Turning the pages of my diary recently shocked me…there appears to be only one page turn until the big bold letters: “BABY DUE”. Ummm….?!!! Which can mean one thing: hospital bag time.
I think last time I had my bag packed at 36ish weeks, being the super organised first pregnancy and all that. This time around, I threw together some things for the baby (but not myself, because: teeny baby things, way more fun!) at around 37 weeks, and now at 38 weeks I thought I’d best really put my game face on and think about the fact that I will indeed be giving birth shortly. Gulp.
I was a bit miffed to find though that in all my first pregnancy-organised-nesting-frenzy I didn’t have a list which I’d kept of what to pack in my hospital bag. Strikes me as odd, it must be somewhere, most likely on my old phone which has since died I am betting. I consulted a few friends who have recently had their first babies (“Um…I know I’ve done this before, but what am I meant to bring to hospital again?!”) and thought I’d share exactly what is packed in my bags (yes, plural) to take to hospital when I go into labour.
The low down: I went about packing for three criteria – the baby, myself, and things for during labour. This system seemed the most logical to me, and it’s fairly simple. It quickly became apparent that my new Kate Hill nappy bag would only contain the things for the baby, so I have another bag for myself/labour as well.
Things for during labour include…
- snacks – almonds, dried apricots, gummy bears (yes gummy bears), apple juice boxes
- drink bottle
- wheat bag
- birth playlist on my phone and bluetooth speaker
- stress balls (I am a huge ‘Birth Skills’ fan, and plan to again use the coloured stress balls to bang/tap/count/visualise my way through contractions)
- hair ties and a stretchy headband
- glasses and contact lenses
- something to wear to give birth in, with Eleanor it was a black Bonds maternity singlet
- my birth mind map/affirmation page (another ‘Birth Skills’ tool, a page filled with words and thoughts to focus on instead of the pain, I’m a hugely visual person and this isn’t something I utilised last time but think it could definitely be right up my alley when it comes to pain management – eyes on the prize!)
In the baby’s (let’s be honest, the most exciting) bag I have…
- nappies x20
- wipes (I bought ‘nicer’ wipes for the baby than the ones we use for Eleanor, and immediately felt silly/guilty about it?! Matt agrees: ridiculous.)
- jumpsuits x5 (I also have packed a pink one and a blue one!)
- knitted cardigan and booties (for coming home in, it will no doubt be freezing leaving the hosptial!)
- singlets x5
- hats x2
- blankets x2 (stretch jersey ones, with Eleanor I know I had heavier knitted ones as well but Matt can bring some in in following days, as he’ll be back and forth from home with Eleanor care)
- dummies (controversial, but I remember I did use one with Eleanor on about the second night when she wouldn’t settle after a midwife enquired if I had one, I was glad I did throw one in the bag just in case, like someone had wisely suggested)
Then in a bag for myself…
- Bonds breastfeeding singlets x4
- Comfortable light pyjamas, easy to breastfeed in (I bought soft floral pretty ones from Big W especially, nice to have new jammies ready for hospital!)
- Light dressing gown (matching my new jammies, of course)
- Slippers
- Socks x4
- Two changes of clothes, comfortable stretchy and loose pants, breastfeeding friendly tops (Matt can bring me more clothes as I need it I figure, depending how long we’re in hospital for…)
- Breast pads – a lot! I prefer Pigeon brand
- Lansinol nipple cream
- Underwear which will get ruined x10, possibly more!
- Camera, batteries charged, memory cards cleared
- Phone and charger
- Maternity pads – approximately 50 bajillion
- Toiletries (make up remover wipes, small shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush/paste, dry shampoo, hair brush, tinted moisturiser, contact lenses)
Last time I remember Eleanor had a low temperature and needed more blankets, so perhaps I should pack more…but then some friends say they didn’t pack any and simply used the classic hospital striped flannel ones? I never sighted one in hospital with Eleanor funnily enough, I feel we missed a rite of passage! I’m also thinking I will probably need more clothes for me…or nappies for the baby…or jumpsuits…but it’s all things Matt can bring in the next day, or our parents/siblings who will be visiting. It’s not earth shattering or world ending if things are forgotten – but…
…what am I forgetting?! Something critical and entirely obvious I am assuming.
What did you have packed in your hospital bag?
