You'd think because I've done this before, that I'd know exactly what to pack in my hospital bag for labour. Turns out it's quite the opposite!
First time around I compiled a blog post comparing what we packed in our hospital bag compared to what we actually needed. Looking back now we were extremely lucky with our first daughters birth. We weren't in hospital for very long and therefore didn't actually use that much of what was packed. Understanding just how lucky we were first time around makes me want to prepare for a different, possibly more complicated birth.
With that in mind and after repacking a good few times I think I've finally cracked it. Here's what's in my hospital bag for labour.
What's in my hospital bag for labour.
Things for me:
- Midwife notes with birth plan
- Drinks & snacks
- Loose clothing
- Disposable nickers
- Big black pants
- Maternity pads
- Breast pads
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Hair clips/bobbles/dry shampoo
- Slippers
- Phone charger
These are the bare essentials for myself when it comes to my hospital bag for labour. You read a lot of things which tells you to take magazines, makeup or puzzles, however from past experience I found these to be rather unnecessary. Sure, they're nice to have & if you have a particularly long hospital stay they could be really handy, but for me I really didn't miss them last time around.
I've packed three isotonic drinks this time, as during my last labour they were the ultimate in getting me through. I didn't snack at all during my last labour however I think something for refuelling is a necessity. A sweet sugary treat wouldn't go a miss.
And you can't forget about the glamorous items... I don't know what's sexier, the breast pads or the disposable nickers? Answers in the comments please.
Things for baby:
- First size vests x 3
- First size sleep suits x 3 (with enclosed hands)
- 0-3 vests x 1
- 0-3 sleep suits x 1 (with enclosed hands)
- Nappies x 20
- Wipes
- Nappy rash cream
- Nappy bags
- Muslin cloths x 2
- Cellular blanket
- Knitted hat
Call me naive, but first time around I didn't realise 'first size' clothing was a thing. My daughter was born on 23rd December & I remember going out on boxing day to pick up bundles of first size clothes as all we'd prepared for were 0-3. This time around I'm a bit more prepared taking numerous first size outfits as well as a 0-3. In terms of changing I've packed size 1 nappies, a pack of unscented wipes and a sample size pot of sudocrem I picked up in my labour pack from Emmas Diary.
Things for your birthing partner:
- Change of clothes
- Toiletry bag
- Drinks & snacks
- Phone charger
- Change for parking
Don't forget about the essentials your birthing partner needs. They're going to be away from home just as long as you are & therefore need to be fully equipped too.
Do you have any other recommendations?
PS. Do let me know what you think's sexier... Breast pads or disposable nickers?
All these tips are amazing, I feel like even if you're not having a baby soon, it is definitely something to bookmark for the future, I definitely have!`
Thank you love. X
Amazing tips for any expectant mothers Claire! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you Lucy! X
Hi Claire, what a great post and this will be really useful for mothers to be! Thanks for sharing! Alicia
Thanks Alicia! That's lovely feedback. X
I’ve done that three times and each time I’ve either forgotten something or over packed haha! The one thing I took the second time and third time which I wish I took the first was my makeup bag, it was so nice to have that first shower and do something ‘human’ again after birth. Everything gets so wrapped up on baby that sometimes it’s easy to forget yourself and a little self care goes a long way! That and knee high socks!
That's very true! Although the showers at my local hospital weren't all that nice from what I remember last time. It wouldn't feel that luxurious at all. Eeeek! X
Great suggestions Claire, thank you for sharing! I think making sure you have those essentials ready reduces the panic when labour starts x
Oh massively! If anything can be prepped beforehand I think it's 100% worth doing. X
Great post! This is really helpful for mums going into the hospital for the first time. I know it'll help many people x
Thank you love. X
Love this - never even thought about bits for the man, my man would need as many snacks and drinks as possible haha!
When it's my turn to be a mummy, I'll be coming back to this post - it's all a bit of a minefield isn't it!
Rosie
Same! We took snacks last time & I'm 99% sure Dan ate the majority of them. Not that I really felt like snacking at the time. Oh 100000% it's crazy. So many differing opinions on everything too, it's hard to know what to do. X
I'd never thought about things for your birthing partner before but this is such a great tip.
Thanks love. X
Waterbottle with straw, pram fan and cooling towel are a MUST for me!
Corinne x
Ahh they actually have fans for each delivery suite at LGI. I never thought of it last time, but it was a god send! X
We're all packed now - I'm so glad I kept blog posts on what I packed last time so it was much easier this time around! xx