What are the ‘hospital essentials’?
One common question I get asked by expectant friends is what should I pack for the hospital?
I recall the hospital provided a list of basics but it was the tips and tricks from friends that made those first few days easier knowing I had what I needed and now I get to share it with you. So if it’s been a while between children, you’re a first time expecting mum or you just want to put your mind at rest that you have it all covered, here we go:
A bag to pack for the Labour ward:
For you:
- Camera (ensure it is charged)
- Trashy mag (you may get a chance to flick but I don’t think you’ll be in the headspace to read a book in between contractions)
- Music (ipod/headphones) – some hospitals provide a docking station and speakers
- Mobile (Ensure your contacts are up to date and save a draft message addressed to everyone you want to SMS)
- Mobile charger
- Wallet (private health insurance, Medicare, blood group, doctor/OBGYN notes, birth plan (if you have one)
- Toiletries – makeup, hairbrush, lip gloss, deodorant, tissues, soap, hairband, breast pads, maternity pads
- Snacks – Frozen primas, museli bars/chips/lollies etc
- PJs and underwear (for when you shower afterwards)
- Any clothes/bathers/bra/socks you want to wear during birth noting that if you have an epidural your feet get really cold
- Paper/Pen
- Massage Oils and anything else you may think will help during labour such as TENS machine
Support Person:
- Phone & Charger
- List of people you want to call afterwards
- Change for vending machines, parking meter
- Change of clothes (may be there for a long time)
- Bathers (if you want your partner in shower/bath with you)
- Book/mag/ipod
WARD:
- Toiletries including:
- Nipple cream like bepanthan, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, hairbrush, facewash, lip gloss, deodorant, tissues, soap, hairbands, 1 pkt breast pads (don’t need many as milk doesn’t come in until Day 3), Kleenex flushable wipes (as things will be tender down under when going to the toilet), maternity pads x Qty 2 pkt
NOTE don’t change soap and deodorant within a few months of having bubs as they bond to your smell - Front buttoning sleepwear
- Trackkies
- Nursing tops/tshirts
- Cardigan/hoodie
- Slippers and slip on shoes (if you had epidural or C section, you may be swollen for a few days due to increased fluid)
- Undies (if having a c section make sure they will sit above the incision) and are large enough to hold maternity pads!
- Nursing Bras
- Socks
- Hot/Cold get packs (put them in hospital freezer on arrival and use them to soothe the inflammation down under and soothe your breasts when milk is coming in)
- Your pillow (optional)
- Breastfeeding pillow (optional)
- Milk Expressing Machine (and staff at the hospital will show you how to use it)
- Nipple cream like bepanthan, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, hairbrush, facewash, lip gloss, deodorant, tissues, soap, hairbands, 1 pkt breast pads (don’t need many as milk doesn’t come in until Day 3), Kleenex flushable wipes (as things will be tender down under when going to the toilet), maternity pads x Qty 2 pkt
BABY
- Newborn Nappies (some hospitals provide these)
- Burp Cloth x 1
- Cotton Wool (some hospitals provide) – for washing eyes etc
- Nappy Cream (Sudocream is given to you in the Bounty Bag at the hospital)
- Wipes
- Baby bath wash (some hospitals provide)
- Bibs x 2
- Singlets x Qty 4
- Sleepsuits (long arm, long leg and with feet) x Qty 4 (remember they are used to your balmy 36 degree tummy)
- Beanie x 1
- Socks x Qty 4 (put them under their growsuit)
- Mitten Qty 1 (to stop them scratching themselves)
- Wraps x Qty 4
- Pram/Baby Carrier – most hospitals don’t allow the baby to be taken from the hospital floor so you would only require this if you opt for the hotel stay in provate care.
