Packing for hospital

Before we get into packing for hospital I would like to take this opportunity to advise you all to take some time for yourself at this stage and for you and your partner!
Get out for a meal, see a movie, whatever you enjoy doing together - it will be a while before you get a chance to do these things once baby comes along.
When you do get around to packing you will need to organise two bags - a small bag for the labour room and a larger one for the post- natal ward.

Labour bag:

• birth plan (if you are using one)
• delivery nightie (maybe pack a second one incase of soiling)
• dressing and slippers (for walking corridors)
• warm socks (feet can get cold during labour)
• face towel (to wipe your brow)
• pocket tissues
• lip balm (lips can get very dry)
• hairband & hairbrush
• disposable underwear & maternity pads(x2)
• bottled water
• nursing bra
• cloths for baby - sleepsuit, vest, hat, scratch mitts,
• hand towel (for wiping baby after birth)
• newborn nappy
• hospital quality cotton wool (you might find a little bowl handy for some warm water for cleaning baby's botty)
• pram/crib sheet
• cellular blanket (for swaddling baby)
• burp cloth
• snacks for daddy
• disposable camera

(you may also want to pack a clean shirt, wash cloth and some deodorant for daddy)

Post natal ward:

For mum:

• nursing nightie/pyjamas (3 pairs)
• nursing bras (x4)(leakage can occur)
• disposable panties (x 2 packs)
• breast pads (x 1 pack)
• maternity pads (x 2 packs)
• dark colour towels (1 face, 1 hand, 2 bath)
• toiletries - soap, shampoo, shower lotion, shower cap, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste)
• your makeup and face products
• hairdryer
• mobile phone and charger
• pressie from new baby to toddler or young sibblings
• bag to send home dirty laundry

For baby:
• 4x sleepsuits, 4x babyvests, bibs, baby hat, scratch mitts, burpcloths
• cellular blanket
• newborn nappies & vaseline
• hooded towel & baby sponge
• soft blanket (for going home)

Bring your labour bag into hospital with you and leave your main bag in the car for your partner to bring in when you move to the post natal ward.

Make sure you have the baby car seat fitted before you go into hospital, a few trial runs might be advisable!

Finally, leave an outfit ready for your partner to bring into hospital for you for going home - something loose fitting as us real yummy mummies do not automatically slip back in to our skinny jeans - this will take a few weeks!

Happy packing.