Hospital Bag Checklist
-Hospital Bag for Mamma -
Basics - photo ID, birth plan (if you have one) a few copies, any medical notes from your pregnancy, phone and charger, eyeglasses, contacts and solution if needed and medications if needed. Panadol, Nurofen, stool softeners,
Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, face wash/washer and lotion for face and hands, hair ties, headband & brush. Lip balm is a must. Soap/deodorant/shampoo/conditioner -optional as scent can interfere with mother/baby bonding and breastfeeding
Clothing- loose, lightweight clothing/nightgown/warm sweater and trackpants, socks, slippers, flat shoes, pair of thongs for shower, comfortable going-home clothes. Underwear you don’t mind throwing away, bring extra clothing incase of extended stay.
Labour Comforts - All items you plan to use to help you relax and manage surges.This includes headphones or airpods to listen to music/hypnobirthing tracks, bluetooth speaker if you prefer, playlists, microwaveable heating pad or hot water bottle, birthing comb, rebozo, T.E.N.S machine, massage oil, eye mask, face washers, handheld fan, battery operated fan, massage tools. essential oils, hypnobirthing scripts ect.
Environment Tools - Fairy lights, affirmation cards, ultrasound pictures, pictures from home, pillows and blankets from home. Anything that helps to keep you positive, calm and relaxed.
Snacks and Drinks. Reusable water bottle, ideally with straw, individual coconut waters, Gatorade, Powerade and juice. Important to stay hydrated during labour! Smoothies are a great way to keep up your energy, chocolate, honey, bananas, crackers, muesli bars, toast, soups, hard boiled eggs. Hard candy or losengers.
Breastfeeding - breastfeeding pillow, nipple cream, nursing bras, breast pads
Additional - bath towels, adult diapers, padsicles, perineal sprays, peri-bottle, small bottle of olive oil, baby wipes. Camera if not using phones for photos. Blue tac, string, tape, incase you want to hang up pictures or affirmation cards.
-Hospital Bag for Partners/Support-
Phone and charger, drinks & snacks, pack a lot of food as you never know how long labour may last. Comfortable shoes and clothes, pair of thongs and swimmers if planning to physically support in the shower. Gum, mints, mouthwash, tooth brush, deodorant. Book or anything to keep you occupied if mum is resting.
-Hospital Bag For Baby-
Car seat properly installed and ready to go, a couple of hats, pairs of socks, singlets and a few onesies. Baby blanket and muslin wraps, lots of newborn size nappies, packet of sensitive baby wipes, vaseline for baby’s first bowel movement ( meconium can be sticky) Nappy cream.
