What should I take in my hospital bag? (My Version of the List)

Member Name: Autarkis

Product:	My Version of the List
Date:	06/11/08 (174 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Being prepared takes away some of the stress.

Disadvantages: You will probably over pack.

Here is a list of things I took to hospital, that In found to be useful.

I found it easier to take two bags, one for me and one for baby. This way it is easier to find what you need when you are in labour.

Birth plan

Pain relief - Think what pain relief you might want, even if you don't want pain relief it is a good idea to still read up on pain relief as you never know how your birth will go. You will not be able to make a decision once you are in labour.

Red book, for the midwife to make notes.

Hospital bag - For you:

Old or cheap nightshirt - for birth as it may get slightly messy, these are provided however some people prefer to wear their own.

Slippers - For comfort.

Toiletries - Travel size is ideal - however these are expensive, save any samples you may get, or just buy the smaller size bottle of shower gel.
You won't need shampoo, you probably won't even take a shower, you can use your regular shower gel on your hair, and it won't make a difference.

Toothpaste and toothbrush.

Make up - If you don't like to be seen without your 'face' on then you will want to pack your usual make up, for photos. But this is the least important thing as you will be more interested in what your newborn is doing above anything else.

Lotion - for your stomach, a good moisturising variety is best, as your skin is getting back in to shape.

Maternity pads - I would suggest taking at least 2 packs of these.

Underwear - Disposable, cheap or old will do.

Nursing bras - At least 2 you will need to wear these even when you sleep, as you will be tender and sore.

Breast pads - To prevent leakage.

Hair band/Headband - Useful for keeping your hair back when in labour to keep you cool.

Baby wipes - can be used to freshen yourself, not used on newborns though.

Flannel - Used on forehead during labour to keep you cool.

Lip balm! Really useful item to pack, your lips become very dry during labour and they can crack and bleed.

Dressing gown - For walking about in, and for when you have visitors to cover up.

A handheld fan - keep you cool during labour.

Mints or some other form of boiled style sweet - you may want to suck on these in the early stages of labour and for afterwards.

Bottled water - Sports cap is best, as you wont want to be fiddling with a lid, and you wont be spilling it everywhere.

Some people like to take anti bacterial wipes - to use to wipe out the bath or toilet seat - depends on person.

Magazine, Book or Something to do - This will help relax you if you can't sleep because even though labour is tiring you may have trouble sleeping afterwards due to you being in a busy hospital ward. I took a crossword book for something to do. Something for your birthing partner to do, you never know if your labour is going to be slow or relaxed.

Eye mask - Helps to block out the harsh lights of the hospital when you are trying to sleep. Only take if you would normally use these, as not everyone likes them.

Camera - Make sure you pack extra batteries, film if it is a traditional camera or make sure the memory card is empty if it is digital.

Phone numbers - For friends, family and also work for yourself and partner so they are aware. Best place to keep these would be in a mobile phone failing that a note book would be perfect.

Change for phone or Mobile Phone.
Change for snacks, or anything else you may need.

Snacks and Drinks for birthing partner, as they only get a cup of tea.
Snacks for yourself, as hospital food is not that great, and there is not much choice especially if you are fussy like me. I find I get hungry in between meals too.

For any additional things you are thinking of taking, it's always a good idea to check with your midwife if these are allowed on the ward.


Baby's bag -

Newborn nappies - I packed about a dozen to be on the safe side.
Cotton wool - Used to clean baby during nappy change and for face.

Nappy sacks

Vests - about 3 0r 4 of these.

Sleep suits - you will probably want extras of these as newborns don't stay clean for long, and have unexpected accidents, again about 3 - 4.

Scratch mittens - As newborns tend to scratch their face.

Muslin squares - much easier to use with newborns, and newborns tend to spit up more.

Outfit - For taking your baby home in, and for photos.

Coat or All in One, and a hat for going home in.

Blanket - cellular blanket for going home if it's cold weather.

Car seat - Make sure you know how to install this correctly in to your car.

If you plan to formula feed, then decide which formula you are going to use and ask if you need to take it with you, if not do they have the brand of formula you want to use, as its best not to change the formula as this can upset babies stomach.

If your birth was straight forward, and you baby us in good health they should let you go home the next day, I have asked both times the morning after if I can go home. If you need to stay in longer you can always get someone to bring in any extra things you may need.

You really don't need to pack everything on the lists that you find that are provided as most of it won't be used.

I would suggest that you pack most of your bag about 4 weeks before, and then have a list of last minute things to pack next to your bag so you don't forget anything, and you won't be stressing when you go into labour.

Good Luck!

Summary: Things I found useful to take to hospital.