What to bring to the hospital?

What you bring to the hospital will be dependent on many different factors like how long you are planning to stay at the hospital, what type of birth you are planning to have and the health of mum and bub after birth. We have broken this checklist down for a 1-2 day stay at the hospital and included optional extras if your stay needs to be extended or if you are planning to stay longer.

Mama Essential Items:

• Going to hospital outfit (comfy pants, loose fitting t-shirt, slides or thongs)
• Birth plan (if you have one)
• Water bottle with straw (our favourite is the frank green bottle)
• Labour clothes (think long loose-fitting t-shirt so you can ditch the undies, a jumper that is easy to take off/put on)
• Postpartum nappies and pads
• 2-3 pairs high waisted period underwear
• 2-3 pairs high waisted underwear
• Wet bag (to put dirty clothes in)
• Phone and charger
• Toiletries (body wash, shampoo & conditioner, dry shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, hair tie/clip, deodorant, face & body moisturiser, face wash, lip balm, hairbrush - get small sizes and don’t rely on packing these items ‘later’)
• Comfortable breastfeeding friendly crop top (if planning to BF)
• 2-3 comfortable outfits or pyjamas (e.g. track pants/tights, loose fitting t-shirts)

Baby Bag Essential Items

• 15-20 nappies
• 1 packet baby wipes
• 2-3 size 00000 growsuits (these are onesies with feet/hands enclosed and with zips not buttons)
• 2-3 size 0000 growsuits (these are onesies with feet/hands enclosed and with zips not buttons)
• 2-3 singlets or bodysuits
• Baby blanket
• 2 swaddles
• Newborn beanie
• Formula & bottle (if formula feeding)
• Going home outfit (if you’re planning on it being special)

Optional Extras

• TENS machine
• Bikini (if you plan on having a water birth, many women opt just to lose the swimwear though)
• Massage oil infused with essential oils (we love jasmine and clary sage!)
• Battery operated tea light candles (to set the mood)
• Sleep mask

Wholesome snacks
Wholesome snacks are a great option to consider packing to support long lasting energy (you will need it!). If you are planning on having a caesarean you may not be able to eat for a period of time prior to your surgery so always check this one with your doctor first.

If you are having a vaginal birth and are allowed to eat some of our favourites include:

• Medjool dates (high in fibre and simple sugars)
• Pear juice (contains simple sugar for quick energy and may help those bowels moving post birth)
• Brown rice cakes + nut butter
• Muesli bars
• Mini bags of popcorn
• Trail mix

Extended Stay
We recommend having your ‘extended stay’ items already packed and ready to go in a separate bag at home just in case you need to stay in hospital a few extra days. This makes it easy for a family member to collect all the items you need.

• 3-5 extra sets of comfortable clothing
• Additional easy to put on/take off jumper
• 2-3 extra comfortable breastfeeding crops
• 3-5 extra sets of period underwear
• More maternity pads!
• Slippers to wear around the room
• Your own pillow
• 5 additional onesies or growsuits (zips recommended)
• More nappies!

What not to pack in your hospital bag:

• Non-prescription pain medication like paracetamol + ibuprofen: In most circumstances pain relief will be provided at the hospital.
• Breast pump: You most likely won’t need a breast pump while at the hospital but you might like to check with your midwife or doctor before birth and see if the hospital you are giving birth in provides them if needed.
• Ice packs and heat packs: Most hospitals will provide ice for those swollen areas and heat packs if needed.