So, I’ve now reached 35 weeks and, try as I might, there is no escaping the fact that I’m having a baby. People keep asking me if I’m scared about the labour, and my reply tends to be “I’ve sort of painted myself into a corner here, this thing is coming out one way or another. No point panicking!”
That said, there is still plenty to have a little panic about. One of those things was packing the hospital bag. I feel like this is one of the defining moments: The minute that bag is packed, zipped up and ready to go, that means it’s definitely real. I Am Ready. Labour could happen any weeks now, and I have a bag to prove it.
I naively thought I would be swanning into the hospital with a lovely weekend bag, with just the essentials, but in reality those essentials take up a hell of a lot of room, so I’ve ended up with something twice the size. Admittedly, I did read every single hospital bag checklist in existence, so I’m sure you could cut out some extraneous matter, but I thought I would share what I have deemed ‘necessary’ for labour and afterwards, just in case you’re feeling a bit lost about what to include in your own.
For Mum:
- Birth Plan
- Old nightie for labour
- New nightie for after (make sure it can be rearranged for breastfeeding!)
- socks (x3)
- Cheap pants (I went to a discount store and bought a multipack of pants I wouldn’t mind throwing away. Something about disposable paper pants just doesn’t sit right with me. Don’t forget to buy a size up - those maternity pads are substantial!)
- Light dressing gown (I’ll be giving birth in July - if you’re a winter mummy-to-be, a heavier gown might suit.)
- Slippers
- Fluffy Towel
- Hairband/Hairclips
- Breast Pads
- Maternity Pads
- Toiletries -
shampoo
conditioner
shower gel (perfume free is best for delicate bits!)
sponge
facial wipes
deodorant
makeup (just the basics, but still!)
moisturiser
- Clothes for journey home (something comfy!)
For baby:
- towel
- blanket
- scratch mitts
- sleepsuits (x2)
- vest suit (x2)
- bibs
- socks
- nappies (I’m taking a whole pack of newborn sized nappies, just in case. In case of what I don’t know, but I’ll take loads anyway!)
- Going home outfit (A nice outfit you want to first show them off in!)
Miscelleneous:
- Snacks for labour - I hear it’s a long process! Things like energy bars, lucozade, well, basically anything that will give you sugar or glucose for energy are recommended. As I have gestational diabetes, I will be taking cheese and nuts as snacks instead. (Check with your midwife though to make sure you’re allowed to eat once admitted!)
- Books/music/magazines - Again, long process. But OH and I have had a lovely time making a playlist for this special occasion.
- Massage oil (Might as well take advantage!)
- Mobile phone charger
- Mobile Phone - for pictures, videos, and spreading the good news!
So, I think that’s everything I’m taking. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something, but baby brain is a terrible thing. I highly recommend the lists provided over at BabyCentre, Bounty, Emma’s Diary and OhBaby.co.nz, if you’re looking for some handy yet extensive checklists.
I do love a list, especially a checklist.
