November 23, 2022

The ultimate hospital bag checklist

TMM Expert Doula, Birthing Coach and Mindful Breastfeeding Coach Laura Berkeley's created the ultimate hospital packing guide.

Birth/Hospital Bag Checklist

You can pack your bag at any time during your pregnancy & keep adding items along the way. It’s a great idea to start packing by about 30 weeks & definitely by 36 weeks as 37 weeks is classified as ‘full term’. It’s helpful to pack separate bags so all items are easily accessible when you need them. You might also like to pack with your birth partner or discuss the items you might be taking especially the ones you might want to use during your labour so they can support you.

On the way & upon arrival at the birthing centre/hospital

Maternity notes
Birth prep workbook/documents/pdf’s
Birth preferences – at least 2 copies in case of shift changes. Also in case 1 gets wet or damaged. If you can, laminated versions are great
Affirmation cards, posters, pictures & posters (plus some blue tack) – oxytocin boosters & supports your positive mindset
Portable speaker & charger - for your relaxation tracks, affirmations tracks & music
Eye mask - to block distractions out & keep your mind focused. Especially in the car on the way when oxytocin can take a dip
Headphones - for relaxation tracks (useful in the car for the journey or of you have to sit in triage/a noisy area at any time to block out distractions)
Pillow/s/cushions - for comfort on the way & when you get there
Disposable/waterproof mats - to sit on in the car incase your water’s release or have already started releasing
A towel or blanket - to sit on or cover yourself with for privacy/comfort. Also just incase baby makes an appearance on route

Items for labour & birthing

Snacks – quick & easy items, for energy & ideally not high in processed sugars as you may get a low after a sugar high. Some people find it handy You can anything you like unless you are having a planned abdominal birth where you might be asked not to eat before your surgery
Water/drinks – water bottle with extendable/long straw. Coconut water is great as it’s high in electrolytes
Ice cubes/lollies (if you are at home) – for hydration or to suck on. You could even make ice cubes/lollies from coconut water or add plenty of fruit. Vitamin C is great as an immune booster & for a healthy amniotic sac. Why not make some orange or melon lollies?
Water spray bottle – to use as a cooling mist on your face & body. Especially in summer & in hospital as they are hot places
Hand held fan – rechargeable ones are great (or if battery operated insert new batteries & take spares) - Hospitals can be very hot & stuffy. Hormones & being in the birth pool can also elevate your temperature
Water jug – for your birth partner to pour water over your back & shoulders in the pool (great after birth for your vagina as well to dilute your urine & avoid that sting)
Flannel/sponge – to place on your forehead either warm or cool
Hair clips/band – to keep hair off your face & neck
Battery operated candles & fairy lights – think cosy, romantic & magical = OXYTOCIN
Aromatherapy oils – to help you relax or energise you. Great anchor tool as well
Homeopathic remedies (200c) – pulsatilla if you feel tearful, kalicarb for back aches/pressures. Check out rowenaprescot_familyhoeopath on Instagram
Music/audio tracks – headphones/speaker/cd’s/on your phone/I pod
Pillows/cushions – only 1 or 2 are provided in hospital so take some with you
Camera/phone & chargers – to capture those labour, birth & new-born pictures/videos
Something to wear in the water – for you & your birth partner. Some people are happy to be naked but if you want to wear a bikini a side tying one is great to remove quickly & easily
Oil/cream – for massage in labour. Organic coconut oil or cold pressed sunflower oil are great options. Gentle on the skin & non scented
Rebozo scarf – for biomechanics techniques – for comfort & support optimal positioning of baby. You can use a normal scarf or sling if you don’t have a rebozo
Tens machine – you can hire or purchase a tens
Birth ball or Peanut ball – some birth centres & hospitals have them so do check & take your own if not. You can pick them up online for as little as £10
Cord tie – if you are providing your own cotton tie

