Hospital Bag for Mum

Hospital Bag for Mum:

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When you go into hospital to have your baby, there are a lot of things to consider when packing your bag. This page is going to focus on what to pack for mum.

For mum, there are a few important things that you will definitely need to pack, and plenty of other optional items that you may like to pack depending on your preference, how long you are staying, or how much space you have. As a seasoned mum of two, I’ve put together a list of a few things you absolutely must have in your hospital bag, as well as a list of options.

 

Hospital Bag Essentials for Mum:

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• Comfortable, loose clothing: comfortable loose maternity clothing is perfect for this. Your body will take time to go back to it’s pre-pregnancy size, and most new mums find they still have a big belly after giving birth. You also want to be comfortable while you stay in the hospital, as you’ll be resting a lot and spending lots of time in bed. Pack enough clothing for the number of days you plan on staying in the hospital, plus another set extra. Here is what I suggest:

  • Comfortable nursing bras – and pack extra in case they end up with milk all over them

  • Comfortable large underwear – this is especially important if you are having a c section. But even if you aren’t, you need some comfortable, big underwear that will keep your maternity pad in place

  • Pants or tights – maternity tights are perfect as they are super comfortable and very high waisted. Comfy track pants are also great.

  • Nursing tops – pack a few comfortable tops with easy access for breastfeeding. If you don’t want to buy specific nursing tops, any baggy comfortable tops will be fine.

  • Pyjamas: Make sure you can have easy nursing access, and pack baggy or maternity pyjamas

  • Socks

  • Slippers – just add these for extra comfort

• Maternity pads: Pack a big packet of maternity pads. You’ll need these right from the start, and will go through quite a few. If you’re staying a few extra days, pack two packets of maternity pads.

• Disposable maternity underwear: These are great for right after birth, as you don’t need to worry about ruining your regular underwear, and they are extra comfy as they are made just for postpartum.

• Toiletries: These are important for taking care of yourself, but in my opinion, packing luxurious toiletries is also a great way to feel good about yourself after having your baby. Packing some exotic smelling shower gel and shampoo can add that extra touch of luxury for you right after your birth. Remember to pack each of these:

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Body wash or soap

  • Moisturiser

  • Deodorant

  • Any regular medications you need

• Phone charger: You’ll need to charge your phone each day, and you’ll probably be using it a lot in the hospital

• Water bottle: Speaking from personal experience, I have never felt thirstier than right after I gave birth. You can of course get glasses of water at the hospital, but having your own water bottle is great.

• Snacks: Although the hospital provides food, you might be hungry at all hours of the night and in between the hospital meals. Bring some snacks to keep yourself satisfied.

• Postpartum supplies: Postpartum recovery starts right after you give birth, and there are a few things that can make the journey a little easier. Here are some that I recommend:

  • Perineum ice and heat pack: Frozen or heated blocks to put in your underwear to soothe the perineum

  • Peri Bottle: Great for using right after birth to assist with using the toilet, and cleaning yourself.

  • After Birth Spray: great for soothing your perineum right after birth

• Breastfeeding essentials: If you plan on breastfeeding, a few essentials go a long way:

  • Nursing balm: for soothing the sore and tender nipples that are common at the beginning of breastfeeding

  • Soothing hot and cold reusable gel packs: Perfect for using hot or cold, these help with soreness, tenderness, and engorgement at the beginning of breastfeeding, as well as helping with any blocked ducts that can happen breastfeeding

  • Nursing pads: I like the reusable ones, but make sure you pack plenty of nursing pads as you will go through a lot of them.

 

Optional Extra Hospital Bag Items for Mum:

• A gown for labour and delivery: This is entirely optional, but if you want to have something of your own that is comfortable to wear, easy to put on, and perfect for quick skin to skin and breastfeeding right after the birth, buying your own gown is a great idea. If you’d prefer not to, you can just wear any comfortable clothing you choose, and if you need to wear a gown while in the hospital, you can wear one of the hospital gowns. Although they aren’t as glamorous, they are perfectly functional.

• Make up or cosmetics: Some people will not feel like putting make up on after birth, while others need it to feel themselves. If it’s important to you, pack some in your hospital bag

• Dressing gown: If you love a comfy dressing gown, pack one in your bag!

• Slippers: slippers are nice for walking around in your room, trips to the bathroom etc. but if you don’t usually wear them, don’t bother putting them in your bag!

 

 

A few things to consider:

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The length of your stay: The longer you stay in the hospital, the larger bag you will need, and the more clothing and toiletries you will need. If you know you’re staying for an extended period before or after your birth, pack plenty of everything, or organise for someone to come and collect, wash and replenish any item you need.

Natural birth or c section: If you’re having a c section, it’s likely you’ll need to stay in the hospital for longer. You’ll also need to take particular care when packing clothing that the clothing you choose will not rub on your incision. High waisted maternity underwear and pants, or loose-fitting clothing will be perfect for your stay. If you’re having a natural birth, you don’t need to worry about this as much, just bring clothing that is really comfy.

 

As a first time mum, I felt like there was so much pressure on what to put in the hospital bag, but remember, you can always send someone down to the store to buy something for you, or send your support person or partner home to your house to collect anything you might have forgotten. Try not to stress!

When to pack your hospital bag:

It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed from about 36 weeks gestation. This means that when you need to go to the hospital, you’ll be ready. If you’re at risk for early delivery, or if you might need to go to the hospital for any other reason towards the end of your pregnancy, pack it earlier.