My hospital packing list

One of my favourite type of blog posts is the ‘What’s In My Bag’ type of posts. Probably because I’m just nosy and enjoy having a peek into other people’s bag.

Anyway, as I was writing out out my hospital packing list and packing my hospital bag, I decided to share the list and some snapshots with you. Who knows, maybe some of you first-time mums-to-be might find this helpful.

Not all of the items in my list are necessarily must-haves but are simply personal preference. But I’ve starred* and bolded the items which I definitely consider essential to have in your packing list.

~~~

For Me

• Change of clothing / going-home outfit*
• Nursing tank top / nursing bra* (if you are planning to breastfeed)
• Undies* (pack a couple old ones that you don’t mind tossing out after)
• Maternity pads*
• Towel (if you prefer to use your own)
• Nursing cover
• Socks (in case it gets chilly)
• Books / reading material
• A few favourite snacks

Essential items to pack for yourself would of course be clothes and underwear. I would recommend packing a couple of cheap or old undies so you don’t mind tossing it out to save the bother of washing them if they get too messed up.

Maternity pads are also an essential item, although some hospitals would likely supply them if you don’t mind using theirs. And if you’re planning to breastfeed, a good nursing bra, nursing top or nursing cover could help make the process a lot easier.

Other nice to have items to pack include a good book and some snacks – maybe a couple of favourite chocolate bars for an energy boost during labour. I also packed some potato chips in case I had a craving for something saltish instead.

~~~

For Baby

• Nappies and wipes*
• A couple of onesies / bodysuits*
• A couple of baby vests / singlets
• Baby hat / mittens / socks
• Baby wrap

The most essential items to have ready for baby are nappies (diapers) and clothes. As my due date is in winter in Australia, my choice of baby clothes are naturally fitting to the season – full bodysuits, vests, socks, mittens, hat and all.

The baby swaddle is really non-essential as the hospital would likely have plenty of linen, wraps and swaddle cloths. But it’s something I recently finished making for baby and am excited to start using it on baby once she’s out.

~~~

In the toiletry bag

• Hair accessories (to keep hair out of the way during labour)
• Massage ball (for labour)
• Nursing pads (if you are planning to breastfeed)
• Bodywash, shampoo, cleanser
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Hairbrush / comb
• Lip gloss and tinted moisturiser (for when guests come to visit)
• Deodorant
• Notebook and pen

This is basically your own set of personal items to help you freshen up and get back to feeling normal again after labour. Your hospital would likely supply you with the basic shampoo and soap, but you might feel better using your own to feel like yourself again after a good shower.

It’s also a good idea to pack a few items to put on some colour for the camera or for when guests come to visit. I just tossed in some tinted moisturiser and lip gloss, but it’s totally up to you what else you’d like to throw in.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, nursing pads are somewhat semi-essential as your milk likely won’t come in for the first couple of days. And even without them, you can always use some washcloths or towels to mop up any drips.

~~~

Final items to throw in before we go

• Wallet* (ensure you have your ID, medicare card, insurance card in there)
• Phone + charger*
• Health records + any relevant documents*
• Camera + spare battery
• Tablet
• Heat therapy bag (something I plan to use to help with labour pains)

The most essential items to remember to throw in would be your wallet, phone and any relevant health records/documents/ID cards etc. And don’t forget the charger for your phone!

If you’re planning to bring your camera, ensure the battery is adequately charged or remember to pack a spare one. I also plan to bring along my tablet to browse the net and keep myself entertained if I happen to have any quiet moments alone.

My packing list includes a heat therapy bag which has been a lifesaver for easing my backaches at this stage of pregnancy. So I reckon it might potentially come in handy for pain relief during labour.

~~~

So that’s another item on my final things to do before D-day checked off the list. Yeah!