So one of my best friends is pregnant and recently asked me – HELP – what do I need to pack in my hospital bag? Working as a Gloucester newborn baby photographer I thought I would write a blog post to help all you mums to be.
When I packed my hospital bag whilst pregnant with my first child I must admit I didn’t just pack a hospital bag, I packed a suitcase (and another little bag for stuff for hubby). So did I use it all – No, not even a quarter. The music cd, lavender oil and bikini name a few came home without even being touched.
Having said that every pregnancy is different and every birth is different. Every mother has their own birth story to tell!
So what did I pack:
- Comfy t-shirt/nightie for during labour – Something cheap and that you don’t mind if it gets ruined and messy.
- Hospital Notes and Birthing Plan
- Socks – Bizarrely although the rest of you is boiling during labour your feet get very cold.
- Front opening PJs or nightie – ready for breast feeding.
- Slippers/Flip flops and dressing gown (I took a thin dressing gown as hospitals can be pretty warm
- Hairbands and hairbrush
- Magazines
- Water spray and Hand held fan You may not want your other half dabbing you with a wet flannel but a nice water spray or fan works won
- Drinks and snacks – A water bottle that is easy to drink from in any position
- Black Big knickers and disposable knickers- cheap and comfortable knickers especially if you have had a caesarian,
- Toiletries – Decant in to smaller bottles or buy travel sizes to save space. Deodorant is a must as you can find you sweat more after birth. It is also nice to have a refreshing shower and wash your hair after the birth
- Towels (dark coloured),
- Maternity pads – essential
- Nursing bra and breast pads
- Comfy clothes for travelling home in – leggings or loose trousers, a loose fitting maternity top and cosy cardigan
For Your Partner
- Fully charged phone – Ready
- To share the exciting news
- Camera – For capturing baby’s first pictures
- Cash/Change for the car park
- Snacks and drinks
- Magazines/book – it can be a slow process!
For Baby
- Sleeps suits and vests
- Hat and Cardigan – to keep baby warm and cosy
- Nappies
- Blanket
- Muslins – Ideal for everything!
- Special going home outfit (I brought a cute little outfit which I have kept and both my children came home in)
- Car seat – The hospital will normally want to check that you have securely fastened baby in before you leave.
My advice keep it simple, you really don’t need much stuff. If there is something that really helps you relax such as your music or massage oil do pack it – everyone is different. Also, remember if you have to stay in longer relatives can always bring in extra stuff or hubby can pop home.
Good luck and once baby arrives if you would like me to capture the special newborn stage please get in contact. I look forward to hearing from you xxxx
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