plastic bags for dirty clothes
FOR BABY
- Newborn nappies if your hospital doesn’t supply them. Newborns will poop A LOT so make sure you have plenty!
- Baby wipes, however in the first few days it is a good idea to just use cotton balls or washcloths with water on that little bottom!
- Blankets and muslin wraps
- 4-6 onesies and singlets and some socks if your onesies have no feet!
- baby bottles and goat milk formula
- A baby hat
- A special going home outfit
Make sure that you also speak with your support crew and that they have a change of clothes and snacks. Swimwear for your birthing partner is a good idea. Make sure that they are across your birth plan so can answer any questions if you’re unable to. Oh and also spare change for parking!
