Family & Education

Childbirth: What To Pack In A Hospital Bag

The essentials that are needed in a hospital for the birth of your baby are explained in this video. There are many things that you will need to bring with you, so get a pen and paper to take notes, because you do not want to forget any of these important items when you deliver your child into this world. Enlarge

Childbirth: What To Pack In A Hospital Bag

The essentials that are needed in a hospital for the birth of your baby are explained in this video. There are many things that you will need to bring with you, so get a pen and paper to take notes, because you do not want to forget any of these important items when you deliver your child into this world.

Step 1: Your Maternity Notes

Hospitals vary in their policies about what you can bring in, and there are certainly some essentials that will make you more comfortable, and are a must for labor. The most important things to bring in with you are your maternity notes. These have been with you for the whole of your pregnancy, and are a record of how your pregnancy is going. And also a birth plan, but this just needs to be simple with a few ideas about how you see your labor going.

Step 2: For Before The Birth

Another thing to bring in is an old night dress, or a t-shirt, some lip balm - your lips can get very dry in labor. A hair band is useful, especially if you have long hair to keep your hair off your face, and water is really essential to keep hydrated. Also a flannel is very soothing and cooling if you get hot in labor, and then your own pillow - some women feel much more comfortable with their own pillows. You might want to bring some books, magazines, or some music in if you've got a waiting period, but very often it is hard to focus on anything when your in labor.

Step 3: For After The Birth

So after the birth you'll need 2 to 3 nursing bras, lots and lots of breast pads, some maternity pads, and some big comfy pants that you can throw away. It is nice to have your own dressing gown, slippers, pajamas, toiletries, and towels to make yourself more relaxed.

Step 4: For The Baby

For the baby it would be good to pack nappies, nappy sacks, and cotton wool, a mat to change the baby on, a cellular blanket to change the baby on to keep the baby warm, and some muzzling cloths for feeding. You will also need some vests, 2 to 3 sleep suits, some scratch mits, and its always nice to have an outfit for the baby to go home in. You will also need a car seat, and it's good to practice with this before you put the baby into it, and if you get stuck, ask some of the midwives for assistance to help you.

Step 5: For Going Home

For you going home, it is useful to have a nice comfortable outfit to wear, and to stay warm - a coat for the journey home to begin life with your new family.