So, when I was pregnant with my firstborn I must have packed my "hospital bag" about 10 times. It felt very ritualistic and very important. I was packing a bag for an event that I had never experienced, for a place I’d never been to and packing for a person who I’d never met. It felt strange and in the end I didn’t need half the contents as he ended up being born on the living room floor but it was a good lesson in being prepared. You never truly know the course of your birth experienceand how things may change along the way. So here is a list of things I packed and having spoken to many other mamas think we have covered all eventualities but please message with anything you would add i the comments section!
FOR MAMA
Those pants! You know the ones I mean… the big ones - be comfortable. Most midwives like to see how much you are bleeding postpartum so will ask you to wear maternity pads for a little while but when you feel ready I'd encourage you opt for some postpartum pants such as WUKA. It will involve a little extra washing but you'll be super comfy and helping the planet too. The other option is to buy some big throwaway pants - TENA. No one really talks about the fact that you will bleed after birth. It is (like a period but will go on a lot longer and with everything else going on you just want be prepared. Go slow, lots of change is incoming.
Eye mask – for the hospital/birthing centre/ home when you need some zzzzz and especially the height of sunny summer. They are also very useful when baby is here and you are seeking some day time napping. For extra luxury I'd get a silk one!
Comfortable floaty leisurewear – to be honest anything that makes you feel cosy is essential to help relax you and gives you a sense of normality! I love a big hoody and perhaps your partners jumper too!
Slippers – for those cold toes and protection from the floor!
Face cleanser and Moisturiser -A little facial is wonderful, not only does the warm water instantly calm but tending to yourself this way is a little self-love.
Face water spritzer – Great for the summer months - an instant cool down.
Flannel – It's just nice to have a way of washing face, hands, feet when somewhere that isn't home.
Book – who knows when you’ll have time to read but you might need a little escapism especially if there is a little waiting.
Phone / Journal - really only for you. It is not necessarily to message anyone but sometimes the urge to write or remember things comes in waves and it is good to catch them when they flow.
Snacks – Essential. Nothing too chewy and always easy to swallow eat. Think smoothies, soft fruit and anything that can be eaten easily. *O and don't forget your birth partner too they will need their sustenance too!
A water bottle with a straw – water is the best medicine – easy to sip from and great when breastfeeding too - remember to empty your bladder often during labour.
Lip balm – all that breathing on the gas and air tube thing makes our lips dry so good to have
Headband/hair tie to keep hair off your face.
Lavender oil is a good relaxer but anything that smells of Home would be good / blanket/ pillow/ pregnancy pillow – comfort is key!
Phone chargers, phone and headphones
Magazines and music
Dressing gown (I packed a short one)
Pjs/ nightie (button down front ones are the best choice to make access to boobs easy but again soft fabrics close to the skin.
Comfy knickers and soft joggers – think BIG – Bridget Jones style super comfy in a size that fits and does not cut in! I love a soft jogger.
Hairbrush, toothbrush and mascara and concealer just to feel a little more human afterwards. You might want to pack a lovely smelling body wash too and don’t forget the deodorant! Having said that – looking back I think I just wanted to smell like me at the time to help bond with little one. You don’t know how you’ll feel.
Nipple cream – I used My Midwife Expert Nipple Balm and it was great but here are a list of others. I am also a big fan of the Weleda products using all natural ingredients!
Breast Pads – you might not need them but the eco reuable ones are the best and most comfortable These were my fav!
Clean and cosy outfit to wear home – please be comfortable. Your body has done something incredible and it needs time to heal. I remember feeling very delicate and tender.
FOR BABY
2/3 sleep-suits/onsies
2/3 vests
A small pack of newborn nappies
A couple of muslin squares. We used these bibs and I preferred them as they were smaller and very absorbent.
I would bring some soft flannels (bamboo is great) to wipe baby's bottom with water or you could bring a pack of newborn wet wipes (Water Wipes are very good and very gentle – 99.9% water)
A hooded baby towel (not sure that is definitely needed but it was cute!)
A blanket – one with holes in – they are called Cellular blankets
2 pairs of socks, a pair of scratch mittens (their nails are so sharp and grow really fast)
a hat - keep them skin to skin to keep warm - hat for travel
A dummy – controversial perhaps but there are lots of soothers out there. Whether you love them or hate them I’d say there is a place for them if that is what you choose to do.
car seat
Ultimately, when we strip it right back to basics, the only thing the baby needs is YOU!. Everything they need is you. You are their home, their world and their universe.
Top Tips
#1 Pack a separate baby bag for your little one so everything is easy to get hold of
#2 Pack your bag with your birth partner so they know where to find everything. It will help when you are desperate for lip balm and you can’t effectively describe what part of the bag it is in!
#3 Don't forget the camera!
𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑨𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒆 𝒙 What's the best item you packed?
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