Hospital Birth Bag Checklist

NHS Hypnobirthing Midwife Nissa Moger’s list of essentials to include in your hospital bag packing list for birth - for you, your baby and your birthing partner. Nissa suggests packing as if going for a short holiday and to stick to your list to avoid overpacking. Download and print the list at the end for your own use. Includes recommended essential oils to help labour and birth.

Unmissable Advice From NHS Midwife Nissa Moger For What To Include On Your Packing List For Your Hospital Birth Bag

What To Include In Your Birth Bag Packing List

Think about it as though you are packing for a short holiday. We are always tempted to pack more than we need so don't pack items unless you use in your everyday life!

10 Thing To Pack For Baby

1. Baby vests x 4

2. Baby grows (with legs and arms) x 4. This may seem like a lot, but you’ll be surprised how many they go through!!

3. Hat for the first 4 hours after birth and for the journey home

4. Cotton blanket

5. Cotton wool to gently clean baby’s bottom with warm water

6. Going home clothes: These will vary depending on the season but if it’s in the cooler months, your list should include a thicker layer to go on top of the baby grow

7. Nappies, a small pack

8. Muslin squares x 2 for mopping up milky dribbles spills etc

9. Socks or booties x 1

10. Car seat. You will need this to go home by car or taxi. To save you carrying it in, you can also ask your birth partner to bring it in after your baby is born.

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Hospital Bag Ideas For Mum

Things To Take With You To Hospital During Labour And Birth

1. Hospital notes with your birth plan stapled to the front of your bag

2. Snacks (nuts, energy balls, dark chocolate, bananas, cereal bars or anything you fancy!)

3. Drinks (isotonic or coconut water is great)

4. Massage oil for labour (see note below about the best essential oils to bring with you)

5. Nightdress or long t-shirt/ vest x 2 (take two in case the first one gets dirty and you want to change) to wear during early labour. Although many mums prefer to be naked in strong labour

6. Lip balm as your lips become very dry especially if you use gas and air

7. Hairbands

8. TENS machine: this is good to help you cope in early and strong labour. You can rent or buy these.

9. A pillow with your own patterned cover on it, as there’s often a strange shortage of pillows and pillowcases in the hospital. If you take your own patterned cover it wont’ get absorbed by the hospital

10. Something to play music on, like a phone, iPad or small bluetooth speaker or headphones

11. A reusable bottle of water with your own straw in it. Keeping hydrated definitely helps your labour and a straw helps you drink more easily

12. A flannel as it feels so lovely to have your face wiped with warm or cool water

13. Water spray for your face for the same reason above
    
    Also:

Best Essentials Oils To Help Labour And Birth

• Clary sage and lavender essential oil are both really helpful during labour. Clary sage can increase your surges, so this is good if your labour is slow or surges are far apart/ mild. Lavender is excellent for relaxation. Add 3 drops of essential oil to a tissue and sniff OR to one tablespoon of base oil like almond, sunflower or coconut, and rub this onto your tummy and back

Birth Bag Packing List: After Birth

1. Soft pyjamas with an open front for breastfeeding (shirt style)

2. Slippers or flip flops

3. Bathrobe or dressing gown

4. Thick sanitary pads: your bleeding after birth is heavier than a period for 24 hours

5. 5 pairs of disposable knickers (1-2 sizes bigger than normal) or old soft large knickers that you don’t mind throwing away afterwards. You’ll get through more than you think

6. Going-home clothes that are soft and stretchy. It’s common to be a bit sore and tender after birth, so the softer the better

7. A breastfeeding-friendly bra if you plan to breastfeed/ soft supportive bra if you don’t

8. Hairbrush

9. Toothbrush/ toothpaste, hand sanitiser, deodorant, shampoo, soap and face cream to make you feel fresh

10. Eye mask/ earplugs

11. Small portable touchlight for the night (tap to turn on and off). This is good for feeding in the night at home as well

12. Paracetamol

For Birth Partner

1. Plenty of food and snacks for during birth and after

2. Drinks!

3. Wallet with change for the parking and vending machine

4. Phone with useful numbers stored (midwife/ hospital)

5. Long phone charger

6. A change of clothes

7. Plastic bag for dirty clothes

Download and print out this hospital bag labour and delivery checklist.