Packing a Hospital Maternity Bag

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.