What to Pack in my Hospital Bag?

Preparing for your baby's arrival is an exciting and busy time, and one important task on your to-do list is packing your hospital bag. Ensuring you have everything you need for childbirth and your hospital stay can help you feel way more relaxed, and having a few essentials to hand can help the whole birthing experience. 

As a practising NHS midwife and having experienced 3 x labours of my own, I've seen a fair few hospital bags and their contents, so here are my recommendations on what to pack:

Essentials for Labour:

1. Birth Plan: Bring copies of your birth plan.

2. Comfortable Clothing: Loose, comfortable clothing for labour, such as a nightdress, oversized t-shirt, or a comfortable robe.

3. Warm Socks or Slippers: Keep your feet warm and cosy during labour.

4. Snacks and Drinks: Energy-boosting snacks like cereal bars, dried fruit, and isotonic drinks to keep you hydrated and fueled during labour. Jelly babies as they are great as you can freeze them, ideal to suck on during labour for that extra boost of energy. 

5. Entertainment: Bring items to help pass the time, such as books, magazines, or a tablet loaded with movies or music.

6. Toiletries: Pack essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm and large disposal knickers.

7. A Pillow: The NHS don’t always have many extra pillows, so bringing your maternity pillow or bed pillow in for home will give you extra comfort. Also, this is good to help get oxytocin hormones following as you have some of your own comforts from home. 

8. A Flannel: To help cool you down and wipe away sweat. 

9. Hand Held Fans: Especially useful in the summer months to keep you cool. 

For Post-Delivery:

1. Comfortable Clothing: Loose-fitting clothes for after delivery, including maternity bras, nursing tops, and comfortable underwear.

2. Hygiene Products: Pack maternity pads, nursing/ breast pads pad pads and a lanolin nipple cream.

3. Going-Home Outfit: Choose a comfortable outfit for you and your baby to wear when leaving the hospital.

4. Baby Essentials: Bring newborn clothing, blankets, nappies (newborn size), wipes, and a hat for your baby.

5. Car Seat: Ensure you have a properly installed car seat for your baby's journey home from the hospital.

6. Documentation: Bring your maternity notes, hospital registration documents, and any necessary identification or insurance information.

Additional Items:

1. Phone Charger: Keep your phone charged to capture and share precious moments. Some people take extra long phone chargers so they can stretch over the bed.

2. Camera: If you prefer to use a camera, don't forget to pack it along with spare batteries or a charger.

3. Birth Partner's Essentials: Your birth partner should pack their own essentials, including snacks, drinks, a change of clothes, and entertainment.

4. Comfort Items: Consider bringing comfort items such as pillows, cushions, or a favourite blanket to make your hospital stay more homely.

5. Medication: If you're on any medication, ensure you have an ample supply packed along with prescriptions.

Remember, every birth experience is unique, so feel free to tailor your hospital bag to your specific needs and preferences. Pack your bag well in advance of your due date to avoid last-minute stress. With these essentials packed and ready, you can focus on welcoming your little one into the world with peace of mind.