Got any pearls of wisdom that someone told you to pack that turned out to be a lifesaver?
louise says
Is it that time already?!?! It has been a long time since I last had to pack the old maternity bag (my youngest is 7) so I can’t remember anything beyond phone charger and camera (which someone above has already mentioned) but I’m sending you a big hug and best wishes and we all look forward to hearing soon about Eleanors new little brother or sister! **hugs**
Lanne says
One packet of minties and one pack of fantales. Its my top tip – give them to the staff. It helps. Even perfectly nice people become that bit nicer w one of those. And they are wrapped and the easily eaten and shared 🙂 good luck and best wishes for a safe delivery 🙂
Alison says
Exciting times! It will be here before you know it! I used to feel a bit lost at day two with baby (other than firstborn!) You know the newborn drill, and bub was mostly sleeping and no cooking or cleaning needed! I used to take some handcraft or crochet as you could get something done! Or a magazine but Pinterest may suffice! Or try sleep!
I usually packed a card n box of chockies for the nurses also!
Sarah says
I’ve had two babes and I’m struggling to remember what I packed each time haha…
A pen to complete that bazillion forms, iPad to lodge my parental leave application straight away, lip balm, a few lollies for a sneaky mid night snack and slippers, and I think you have all bases covered ….. I also packed a little bag for Evie (big sister) to bring up for her visits (which stayed there for the week) with some quiet activities to keep her entertained
Good luck lovely x
Brianna says
This is of great interest to me, as I will be doing this for the first time in a few short months. It will be spring when our baby is born though, so should be a bit warmer. Will save this for reading again in 2 months ☺️
Phoebe says
We had a ‘baby’ packed for the big sister. The doll was a huge hit.
Firm bike-short style control pants (no need to buy the über-expensive post-partum ones) mine were invaluable to hold hoards of pads and for the ‘Compression’ of RICE for the tender nether regions really speeds recovery.
Take extra blankets. I got funny looks at hossy that I didn’t bring thicker ones and resorted to heated towels from the warmer to help my low-temp Bub until Brett brought in my wool ones.
Love the affirmations visual. This is huge for my focus on labour.
Your body is designed for this. I can’t wait to see ‘sprout’ earth side. All good birth vibes coming your way!
Emma says
Your affirmations page was in front cover of your Birth Skills and is what inspired me! Thank you xxx
Prue says
Haha we are SO on the same track. I was thinking the other day that I have no idea what to pack in my hospital bag and I remember being really happy with everything I packed last time. Did I keep that list? Of course not!
I’m shocked you have to supply your own nappies and wipes! Is that the norm?? Our hospital is private so maybe that’s the difference but they supplied nappies, wipes, clothes, blankets, beanies, wraps… basically everything for the baby. I was then totally unprepared when it was time to go home and so she left hospital in a white singlet with “Spotless” embroidered on it haha! I still have it somewhere.
Best of luck with everything – those last weeks are so exciting and yet boring and long at the same time xxx
lauren says
I made a pot of soup the week I was due, and I had my husband bring me a hot thermos full everytime he visited…. I couldn’t stand the hospital food, and I found having something that reminded me of home helped in those first few nights away. I also recommend to anyone to take their own face clothes for when you shower and some nice hand cream… I felt like my hands were so rough against that new born skin!
Rosie says
I’m kind of assuming you’ve got maternity pads and haven’t listed them. How long will you stay, assuming a natural and safe birth? I would pack just one extra blanket, and and extra cardi for bubs to wear in hospital. I know wards are generally pretty warm, and I’m probably remembering the way they dressed my premmie, but I remember going in one morning and they had dressed him and he was in a singlet and long sleeved top, a jumpsuit, a knitted cardi and wrapped in a flannie blanket, a jersey wrap and had a blanket (possibly 2!) over him as well. And that was the day before he came home! Thinking of you in the coming days.
Emma says
Yes, totally have a bajillion maternity pads packed and haven’t listed! (Now edited to add). Yes I remember Eleanor just being LOADED with woolen/knitted blankets so might pack a warmer one and another cardi…
Gwylfa Moore says
Exciting times, have you packed your gift from new baby to Eleanor – if you are going ahead with that.
I have two little girls with about the same spacing as your two will have. Josie is 2 1/2 and Lola is 5 months, I loved the newborn days and while there are challenging moments I am loving this stage in our lives. I hope that your upcoming newborn days are equally as enjoyable and that Eleanor settles well into her big sister role. All the best for the coming month. I look forward to hearing of your littlies arrival.
Emma says
Haven’t packed the gift, but think I will! Hoping our transition into this new chapter of our family is as lovely and smooth as yours sounds, thank you x
Emma - a simple living journey says
Maternity pads for you? Phone charger? Camera? Camera charger?
Sending love and prayers for a safe, calm and wonderful birth.
Xx
Emma says
Maternity pads packed! Edited the list to add.