Packing your hospital bag for labour is kind of like packing to go on a holiday.
You will either try and take everything you own ‘just in case’ or you will leave all the essentials at home. I wrote this list of what to pack in your hospital bag when pregnant with my third baby, having left all sorts of things at home with my other two.
I recommend having a bag packed by around 37/38 weeks – as you just never know! I was super prepared and had my bag packed by about 35 weeks with my first baby. She arrived just before 40 weeks. So when I was pregnant with my second, I was expecting to have a bit of time once I went on maternity leave.
I was so wrong. I ended up packing my hospital bag whilst in labour. At the same time, trying to organise for someone to look after my then not-quite-2 year old. This is not something I recommend – especially if your labour is a bit shorter (my second was only about 4 hours).
So here is my list of what to pack in your hospital bag for labour – a guide for the Hypnobirthing Australia™ Mum.
What to pack in your hospital bag – for labour
Your birth preferences
Have your birth partner hand these to your caregivers when you arrive at the hospital or birth centre
Your paperwork
Any of your antenatal paperwork with your notes plus your medicare card
Comfortable clothes
You may have no idea what you want to wear during labour until you are actually in labour. You may want to get your clothes off and just be in undies, or nothing at all. You may want to be in your pyjamas or your partner’s comfiest shirt. It really doesn’t matter what you wear (or don’t wear) during labour. And you certainly don’t need to go out and spend money on the birthing gowns that are available. Just be comfortable and know that you don’t have to wear a hospital gown. I found a singlet and undies to be the most comfortable during my labours.
Slippers/thongs
Just in case you end up doing laps of the corridors!
Music with speaker/headphones
If you are using your phone to play your music on, ensure it is switched to flight mode or do not disturb mode first. The last thing you need to hear whilst trying to relax during labour is your phone ringing constantly.
I recommend making up a few playlists
– One with your Hypnobirthing Australia self-hypnosis tracks
– One with relaxation music with no words (in case you find the speaking distracting)
– One with music that makes you feel good
As some hospitals don’t allow Bluetooth to be used while other wireless monitors are on, it’s important to be prepared and have a cable on hand to plug your phone into the speaker.
Noise cancelling headphones can be an absolute god-send. Even if you don’t listen to anything!
Chargers/batteries for phones/speakers/camera
Camera (or phone)
For those first newborn moments or even for pictures of your labour and birth (even if you don’t think you will want them. You can’t just redo birth if you decide later that you wanted photos).
Snacks
Your body needs fuel for labour and birth just as much as it would if you were doing a marathon. Pack healthy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars etc. Also, ensure you have a water bottle – it’s important to stay hydrated during labour. Things like Hydralyte, coconut water, Powerade/Gatorade or bone broth can be handy when you need something more than water but can’t tolerate food. To read more on eating and drinking during labour, check out this blog
TENS machine (if using)
And spare batteries! You can hire a TENS machine here
Anything to make the room feel more like ‘home’
- Oil diffuser (check hospital policy on this one). A few drops of oil on a chux cloth makes a good alternative
- Your favourite oils. Clary sage is a good one to have on hand, just don’t use it before term.
- LED candles – definitely no naked flames!
- Your own pillow – just put a different colour pillow case on it to distinguish it from the hospital ones. Perhaps a pillow case in your favourite birth colour.
- Birth ball/Fitball/CUB birth stool. Many hospitals now have these so check with your hospital. If the don’t, ensure you are able to take them in prior to the big day. And if you are taking in your own ball, make sure it is sufficiently pumped up.
- Your visualisations and printed affirmations
- ‘Quiet please’ sign for the door – or ‘Orgasm in process’ as a fun alternative. Remember to take some blu-tac or sticky tape
Little things that may help Mum feel more comfortable;
- Hair bands
- Lip balm
- Water bottle that is easy to drink from. Or a re-usable bendy straw
- Comb – no this isn’t for the obvious reason. Holding a comb in the palm of your hand can act as a pain relief.
- Dark glasses or an eye mask
- Warm socks – it’s crazy how cold your feet can get during labour!
What to pack in your hospital bag – for birth partners
Birth partners cheat sheet and scripts
To all the birth partners out there – you don’t have to remember it all! Use your birth partner’s cheat sheet, acupressure handout and the scripts in your Hypnobirthing Australia folio to help you out!
Change of clothes
And if you are getting in the shower, bath or pool with Mum – a pair of togs. Don’t forget a pair of thongs/flip flops
Snacks and water bottles
It is just as important for birth partners to keep your energy levels up. Labour can be long and Mum needs you to be with her – not doing a take away run at 1 am because you are starving!
Pyjamas
If you are planning on staying overnight with Mum
Toiletries
Toothbrush, deodorant, shower gel – this is more so if you are staying overnight with Mum. Although, it having your toothbrush on hand never hurts.
Cash or cards
For parking machines, vending machines or the hospital cafe (if it’s open). It’s a good idea to have some coins for vending machines just in case
What to pack in your hospital bag – for once baby arrives
Breastfeeding singlets/bras
Those initial feeds can take Mum and baby a little getting used to. Make sure your tops/bras aren’t too fiddly and don’t require a third hand (or tail) to hold them out of the way whilst you feed bubs.
Soft bras or crop tops are also good for when your milk starts to come in as your breasts may feel a little sore.
One tip though – don’t go out and spend a load of money on new breastfeeding tops/bras as soon as your milk comes in (or even during pregnancy). Your breasts may feel a LOT bigger and fuller than usual but they often settle once your body regulates your milk supply.
Maternity Pads
Some hospitals supply them but it is best not to rely on this. These are not only necessary for the post-partum bleeding but can also be turned into pad-sicles to help with the swelling.
Toiletries
Even if you are only staying in hospital for a few hours, you will likely want to shower once baby arrives. Pack some body wash/shower gel/ soap, deodorant and your toothbrush and toothpaste as a minimum. If you are staying longer, obviously pack what you need to feel comfortable – but you don’t need to pack a full make-up kit!
Warm cardigan/ Dressing gown
Hospital rooms can get quite cool sometimes.
Big comfy undies
Granny undies, nanna knickers – what ever you want to call them. Also pack a pair or two of high-waisted undies – just in case you end up with a caesarean section, you don’t want anything that will sit on your scar.
Change of clothes and pyjamas
Even if you aren’t normally a pyjama wearer at home – you might want to be wearing some when you have hospital staff coming in throughout the night. Make sure you are comfortable – feeding singles, comfy pants, socks
Nappies/baby wipes
Some hospitals supply them, others don’t. It is best to check with the hospital.
Onsies/hat
Baby doesn’t need their best going out clothes. I recommend onsies with a zip – so much easier than fiddling with buttons, especially for those first nappy changes.
So that’s your hospital bag for labour and birth essentials.
Comment below if there is any ‘must haves’ I have missed or you found you couldn’t live without.
If you are sitting here wondering what on earth I am talking about with regards to the affirmations, self-hypnosis tracks, visualisations and scripts, then you need to check out my Hypnobirthing Australia™ classes.