No matter what type of birth you have planned, it’s essential that you arrive at the hospital with everything you need. Keeping your baby’s belongings in a separate bag may make their belongings easier to access. Your hospital bag can be broken down into three parts: for the birth suite, for yourself and for your baby. There are plenty of hospital bag checklists out there, so to reduce confusion our midwives compiled the following Grace hospital bag checklist. In your third trimester it’s good to have a bag ready as you may need to go in sooner than you expected if you’re little one is set on making an early appearance. One important item on your to-do-list is probably packing your hospital bag. Our Practitioners Specialist Women’s Health GPsĬongratulations, you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy journey and getting ready for the birth of your little one! While it’s an exciting time, it’s often a little stressful as you prepare for some big changes in your life and are busy getting things ready for their arrival.Referrers Information Gynaecological Oncology.Patient Information Gynaecological Oncology.Minimally Invasive Surgery Gynaecological Oncology.Our Gynaecological Oncologists Gynaecological Oncology.Grace Gynaeoncology Group Gynaecological Oncology.Complex & High Risk Pregnancy Obstetrics.Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions. Kear, who lives in New York City, is also an editor, speaker, and mother of three. Kear, is the author of Now I See You: A Memoir, recently published by St. Going home outfit: Make it a maternity one.Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and nice soap are little luxuries with big pay off.Phone charger: You can use your phone for about a million different things, but not if it runs out of battery.Ear plugs: You may share your room and there’s no telling what the noise level of your roommate, her guests, and her baby will be.Extra-strength maxi pads: Your hospital will provide some, and they may be the industrial-strength stuff you need, but you won’t know until you get there, so bring your own just in case.Underwear: The oldest, ugliest kind you have.Lanolin works, and olive oil does the trick too! Nipple cream: You’ll probably need something to soothe sore nipples in the first few days after delivery.Nursing pads: You may not need them, but they don’t take up much room.Nursing bra: Make sure you get one that is a little large, because once your milk comes in, you’ll need the extra room.Flip flops: The last thing you need postpartum is athlete’s foot.

PJs and robe or sweater (in case it’s cold): When else can you get away with receiving guests in your PJs? Enjoy it.Put on a colored pillowcase so you don’t leave it behind. Pillow: After labor and delivery, you deserve a decent cushion for your tired head.Snacks: There are limits to what vending machines can supply.Cash (including change for vending machine).Music, magazines, books, movies: There will probably be some downtime where you’ll want effortless distraction.Add a lot of panting, and you may find yourself in desperate need of lip balm. Lip balm: Hospitals can feel like the Sahara.Gum or sucking candies: You probably won’t be allowed to eat much while in active labor at the hospital, and these might hit the spot.Birth plan: If you have one, now’s definitely the time to have it handy.But don’t worry if you forget stuff or find you need things you didn’t anticipate-you’ll have plenty of visitors and they’ll be happy to fill in your packing gaps.

Since you’re flying solo, it’s a good idea to be thorough when packing if you’re on the fence about taking something, just toss it your duffel bag. And one thing’s for sure: after delivering that baby, you deserve a pleasant hospital stay.

That said, those perks are likely to make your delivery and hospital stay infinitely more pleasant. What you don’t have, the doctor or midwife will supply. The amazing thing about having a baby is that you come equipped with everything necessary for the job.

Moms hospital bag checklist