Your Hospital Bag

Okay, you’ve got three weeks until your due date, the nursery is set, grandparents are on their way and you’ve stocked up on nappies but have you thought about what you’ll need to take with you to the hospital?  If you’re like many soon to be mums, you haven’t really thought about it or you just don’t know what to take because you don’t know what to expect. 
Some hospitals might provide basic items for you and the baby so you might want to find out what these are before you start packing.  You also should probably have your bag packed by the time you’re 36 weeks along since you could go into labour at any time after that.  You might also consider taking 2 bags, one for labour needs and one for after the delivery and baby items.  Also, leave your jewellery at home.  It’s one less thing to worry about.

FOR YOU

•  Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, hair brush, hair band.  Hospitals usually provide shampoo, soap and lotion but you may prefer your own. 
• Towel
• Your own Pillow.  It’s comforting.  Just make sure you have a colourful cover on it to distinguish it from the hospitals.
• Flip flops for the shower.  The best hot shower you will ever take is after giving birth
• Comfortable nursing bras and nursing pads.  Elle MacPherson makes the prettiest, supportive nursing bras.
• Maxi pads and underwear that is comfortable and okay if ruined!
• A bathrobe, nightgown or two, slippers and warm socks.  Although most hospitals will provide a gown and socks, you may prefer your own. 
• Choose the perfect button-down nightie that is made of bamboo.  It allows your skin to breathe more than any other fabric and is very absorbent.  Buttons down the front make it easy to breastfeed or remove and it should also be short-sleeved so your blood pressure can easily be checked.     
• Comfortable clothes to go home in.  A pair of roll-over trousers fit everyone and is comfortable on your stomach, especially if you’ve had a caesarean.  A couple of stylish breastfeeding tops makes feeding your baby easy while you still look great

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• Favourite book or magazine.
• Lip balm.  Lips get dry during labour and you may not be allowed anything to drink.
• Mobile phone and phone numbers. (Don’t forget your charger)
• I-pod filled with your favourite songs.
• Camera and/or video camera.
• Whatever you feel you need to help you relax.  Maybe that’s a favourite photo or blanket.
• Extra money for the cafeteria or snacks.  This might be something your partner holds onto. 
• Eyeglasses, even if you wear contacts.
   

FOR BABY

• Car Seat.  The most important item if you are driving baby home and this is quite often forgotten.
• 2 going home outfits for baby.  Comfortable baby grows in organic cotton are great and a matching hat keeps baby warm and cute.  
• Nappies
• 2 receiving blankets.

PAPERWORK

•  Picture ID, insurance card and any other hospital paperwork you might need.
• Your birth plan, if you have one.

The more prepared you are, the less you’ll have to worry about later and the more you can focus on the important things, like you and your baby.