General for Mum/Birthing person

Birth & Breastfeeding workbooks from the antenatal course you attended
Maternity pads – at least 10-12 (heavy duty, not normal sanitary towels & ideally non perfumed)
Large knickers – comfortable, breathable (cotton) & high waisted. Especially if you are having an abdominal birth but big comfy pants also help support that soft postpartum tummy. Minimum of 5 or 6 pairs. You can also get disposable maternity knickers with pads already in if you prefer
Dressing gown - thin/cotton for summer months or thick & cosy if it’s cold
Cosy socks – your hands & feet can get cold during labour
Nightdress or large t shirts - x 2. With button/easy open front – suitable for breastfeeding & having lots skin to skin
Backless slip on slippers or flip flops
Support stockings – if you have poor circulation/need to spend some time in bed (post C-section etc)
Breast Pads – several pairs of disposable or reusable
Nursing bras – 2 or 3. Bravado bras are super comfy
Nipple cream – optional not essential for breastfeeding. Hand expressing some colostrum or breastmilk onto the end of your nipples works wonders for feeding
Dry shampoo – if it’s likely you are staying in for a while
Lip balm – lips can get dry from all that breath work & a warm hospital environment
Toiletries – A wash bag with all the basics, toothbrush, deodorant etc
Towel – small towel to freshen up & have a pits & bits wash or shower
Phone/phone charger/I pad & charger – power bank in case you cant reach or access a plug easily
Something comfortable to wear - post birth, for coming home in. A tracksuit, joggers, comfy dress etc. Again baggy & easy front opening for feeding & skin to skin. Perhaps a size bigger or maternity wear & cotton clothing helps avoid you feeling too sweaty with the shift in post birth hormones
Earplugs – for overnight stays
Haemorrhoid cream – if you suffer with haemorrhoids
Nursing pillow - if you have a specific one you would like to use but not essential
Homeopathic remedies - for labour & post birth. Ainsworth do a great family kit to get you started with all the essentials
Medication – if you take any regularly that you need with you
Sling – to carry baby around with you & keep close
Snacks – cereal bars, anything that doesn’t need refrigerating & plenty of water/drinks
Your own mug/cup – for tea & toast post birth. Much nicer than a hospital cup. Take your own tea if you have a favourite or if you prefer herbal teas
Notebook & pen – for you or your birth partner to make a note of key information
Carrier bags – for dirty clothes
Cash – for snacks, magazines, car park etc

Baby – you could pack & take these items in your baby’s changing bag/rucksack?

Vests – 4 -6 minimum. You might like to take various sizes as you never truly know the size of your baby until they are born. Ultrasound estimates are unreliable
Babygrows/sleepsuits - 4 -6 minimum. Again you might want to take a couple of sizes & also wash them beforehand in non-biological powder/detergent
Coming home outfit – optional not essential
Muslins - x 3
Cotton hat – x 2. If it’s cold then take a warm hat. There has actually been some new evidence to show it’s best not to put a hat on your baby’s head after birth as smelling/kissing your baby’s head plays an important role in bonding & transfer of healthy microbiome transfer. Unless your baby has a low temperature where a hat can help regulate
Blanket - (lightweight cotton or large muslin in summer. Warmer in winter). Cellular blankets are great to layer
Snowsuit – optional if it’s cold for coming home (but must not be worn in the car seat if it’s padded)
Baby wipes - cotton wool with warm water is ideal for the 1^st few days. Water based wipes are brilliant as your baby’s skin is very sensitive. You don’t want to irritate it or strip the natural oils in the skin from chemicals that many regular well known branded wipes contain. Check out cheeky Wipes reusable wipes
Nappy sacks – did you know you can get biodegradable sacks?
Nappies – minimum of 15
Car seat – you must leave the hospital/birth centre with your baby in a car seat. Set it all up in the car along with the isofix well before 37 weeks so you don’t have to navigate fitting when it’s time to go home
Fold up changing mat
Hand sanitiser or hand wash
Formula, bottles & sterilising equipment if you intend to formula feed your baby