Birth is such a big moment and if it's your first time or even your second it feels so overwhelming. There is no way knowing how your birth will turn out. Each baby has their own unique birth story. So what can we do to prepare for this miraculous day? Well, one way is by packing our hospital bag well and having everything we need taken care of.
When should I have it packed?
Before discussing about what we put in our hospital bag I'd like to address when to start packing. It is a total mystery when your baby will be completely ready to come out (unless you got an elective C section, then you are very aware! haha). Only 5% of babies are born on their due date. Babies are born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks. So plan for the birth to be at 37 weeks but don't expect it until 41 or 42 weeks, in that way you won't be disappointed. Remember your baby can feel your emotions, so let your baby know that you trust them and can patiently wait. Talk to your baby about how birth works and how much love is waiting on the other side. Tell them that they will be safe in your arms. I totally believe that our unborn babies hear and understand us! So when should we have the hospital bag packed? I would recommend 1 month before your due date (and if you are travelling around that time like I was, have the bags packed with you). Even though it's impossible to have every detail packed a month before (because you might still be using things), write out a list of everything that is not in there yet and where it is located and make sure your birth companion or partner can find this list easily so they can quickly finish packing when you go into labour.
Hospital Bag Items
In England, not much is given to you in the hospital so this list will contain all the essentials. Whereas in America they provide you with almost everything. So take what you need according to your situation. I took a bag and a suitcase to the hospital with me and I will explain why. First off. I will tell you about what I put in my hospital bag (check out the Birth page on this website to see the products I bought - or just click on the name of the item below). In this bag, I put in the items that I would need to have on hand for the labour and birth. Here is the list:
- Maternity Notes: It's very important not to forget your maternity notes. Not everything will go to plan so that's why I recommend writing your birth preferences in place of a birth plan. As for your birth preferences, have your birth companion know them by heart or have them written down. Don't forget you are in control of your birth experience!
- Slippers: Most likely you will be on your feet during labour so it's nice to have comfy slippers. Hospital floors are not the cleanest and your poor feet will be so tired from the labour and will be very swollen. These are great for slipping on and off when you are heading to the bathroom (which will be a lot!)
- Robe: The reason I went with a robe instead of a gown is that it is easier to take off as soon as your baby is born so you can have lovely skin-to-skin contact. It's also very easy to breastfeed with this. I would recommend getting a dark colour because of all the output you might have.
- Compression Socks: Both of your legs will get very swollen (due to water retention in preparation for delivering your baby) towards the end of pregnancy, during labour and after. I actually used these socks during pregnancy when I went to Paris or anywhere else I knew that I would be walking a lot. At the hospital, they might give you some but I brought my own because they would get dirty quickly and I didn't want to keep asking them for new pairs. This will control the swelling that will happen during the labour and after.
- Nursing Bras: Bring the black bra for the birth! And have extras in the bag. This will get blood on it from the baby. Also, I needed two sizes bigger after birth because your breasts explode! So bring them for when that happens.
- Mesh Underwear: This is another item they might give you in the hospital but it's good to have more just in case. These are so comfy! You will be leaking a lot of fluids before and after so pack plenty.
- Maternity Pads: I found the best pads! They are massive and way more comfortable than the hospital pads. As soon as labour begins, put these on to catch your waters! In your bag, you will only need a few but in your luggage bring more! I would change my pad each time I would use the toilet so bring a pack for each day.
- Folding Fan: This is a life saver when labour gets hot! You will get hot and sweaty and this little folding fan is just perfect for when that moment comes. ( I also used it in pregnancy when heat waves would come).
- Chapstick: With all the breathing and panting, your lips will get dry. It feels so nice to reapply chapstick on in labour. It's one thing you can help.
- Water Bottle: Hydration is key during labour! It is as important as breathing! What I love about this water bottle is that you can drink from just about any position. And in labour, you need that! Remember your uterus is working so hard for so long to push your baby out, the more you drink the more strength it has.
- Snacks: Fuel is so vital for you AND your birth partner. Pack snacks that will help your body along. My favourite snack was salted almonds. We also bought a box of chocolates for the midwives and doctors to pick from. Keeping them happy is important too!
- Toiletries: Remember to bring all your toiletries: brush, makeup, remover, dry shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. Don't forget to pack your birth companion's toiletries too! Also, bring a change of clothes for both of you.
- Portable Charger (Power Bank): Of course, don't forget your phone and charger. You don't know how long labour will last so it's best to have extra batteries in case you can't find a socket. Your phone will keep you entertained while you stay at the hospital. I used my phone to play music most of the time. Also to video call my family and watch Netflix.
- Hypnobirthing book: There are so many hypnobirthing books out there but Marie Mongan is the original creator of hypnobirthing. This book is the BEST companion during birth with guided hypnosis and loads of suggestions during labour.
