BOOK YOUR CLASS

What to pack for hospital

A practical guide for a 48-hour stay

Have your bag packed by around 36 weeks — earlier if you’re expecting twins or have been advised that you might deliver early. This is a guide for a 48-hour stay, which covers most births. If your stay is longer, ask your partner or birth supporter to bring extra supplies in.

A few practical pointers:

  • Pack two bags — one for labour and the immediate hours after birth, and one for the ward / your stay afterwards. It saves rummaging.
  • Bring your hospital notes if you carry your own — and your birth preference if you’ve written one.
  • If you have a TENS machine, bring it with you.
  • Leave valuables at home — jewellery, large amounts of cash.

Bag 1 — for labour and immediately after

This bag is what you (and your birth partner) will want to hand during labour and in the first hours after your baby is born.

For you:

  • Your hospital notes and birth preference
  • Lip balm — labour rooms are warm and dry
  • Hairband or scrunchie if your hair is long
  • A loose-fitting nightdress or oversized t-shirt to labour in (something you don’t mind throwing out)
  • Slippers or non-slip socks
  • Dressing gown / robe
  • Snacks and drinks — isotonic sports drinks, glucose tablets, jellies, cereal bars
  • A small towel or face cloth — useful for cooling your face
  • Phone and charger (a long charging cable is handy)
  • Music or playlist — many women find this enormously helpful
  • TENS machine if you’re planning to use one
  • Massage oil or a small massage tool for your partner to help

For your birth partner:

  • Change of clothes, snacks and a drink
  • Phone, camera, charger
  • Loose change for vending machines and parking
  • A pillow — they may be on their feet a long time

Bag 2 — for your stay on the ward

This bag has everything you’ll want once your baby has arrived and you’re recovering on the ward.

For you:

  • 2–3 nightdresses or pyjamas that open at the front if you’re planning to breastfeed
  • A dressing gown and slippers
  • Comfortable underwear — pack disposables or older pairs you don’t mind, and several pairs
  • 2–3 nursing bras if breastfeeding
  • Breast pads (disposable or washable)
  • Maternity pads — bring at least 2 packs; bleeding after birth (lochia) is heavier than a period for several days
  • Toiletries — toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hairbrush, shower gel
  • Towel (hospitals provide some, but yours will be more comfortable)
  • Glasses, contact lens supplies, hair ties
  • Going-home outfit — loose, comfortable; aim for what fit at around 6 months pregnant
  • Snacks — fruit, nuts, cereal bars, dark chocolate. You will be hungry.
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Notebook and pen — feed/sleep notes, questions for midwives

For your baby

Car seat: Your baby cannot be discharged without one. Have it fitted in your car before your due date — most baby shops or local fire stations can check the fit.

  • Hats (1–2) — newborns lose heat quickly
  • Vests / bodysuits — 4–5
  • Babygros / sleepsuits — 4–5
  • A cardigan or jacket for going home
  • Mittens (optional — scratch mitts)
  • Socks or bootees
  • A weather-appropriate coming-home outfit including a snowsuit or warm wrap in cold weather
  • Newborn nappies — a good supply for 48 hours
  • Cotton wool for nappy changes (we recommend cotton wool and water rather than wipes for newborns)
  • Muslin cloths — at least 2; useful for everything
  • At least 3-4 soft baby blankets

Things to know before you go

What about food?

Meals and tea/coffee are provided. The snacks listed are for between meals, for your partner, and for the long stretches of labour.

An induction can take longer than a spontaneous labour, so consider an extra day’s clothes and entertainment (book, podcasts, tablet).

Bring high-waisted underwear that sits well above the incision, and trousers or skirts that are loose around the waist. You’ll be in hospital a little longer than after a vaginal birth.

Double up on baby essentials, and expect a slightly longer stay. Discuss specifics with your midwife in advance.

Leave expensive jewellery, large amounts of cash and other valuables at home. The hospital cannot take responsibility for items lost on the ward.