Hospital Bag Essentials: What to Pack and What to Leave Behind
Bringing life into this world is one of the most beautiful and exhilarating experiences a woman can go through. As you prepare for the big day of giving birth, packing your hospital bag is a crucial task. Maternity wards can vary in terms of what they provide, so it’s essential to pack smartly to ensure your comfort and well-being during labour and childbirth. Here's a guide to help you pack your hospital bag with the top 9 essentials and the 4 items that you can leave behind.
1. Maternity Notes:
Your maternity notes are essential documents that contain important information about your health and pregnancy. Make sure to pack them in your bag as they will guide the healthcare professionals helping you during labour.
2. Comfortable Clothing:
Pack loose and comfortable clothing for labour, such as a nightie or a loose t-shirt, along with a comfortable dressing gown and slippers for walking around the ward. Remember to take lots of spare underwear and maternity pads (although many wards do supply pads) along with extra nightie or pj's.
3. Toiletries:
Bring your own toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer. Don’t forget items like lip balm and hair ties to keep yourself feeling fresh and comfortable. Use travel size bottles and have them all packed in a small washbag to make it easier to carry them to the bathroom.
4. Nursing Bras and Breast Pads:
If you plan to breastfeed, pack nursing bras and breast pads to stay comfortable and prepared for feeding your newborn. If you plan to bottle feed you will still want comfy bras as you are very likely to be sensitive to tight clothing.
5. Snacks and Drinks:
Labour can be a long process, so pack some high-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars. Also, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your labour. Also having your own water bottle and snacks is useful on the post labour ward, as you never know when you might start feeling peckish.
6. Comfort Items:
Bring items that provide comfort and relaxation, such as a pillow from home, a soothing essential oil like lavender, your dressing gown or a handheld fan (very important in summer as the wards can get very stuffy!) to stay cool during labour and on the ward.
7. Change of Clothes for Going Home:
Pack a comfortable outfit for you and your baby to wear when you leave the hospital. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on and take off. You will likely just be very grateful to be going home, so it doesn't need to be anything fancy, just suitable for the current weather.
8. Entertainment:
Bring a book, magazine, or music player to help pass the time during the early stages of labour or downtime between contractions. Or for after, as you never know how long you will need to stay in, however don't go overboard as if you do end up in for a long stay family/friends can bring you something more.
9. Baby Essentials:
Pack essentials for your newborn, including nappies, wipes, a blanket, and a set of baby clothes for when they arrive. These will probably end up very dirty so don't pick your favourites for the first couple of outfits. Most wards also provide blankets for baby to be wrapped in, so you can save yours for after you get a chance to bathe baby.
Things You Can Leave Behind:
Too Many Clothes:
Avoid overpacking clothes for yourself as you will likely be in a hospital gown or just a t-shirt during labour and can wear pyjamas or lounge wear postpartum.
Heavy Makeup:
Labour can be a messy and sweaty process, so leave your heavy makeup at home and opt for minimal or no makeup during your hospital stay.
Too Many Baby Outfits:
While it's important to have a few baby outfits, resist the urge to pack an entire wardrobe for your newborn. Your baby will likely only need a few changes during your hospital stay.
Large Items:
Most UK hospitals provide towels for patients, so there's no need to pack bulky towels that will take up unnecessary space in your bag. Also ask friends/relatives to deliver gifts for the baby to your home, as you won't have the hands to carry them out and they just get in the way.
As you prepare for your journey into motherhood, ensure to pack your hospital bag thoughtfully to help you feel prepared and comfortable during your time in the maternity ward. By including these essential items and leaving unnecessary things behind, you can focus on bringing your bundle of joy into the world with peace of mind and readiness.