Top 4 Things for Pregnant Mums to Pack in Their Hospital Bag

My baby is now 6 weeks old! While it’s fresh in my memory, I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of what to pack in your hospital bag for all you ladies about to give birth.

Being my second c-section I was definitely better prepared than the first time around. I hope you feel more prepared after reading my tips too!

Here are my top 4 rcommendations:

1.       Tubigrip

Tubigrip is basically an elastic tubular bandage used for abdominal support. Definitely not flattering but it does the job by pulling you in when your tummy feels like jelly, particularly if you have abdominal separation. I have been wearing it everyday to feel more supported. There are lots of other kinds of abdominal support like the SRC recovery shorts which I also recommend. However, the shorts are a bit harder to get on and pull up and down when going to the toilet so I would recommend using these after a week or so. Plus, tubigrip is way cheaper! I delivered at a private hospital and the physiotherapist gave it to me but you can also buy it prior to giving birth. I started wearing the tubigrip on day two.

2.       Breast Pads

Don’t forget these items in your hospital bag!

Weather you choose to use disposable nursing pads or reusable ones, make sure you have them on hand for when your milk comes in. The hospital supplied maternity pads but certainly not breast pads so make sure you have some for when your milk comes in and you start to leak (around day three).

3.       Drink Bottle

Breast feeding is thirsty work! Have a drink bottle on hand and within arms reach so you can sip while feeding.

4. Notebook

After each feed, the midwives recorded how long baby drank for/how much milk they had and if their nappy was wet and/or dirty. Feeling tired and feeding every 2-3 hours there is no way I could remember these details! In my notebook I recorded this information as well as any tips the midwives gave me and information my obstetrician and pediatrician told me during their early hour visits when I was half asleep. It’s valuable information to have and interesting to read over at a later date or when you have your next child so you can compare details.

Obviously, you’re going to need a lot more than these four things in your hospital bag! For a list of what else to pack for you have a read here.

I’ve also put together a checklist of what to bring for baby. Check it out here.

Happy packing!

OTHER THINGS TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG:

For mum:

·       PJ’s x 2 (if you’re breastfeeding make sure they are breastfeeding friendly)

High waisted underwear is best.

• High waisted underwear are a must, especially if you’ve had a c-section.

·       Underwear (high waisted, like granny panties!) I had a c-section so they needed to be high to make sure they didn’t rub against my stitches and the bandage. I bought some Bonds full brief Comfytails (pictured above) a couple of sizes bigger than my regular size.

•    Clothes. Due to Covid restrictions I hadn’t been to the shops to buy any maternity clothes. During my hospital stay I basically lived in my trackies (high waisted) and packed 3 loose fitting t-shirts. I also had another pair of high waisted leggings with me.

·       Nursing bras x 2-3

·       Toiletries

·       Maternity pads. The hospital actually provided these but you may want to pack them in case or to have extras.

·       Headphones. I used these most the first night when I couldn’t sleep and midwives were coming into the room ever couple of hours to do obs and give me medication.

·       Thongs for the shower and shoes that you can slip on to avoid bending over.

·       Lip balm- my lips got soooo dry!

·       Phone charger

·       Snacks. I was prepared and bought a few snacks if I got hungry at night (muesli bars, chips (Pringles so they didn’t get squashed), chocolate and a couple of bananas). The hospital served plenty of food as well as morning and afternoon tea so didn’t really need them. The only thing I did have was the fruit as there wasn’t any given. Also, after a caesar you aren’t allowed to eat for at least 6 hours. Baby was born at 5.30pm and I had been fasting since 9.00am so I was starving! At about midnight they bought me soup and some sandwiches- they never tasted so good!

For baby:

(Based on a 5 day stay in hospital). I put all of baby’s items in a separate bag to make it easier to find everything.

·       Onesies x 5 (have enough for at least one a day)

·       Singlets x 5

·       Hat- the hospital provided a knitted beanie but it was a bit big so lucky I had packed one.

·       Muslin wraps/bunny rugs x 3 (Take a look at our nappy cakes that include generously sized muslin wraps- and nappies of course!)

·       Nappies and baby wipes (I didn’t actually use the ones I packed as the hospital supplied them)

·       Blanket- it was a cold day when we were discharged from hospital so I had a nice warm blanket to wrap baby in when heading to the car.

·       A shopping bag- to put all the dirty clothes in.

Browse our Baby Gift Boxes which have lots of baby basics that will definitely come in handy.

From one mum to another, I wish you all the best with your birth and hope you have a good experience in hospital. I hope you find this list useful and that it helps you feel well prepared.

Share this article with a friend who’s about to have a baby or let me know what other items you would add to this hospital bag checklist.