Pregnancy Bag Checklist for Giving Birth in Hospital
If you are an expectant mother due to give birth in the next few months, it’s a wise idea to start thinking about creating a pregnancy bag checklist.
The chances are, your baby will decide to arrive at a time you least expect it, furthermore, you may not be at home when birthing pains commence.
By making sure you have a fully packed pregnancy bag that is easy to find at home, you can then concentrate on your labour.
The pregnancy bag checklist is also a useful list of items to have at hand if you are planning on giving birth at home.
It’s also a good idea to have a packed bag for a birthing partner, make sure the two bags are kept separate, to avoid any confusion during labour!
The following checklist is broken down into three categories:
Your Labour Bag Checklist
Here’s a list of everything you should pack in your labour bag, to help you get through the birth of your new baby…
- Your birth plan and maternity notes
- Several nightdresses or t-shirts
- Slippers or thick socks
- A lightweight dressing gown
- Lip balm
- Water spray or sponge
- Snacks and drinks
- Maternity pads
- TENS machine (optional)
- Favourite music
- Hair clips and a brush
- Tissues or wet wipes
- Your mobile phone and charger
Postnatal Hospital Bag Checklist
There are a few things you will need for both you and your new baby so it’s worth packing these in your hospital bag too!
- Going-home clothes for you - loose & comfortable
- Nursing bras – two or three
- Breast pads – just in case you have any leaks!
- Maternity pads – at least two packs
- Big, comfy underwear
- Open-fronted nightie – to enable support for breastfeeding
- Toiletries – wash items, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
Hospital Bag Checklist for your Baby
Here’s what you’ll need to pack in your hospital bag for your newborn baby or babies:
- Baby clothes
- Muslins or bibs – useful for mop ups
- Nappies, baby toiletries and cotton wool
- Baby blanket or shawl – for when you leave the hospital
- Baby car seat – this is essential for the journey home after the birth
In Conclusion
The baby items listed, should cover every eventuality for when you are going into hospital to give birth.
It is natural to feel nervous about giving birth, particularly if this is your first childbirth experience.
Are you feeling nervous about your pregnancy and wondering how you will cope post-birth?
I provide online support for the parents of newborn and infant babies, the online clinic is a great way to benefit from the experience of a professional and qualified Maternity Nurse.
