What to pack in your hospital / labour & birth bag

What to pack in your hospital / labour & birth bag

Over my years as a midwife, I've seen lots of families walking through the birthing suite doors carrying what looked like everything but the kitchen sink. Now I agree there are some essential items that you just can't do without especially a clean pair on undies and your tooth brush but what else should you pack in your hospital / labour & birth bag to make you feel comfortable; Plus when should you start packing?

To make things easy I've suggested a checklist for two bags. One for labour & birth & the other for your postnatal stay with your new baby.

Labour and Birth Bag checklist

  • Comfortable clothing that allow you freedom to move whilst in labour
  • Bikini top or sports bra if you're considering using a hydrotherapy pool or water birth
  • Old underwear or disposable knickers
  • Massage Oils & lip balm
  • Water bottle with sipper cap because labour is thirsty work & you can dehydrate easily
  • Pillow
  • Lap top (down load your favorite movie or series before you go). This helps to pass the time especially during an Induction of labour or longer stay.
  • Playlist on your phone
  • Phone charger ( with a long cord if possible)
  • Snacks for you & your birth partner
  • Hair ties or head band

Post-Natal bag checklist

FOR MUM

  • Relief spray A must-have for your hospital bag. Our postpartum perineal relief spray soothes and calms sensitive skin after birth — perfect for vaginal tears, grazes and hemorrhoids. Grab one for your Birth Bag
  • High waisted dark underwear, you may want to consider soft disposable.
  • Sanitary pads although most hospitals / birth centers provide these.
  • Comfortable loose fitting clothes
  • Breast feeding friendly tops (if choosing to breastfeed) with easy front opening
  • Comfortable bra & reusable breast pads, these are softer & more absorbent
  • Nipple balm, hydrogel discs or silverette cups
  • Toiletries to include deodorant, soap, shower gel, shampoo conditioner. Choose something with no or little fragrance to not interrupt the natural smell of you
  • Tooth brush & tooth paste
  • Hair brush & extra hair ties. Many hospitals/ birth centres will have a hairdryer
  • PJ's for over night stays
  • Fluffy Sock or slippers to keep your feet warm

FOR BABY

  • 3- 5 singlets, body suit/ baby grows
  • 3 cardigans
  • Socks, mittens and a hat
  • Nappies New born, although most hospitals/birth centres provide one pack
  • Perfume free water wipes or reusable cloth wipes. These are also great to mop up spills or to use as burp cloths.
  • Marino or woollen Blanket
  • Cotton or muslin wrap / swaddle
  • Going home outfit
  • Car seat - make sure you're had a trial run of how everything works before you head home.
  • Extra blanket for the car ride home, especially if giving birth in winter months.

Most midwives recommend having your hospital / labour & birth bags packed around 28-32 weeks of pregnancy because no one really knows when you'll go into labour, But don't worry if you suddenly go into labour & you've not finished packing your bags or you've forgotten something, the chances are there is someone who could bring it to you.

Ready to pack your bag? We've made it easy with our New Mum Care Pack — everything a new mum needs for postpartum recovery, all in one place. Use code WELCOME at checkout for 15% off your first order. 🌿

You may also be interested in the following products:

I wish you all the very best for your labour & birth, remember it's your journey & your story. Happy packing Clair xxx

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