Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom to Be (+ checklist)

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Being pregnant is such an exciting time, so much to plan for, and so much to look forward to. As you enter the third trimester of your pregnancy, it's a good idea to start thinking about what to pack in your hospital bag for birth.

As a mom of two, I recommend keeping everything organized by packing 3 separate bags - one for labor, one having baby essentials, and one having everything you need during your hospital stay. Remember to include a bag to put your dirty laundry in. You are likely to stay at the hospital for anywhere between 1 to 5 nights, so either take enough clothes and toiletries for 5 days for you and your baby, including pajamas and nappies (if not provided by the hospital) or have a backup supply bag at home that your hubby can bring in on day 2 or 3 for you.

Make sure you check with your hospital on what paperwork they need for birth - this may include your medicare card, your health care card (if you have one), your private health care card (if you have one), as well as maternal health records, your birth plan, your hospital pre-admission paperwork (if provided).

Regardless of whether you have a natural birth, some intervention, or a c-section, you can create a relaxing and positive environment around you by preparing yourself with information about your birthing options, and by bringing your choice of music, aromatherapy, and positive affirmation cards. Educating yourself and your support team about what to expect during birth is a great idea so you can feel more empowered during labor.

During natural labor you may find you spend time in the shower or bath (water is very good for relaxation), and during a c-section, you might find your playlist and essential oils are helpful for relaxation. It is always a great idea to have a think about what kinds of things you normally would find relaxing and include those.

Make sure you check with your hospital what paperwork they require. At a minimum, you will need to take your health insurance information, hospital forms, and Medicare cards. For yourself, you’ll need some Essentials such as:

1. big loose t-shirt or wrap-around gown to wear when you're not in the shower.

2. slip-on shoes that are easy to put on and off and that can get wet

3. hair tie, bobby pins, or hairband to hold your hair back off your face

4. lip balm

5. sports drink or lollies for an energy boost - you may also want fruit and nut mix, muesli bars, or crackers

6. music and music player (some labour rooms include cd players or docking stations. Check with your hospital) You may want to have relaxing or meditative music, or more intense music to match your labour!

7. Birth Plan - several copies for your husband to give to the midwives, plus any other documentation you have been asked to bring by the hospital.

8. Nursing tops to wear after your birth

9. Maternity pads, socks, shoes, and comfy undies to wear afterward. Loose pants (you may be feeling tender all over).

10. Plastic bag to take soiled clothes home in

For your support team:

• board shorts or swimmers to help you while you're in the shower or bath

• a change of clothes for afterward

• snacks and drinks

• Pain killers in case of headache!

• mobile phone charger (you don't want a flat phone when it's time to send out the news!)

Optional Extras

For you:

1. Positive birthing affirmations printed out that you can read

2. a camera or a video cmera (or just your iPhone with a charger)

3. hairbrush

4. aromatherapy (e.g. massage oils)

5. extra soft toilet paper for afterward!

6. A jumper to wear afterward

7. A really nice body wash for after the birth to make you feel pampered, but remember to avoid fragrances, as the smell can overwhelm your baby.

For your support team:

a thank you card (or maybe a couple in case there is someone, in particular, you would like to acknowledge) to fill in before you leave the hospital

Bag 2: What to pack for Mum after birth

Generally, you will stay for between 2 - 7 days at the hospital, depending on a range of outcomes. You will still have all of the items you took in for your labour, and it can be a good idea to ask your partner/support team to reorganize your bag for you for easy access and take home any soiled clothes after the labour. Remember that your partner will be able to leave and pick up anything in particular that you need if you've forgotten something or run out!

Essentials

1. comfortable, dark-colored undies (yes there will be leakages and the maternity pads are rather large!). Some mums swear by granny undies to help hold your stomach, another mum recommends taking soft cotton boxers in case you have a cesarean (even if you're not planning to) so that the boxers can go up over the scar (or hipsters to sit under the scar) to avoid irritation.

2. lots of maternity pads (at least 2 packets - these are larger than regular pads. You may continue bleeding for up to 6 weeks after giving birth, however, the bleeding should subside after the first few days)

3. Nipple balm to help heal your nipples while breastfeeding

4. Breast pads/nursing pads

5. scent-free toiletries - small shampoo and conditioners OR dry shampoo plus your normal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, moisturizer, etc). Your baby will be overwhelmed with smells, sounds and lights. It is best to avoid fragrances altogether in the first few months.

6. nursing bras (no underwire to make sure you're not cutting off any milk ducts)

7. Socks/slippers and robes /jumpers (hospitals are cold!)

8. Phone charger

9. change for the vending machine (just in case!)

Optional Extras

• Your own pillow if you're particular about pillows :)

• Moisturiser - we like coconut oil butter, which is also great for your baby if they have some dry patches, others also recommend pawpaw

• Any other body wash or moisturizer with no or low fragrance

• Any snacks e.g. fruit and nut mix, snakes etc

• a good book to read

• eye mask if you're sensitive to light

• earplugs (but be sure you can still hear your baby!)

If you have older children

• a gift from your newborn to the older siblings is a great idea

• activities (colored pencils, books, stickers) for any older children to keep them occupied during visits

Bag 3: What to pack for your new baby after birth

1. Many hospitals provide nappies, onesies, and blankets so check with your hospital before packing your bag

2. Newborn Nappies, wipes, blankets (if not supplied by the hospital)

3. 4 x warm rompers, singlets, socks (if not supplied by the hospital)

4. Baby hats and mittens (although we recommend only using the hat/beanie while your bub is sleeping, and not when bub is attached to you or partner, especially straight after birth.)

5. Baby moisturizers – we love organic coconut oil, but always test for allergies before using it all over the baby! Other baby toiletries are not usually necessary – just water is enough in the early days and is better for sensitive skin.

6. Going home outfit

7. REMEMBER to have your approved car seat fitted well before your due date! Alternatively, you can find a capsule hire service that you can get someone to install for you while you're at the hospital.