Hospital Suitcase
In here I put all the items I needed after the birth. That way, I could keep this case closed and out of the way during the labour. Once you meet your little angel and you have finished the birthing task you can enjoy the bliss hormones and this precious new relationship. Surprisingly enough, there are so many things you and your baby will need. Here is my list:
For your baby...
- Nappies: The pampers nappies are amazing! I have never had a leak with them. If you are in England I would recommend getting the ALDI Mamia Nappies over this. You won't be changing too many nappies on the first day. I would bring 8 for each day you plan to spend in the hospital.
- Wipes: They have meconium poop for the first few days so I suggest you change while it's fresh because it will be easier to wipe off. Waterwipes is best to use at the beginning because the wipe is wetter and makes it easier to clean.
- Girl/ Boy Sleep Suits/Onesies: Because ours never leaked we only needed one bodysuit a day. I highly recommend you getting premmie sizes as well because a newborn size is massive on a baby less than 7lbs. Ours was in premmie sizes for 1 month and newborn sizes until 6 weeks. Don't forget to pack their going-home outfit!
- Vests/Bodysuit: The ones I recommend are absolutely perfect for newborns! I love how you button them up instead of putting it through their heads. Most babies HATE having their heads squeezed through a vest and this completely solves the problem! It will save many tears! When you are going to change your baby just simply lift them, set out the onesie, set the open vest on top, then put your baby right on top and close everything up!
- Swaddles: I loved the SwaddleMe Pods because they are so easy to put on! They have one zip coming from the top and another from the bottom to change a nappy easily. There is no way for a baby to break out and it's nice and stretchy.
- Muslins: These muslins are my go to! I brought all 10 to the hospital and they were all used up! The size of these muslins are perfect and they are very soft (even after washing). My regret is not buying enough of these at the start!
- Cellular Blanket: This is the perfect size for a newborn. A cellular blanket is what is recommended by midwives and health visitor because it is breathable for baby in case it comes over their head.
- Warm Blanket: I love these soft blankets! These are perfect for extra warmth and when you load your little one in the car to go home for the first time.
*Don't forget the car seat!
For you...
- Nursing Pillow: A nursing pillow is so helpful with breastfeeding a newborn. Taking this to the hospital will help you learn how to feed your baby. This pillow saved me from having aching arms and back! (For covers click here).
- Breastfeeding Vitamins: Vitamins are not only important during pregnancy but for breastfeeding too! Your baby needs all those good nutrient through your milk. Taking this every day helped me know that my baby was getting what he needed. Also it will help you with your recovery.
- Breast Pads: I went with reusables because it costs way less and it's better for the environment. The bamboo material is so soft! I bought 4 packets, so 28 pairs in total. In the beginning, I would use 5 a day and later 3 a day. If you don't leak that much 2 during the day and 1 at night are perfect.
- Compresses: These are such a relief to your nipples if they are sore and sensitive! Take a box in case you need them. I would just cut them in half so they would last longer. Make sure to give your nipples as much fresh air as possible.
- Nipple Cream: I barely used this at the start because rubbing breast milk on your nipple usually is the best remedy but when it became unbearable I was grateful I had this cream. One tube is more than plenty.
- Maternity Pads: The ones I got off amazon are the best pads! They are massive and way more comfortable than the hospital pads. I would change my pad each time I would use the toilet so bring a pack for each day.
- Mesh Underwear: This is another item they might give you in the hospital but it's good to have more just in case. These are so comfy! You will be leaking a lot of fluids before and after so pack plenty. Instead of throwing these away I would just wash them.
- Tucks: Whenever it burned or itched down there I used these pads to get relief. I would pat the wet pad on me and then fan the area to get fresh air in. The Witch Hazel ingredient is amazing! It helped so much!
- Portable Bidet: I never used mine but most of my friends said it was so essential for them. This will help dilute your urine so it doesn't irritate your lady parts. I simply just drank loads of water and that would dilute my urine enough that I never felt any burn going to the toilet.
- Going-home clothes: You will look 6 months pregnant when you get out of the hospital so for your going home outfit keep that in mind. Take your maternity yoga pants and a comfy top (preferably a dark colour so it can hide your belly).
- 3-in-1 Shampoo: Shampoo can burn your lady parts so bad! This shampoo is great because it's everything packed in one and there is no burning!
- First 8 Days of Being a Mom: This workbook is so perfect! It takes you step by step of what to expect the first 8 days, even the first hours. It was created in Dutch so the English is not perfect but it is a fantastic guide!
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding bible!! This book is an amazing support for breastfeeding! The chapters go by stages and there is a scientific explanation behind everything! I could not have survived breastfeeding without this book. If you have a question or problem about breastfeeding you WILL find the solution in this book.
Now with everything listed and packed you are ready to go! Birth with confidence and power! Having everything done and taken care of will ease your mind. And when you are in labour you are in a different world, so whatever you have not done will not be helpful. So, have your hospital bag and suitcase by the door to excite you for this powerful and joyous day when you meet your little one.
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