Preparing your hospital bag for labour feels like a huge milestone in pregnancy, but one that brings with it a LOT of questions. How many outfits do I need? And when they say to pack big knickers just how big do they mean?! If you’re anything like us you’ll end up packing and repacking several times in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, only to find there are still some things you’ve missed and others you didn’t need at all. From breast pads to those big knickers, here are some essentials you won’t regret packing in your hospital bag…
What to pack in your hospital bag for labour:
Ensure you’ve packed some bits you might want during the labour, such as drinks, a cooling spray and something comfy to wear. In hypnobirthing you’re encouraged to have something to satisfy all of your senses, so that could be your favourite room spray, a playlist of motivational songs or a stash of chocolate – you definitely deserve it! Here are just a few suggestions…
RELATED: Why hypnobirthing is one of the best things you can do during pregnancy
◦ A big T-shirt or nightie: or whatever you feel most comfortable in.
◦ A room spray like Neom Scent to De-stress: choose a scent that makes you feel calm and relaxed or holds happy memories to make you feel at home.
Neom Scent to De-stress luxury home mist, £20, Neom Organics
◦ Battery tea lights: If you’re following hypnobirthing you can create a relaxing atmosphere by scattering these around and asking to dim the lights.
◦ Your favourite snacks: Keep your energy up throughout the early stages of labour – and tell your birth partner to bring their own!
◦ A cooling spray: this was hands down the best thing I packed in my hospital bag to cool me down in an unbearably hot delivery room.
Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray, £11.99, Amazon
◦ Water bottle with straw: Labour is like an endurance race – you need to stay hydrated!
◦ Tens machine: A great natural pain relief option.
Babycare Elle TENS digital, £49.99, Boots
◦ Earphones: Zone out and listen to your favourite songs or relaxing affirmations.
What to pack in your hospital bag for post labour:
◦ Big pants: now is not the time for skimpy briefs. Size up in black cotton pants – comfort over style!
◦ C-section pants: If you’ve had a C-section, you’ll want underwear that isn’t going to roll down over your incision, such as Frida Mom’s high waist disposable postpartum underwear.
Frida Mom high waist disposable postpartum underwear (8 pack), £14.99, Boots
◦ T-shirts
◦ Nursing bras: If you’re hoping to breastfeed you’ll want to pack a few of these.
◦ Joggers and loose-fitting clothes: don’t even think about packing jeans! Now is the time for loose-fitting clothes and elasticated waistbands.
◦ Flip flops or sandals: You’ll want these for in the shower.
Birkenstock Arizona Eva waterproof sandals, £25, Amazon
◦ Breast pads: We prefer reusable ones but disposables might be best for a hospital stay.
◦ Nipple cream: A must-have if you’re just starting to breastfeed.
◦ Maternity pads: Pack as many as you can!
◦ My Expert Midwife’s Spritz for Bits: One of our top postpartum recovery buys and for good reason, this cooling and soothing spray will help you to feel fresh and heal quickly.
My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits, £19.50, Amazon
◦ Paracetamol
◦ More snacks: You’ve just had a baby, you deserve all the snacks!
◦ A towel: For your first post-baby shower.
◦ Pregnancy pillow or your favourite pillow: To help you get comfortable and to use for nursing if required.
◦ Comfy pyjamas or a nightie: You can get night sweats postpartum so opt for lightweight fabrics.
Button through short pyjamas set, £28, Next
◦ Toiletries: shower gel, face wash and any bits that will help you feel your best.
◦ Dressing gown: Keep comfortable and cosy if you have to stay overnight.
◦ Dry shampoo: a quick spray will help refresh greasy roots.
◦ A phone charger with an extra long wire: So you can share the news with your family and friends.
◦ Hospital bag organisation set: So you or your birth partner can find exactly what you’re looking for quickly and easily.
Blueberry Boo Kids hospital bag organisers, £13.50, Not On The High Street
What was the best thing you packed in your hospital bag for labour? Share your top tips in the comments below.
Keeping Mum’s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love and approve of. We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.