Hospital Bag Checklist For When You Go Into Labour

I know I’ve been a bit quiet but as expected when you get closer and closer to giving birth there is just so much to do! My nesting has certainly been kicking in as I’ve been washing, folding and putting away all of his clothes ready for when he comes as well as trying to rest as much as possible, which when you have a toddler running around can prove difficult. But my bag is getting packed and here are the things from my hospital bag checklist after the first time I certainly forgot a few key things. So now I know what to expect and can be more prepared this time.

For When You Are In Labour

This is a hard thing to anticipate as you have no idea how long you will be in labour for and no idea what you will want so it is best to be prepared for all scenarios. When I was in labour last time I didn’t want to eat or lay down, but as I know it is different each time I will be still popping some snacks in just incase. Also when you go to hospital can change so some of these you may use as home. I am classed as high risk so as soon as any form of labour starts I have to go straight in but majority of the time you have to wait until you are 5cm dialated.

• Your birth plan
• Big bottle of water
• Healthy snacks
• Birthing ball to bounce on (worked wonders for me the first time)
• Cooling spray
• An extra big nighty to change into
• A towel (I went in the big bath in the hospital as being in water helped the contraction pain and you will need it after for a shower)
•  Something to do before the pain is too intense – I will be taking my Nintendo Switch this time
• A comfy pillow from home – sometimes the hospital ones just don’t cut it
• Lip balm (gas and air can make your lips dry)
• Music which might help calm you (Make a Spotify playlist beforehand)
• Phone charger

For When The Little One Arrives

Once you’ve gone through the labour and are exhausted and filled with so much joy you feel like you may explode you will certainly just want to have a cuddle and then crash out. You may be in the hospital for a few days as you never know what can happen so I would say certainly pack for minimum of 2 days and if it’s any longer your other half or birthing partner can get you some extra bits. Unfortunately Lily had a few issues so we were there about a week, fingers crossed it doesn’t happen this time. Luckily most hospitals have coffee shops now, so, when you have visitors you can get them to bring you a long awaited iced coffee. Or just send your partner down. I can’t wait for a vanilla iced coffee with oat milk! You’ll need that caffeine!

• 2 lots of change of clothes
• 2 lots of PJs
• Dressing gown and slippers
• Minis of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner for your shower after birth
• A jug for your first trip to the toilet (you will thank me)
• Your maternity knickers (your tummy won’t shrink back to normal for a few weeks)
• Your going home outfit (something comfy and stretchy)
• Nursing pads (and bras if you are breast feeding)
• Maternity pads
• Hairbrush, bobbles etc. You will want your hair out of your face.
• Baby milk (even if you are breastfeeding, I didn’t take any with Lily as I wanted to breastfeed but unfortunately I just didn’t produce milk) always best to have a back up
• Some of your favourite snacks

Not the first baby? Don’t forget an overnight bag for your current little ones

Now we have Lily we know when we give birth she will be going to her grandparents so we can do our thing and bring her home a wonderful baby brother who will have a little present for her to help the bonding. But you can go into labour at any time so always have an emergency overnight bag with their bits in so if it’s late or in the middle of the night you can drop them off. They will need things like:

• 2 lots of Pjs
• 3 lots of outfits
• Slippers/shoes
• Some toys or their tablet to keep them occupied
• Any medicine or creams they currently have
• Potty/Nappies
• Tooth brush and tooth paste
• Hairbrush

That’s my list, let me know what you would or did take, just in case I have forgotten anything important! Not long to go now and I’m getting ready to get this over with.

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