What to pack in my hospital bag? Hospital Bag Essentials Checklist
These lists go above and beyond what is essential, however everyone's essential is different! Make your own list from the items below. We recommend having your bag packed from about the 30 week mark and having a list of the last minute additions available in case you are leaving in a hurry. This list is good to go through with your partner so they know what is in there and where you have packed it. They should also be responsible for packing their own bag of essentials!
For Mama
- Easy to eat, light but energy-dense snacks such as: fruit, bliss balls, muesli bars, a sandwich, a smoothie.
- Hydration! Multiple water bottles (that can be opened with one hand or with a straw), coconut water or electrolyte sachets, herbal tea and fruit juice. Prune juice, cloudy pear juice or other stool softener for after.
- Medicare card & antenatal record.
- Your birth plan.
- Tens machine.
- Haakaa milk collectors. The hospital will provide electric pump if needed.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding supplement, pre-natal vitamins. The nutrient requirements of a breastfeeding mother are in many cases higher than during pregnancy!
- Loose, comfortable clothes to labour in, a bikini for the shower or bath, high waisted, comfortable, black, super soft underwear, nursing bras and/or singlets, high waisted soft clothes incase of prolonged hospital stay, warm socks, thongs and/or slippers, bath robe, dark coloured loose pyjamas or nightie, dirty laundry bag, eye mask, recovery tights, a comfortable outfit to wear home.
- Toiletries: Maternity pads and/or incontinence underwear, reusable or disposable breast pads, toothbrush & toothpaste, fragrance-free toiletries (deodorant, body wash, shampoo & conditioner), hair brush & hair ties, face wash & moisturiser, lip balm & nipple balm, soft toilet roll, panadol, peribottle, Ural (urinary alkaliniser), Silverettes nursing cups, and Body Ice (heat/ice) packs. See below for DISCOUNT CODE*
- Extra long phone charging cord, fully charged camera.
- Glasses & contact lenses.
- Container and instructions if keeping placenta.
- Small speaker for music. Essential oils diffuser. Fairy lights.
*Body Ice Woman Discount Code
can be used on bodyice.com/collections/bodyice-woman
enter code daisy20 for 20% off most products
For Baby
- Installed car seat
- Nappies & wipes
- Onesies, leggings & singlets (00000, 0000, 000)
- Sock, mittens & baby beanie
- Swaddles, wraps & baby blanket
- Frozen colostrum, formula & bottles
For Birth Partner
- Their own phone charger, toiletries, snacks and water!
- Swimwear incase you want them to join you in shower or bath.
- Change of clothes.
- Closed-toe shoes incase of surgery.
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