Hospital Packing List
We have put together a list of common “must have” items and things you may want to consider packing separately as a contingency should your stay be extended due to caesarean section or other complications with regard to yourself or your baby. You should have everything ready by 36 weeks of pregnancy.
For You:
- Your 36 week midwife binder if you have been provided with one
- ID, Hospital card and insurance
- Pajamas for afterwards
- Robe
- Slippers
- Something comfortable to go home in – loose pants and loose T-shirt, sweater if it’s cold outside
- Socks
- Couple of large pairs of underwear
- Heavy flow maternity pads or TENA pads/pants
- Nursing pads
- Nursing Bra or Nursing tank top
- Nursing Pillow
- Nipple cream – Lanolin
- Lip balm
- Toiletries
- Elastic band or hair band
- Flip flops
- Comfortable Pillow
- Heating pad for back pain or/and TENS machine
- If your birthing partner is staying with you, have them pack a small bag for themselves for overnight (you are allowed one partner only)
- Phone charger
- Camera
- Pen
- If you wear contacts, contact lens solution and your case. Don’t forget your glasses if you need them
- Cash for vending machine – the TV machine does take credit card
- Electrolyte drink (“Gatorade or Hydralyte tablets”) for labour and snacks for afterwards
For Baby/Babies:
- Undershirts
- Onesies
- Hat
- Socks
- Scratch mittens
- Receiving blankets
- Diapers (newborn and size one if your baby is expected to be larger)
- Wipes
- Soothers
- Blanket for going home – thick if it’s winter
- Car seat winter cover
- Going home outfit
Your "just incase" bag:
This is a good bag to have in case you are required to stay in hospital more than one night. This bag can stay in the car until needed so you are not bringing your entire kitchen sink to the labour ward.
- Extra items of clothing for yourself – pajamas, underwear, pads, nursing bra, nursing pads, maternity pads, socks, etc.
- Extra items of clothing for baby/babies – more undershirts, onesies, receiving blankets
- Additional diapers
- Food/Snacks and drinks (be aware if you test COVID positive and/or are unvaccinated, your partner will not be able to leave the room to bring food to you or other items you may need)
- Pillow for on the ward
- Breastpump
Even if you are planning a home delivery, we encourage all our families to ensure they have a hospital bag packed, and to have your car seat and base installed. Also don’t forget your Midwife Binder if you have been provided with one!
Padsicles for your perineum are very soothing and easy to make; here’s how:
- Partially unwrap the pads, whilst not removing the wrapper
- Slather on aloe vera all over the entire pad
- If you would like to use witch hazel for healing, you can also add a teaspoon down the middle of the pad
- Fold the pads back up to how they were, and put them into a large freezer ziplock bag
- Pop in the freezer until you are ready to use
- Once you need a pad, wait a few minutes to allow it to thaw
