17
Apr 2019
What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Birth
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG FOR BIRTH
The clothes are washed and the nursery is ready, maybe the infant carseat is already securely in place.
But what about your hospital bag? If you’re around 36 weeks pregnant and haven’t yet packed your bag, this great Hospital Bag Checklist is for you!
Regardless of your chosen place of birth you’re going to need some things packed. If you’re planning a home birth it’s still a great idea to have a bag sorted for yourself and baby.
Click on the picture and download your own printable copy
YOUR LABOUR BAG
- Your hospital forms, Medicare card, Antenatal card, Health insurance details
- Birth Plan – several copies
- Lip Balm – heavy breathing = dry lips
- Hair tie if you have long hair
- Aromatherapy/Massage oils
- Refillable water bottle with spout
- Music of choice/ hypno tracks
- Affirmations to place around the room
- Snacks and drinks
- Heat packs
- Socks
YOUR BIRTH PARTNER
- A change of comfortable clothes
- Swimwear if you want to join your partner in the shower or birth pool
- Camera
- A jacket – birth units get cold for support people
- Snacks and drinks
- Change for vending machines
- Contraction timing app on your phone, learn how to use this prior to labour
- Notepad and pen
- Important phone numbers
AFTER BABY IS BORN
- Comfortable clothes, loose fitting works best, including going home clothes, PJ’s
- Nursing bras
- Cheap underwear, granny knickers or disposable underwear (Depends etc)
- Toiletries
- Breast pads
- Maternity pads
- Ear plugs
- Slippers and light dressing gown
FOR YOUR BABY
- Sleepsuits, singlets, socks
(pack several – this depends on how long you plan on staying in hospital) - Muslin wraps
- Baby blanket if weather is cooler
- Going home outfit, including hat in cool weather
- Cardigan or jacket
- Nappies/wipes
- Ensure baby car seat is correctly installed before leaving hospital
- Siblings gift from baby
