The Humble Hospital Bag

What should you pack in your hospital bag? There’s loads of packing lists out there with some very extensive lists and others very basic. It’s hard to know what’s right. I often get asked, what do I really need?

The truth is, it kind of depends on a few things. First of all, what kind of person YOU are. We all have our own preferences and needs, birth bags are no different. There isn’t really a one size fits all. Some of us are minimalists at heart. Spoiler alert – that’s not me!! And some of us are maximalists. Which possibly is me.

But I don’t think I’ve included anything excessive here. This is my list of essentials for a hospital birth with a 24-48 hour stay. This will be plenty for most people but you are welcome to add in any extras. Keep in mind that almost anything can be bought in town centres and many hospitals (including both Leeds maternity hospitals) have supermarkets and pharmacies within, or in a very short distance from, the grounds. So if you don’t have something you later realise you need, it’s really not the end of the world. And you really don’t need all of the things – for hospital or home.

I think of a hospital bag in different categories. First, you have your birth stuff. These are the things your birth partner or doula are going to set up for you in your birthing space to help set the scene and create a cocoon of oxytocin – the lovely birth hormone that makes it all happen. Then you will want a bag for baby and a bag for you. You can pack all of this in the same bag if you like but some kind of dividing system is helpful. I like the wetbags designed for re-useable nappies, for baby stuff. Find them here. If a birth partner is leaving hospital at any point post birth, they can take your birthing things home with them so a seperate or packable bag for those things is useful

I recommend packing all this stuff together even if you are having a home birth so you or a birth partner can set up your space when the time comes without worrying where things are. If you are planning a belly birth, your list might be slightly different as you won’t be able to have decorations in theatre. Different birth plans might need different packing lists and if you know you are staying a while before or after birth, you’ll need extra. These lists are based on what I took and found useful, or wished I had with me.

All the things you need to be comfortable and create a cosy environment for your birth.

• Notes and birth plan
• Clothes to birth in: comfortable and loose with easy access for skin to skin e.g. button down nighty or very loose vest/t shirt (not something you’re precious about). You may be more comfortable wearing pants in the early stages. If you plan a water birth, you may want a bikini as well.
• Oil diffuser and oils (Frankincense, Ylang Ylang and Lavender are my faves for birth. This is what I use in my classes)
• Electric tea lights
• Photos, affirmations + blutac
• Yoga bolster – optional but seriously! My most used item in both labours and v useful if you have an epidural or are otherwise limited for movement as peanut balls aren’t always available. If you don’t have one, take pillows or ask for extra as soon as you arrive.
• Bluetooth speaker
• Headphones
• Phone with playlists, affirmations and any meditations you’ve been using.
• Coloured lights e.g galaxy light (young babies also love these)
• Comfort or sentimental items. These might be small tokens, found nature treasures, cards from loved ones. You can keep these in a special bag or create an alter or hearth space in your room.
• Cord tie if using (cotton alternative to the plastic ones given an hospital)
• Snacks – a mixture of sweet and savoury. Pick things that are easy to eat.
• Lip balm
• Optional – Electrolytes or other drinks
• Straw / drinks bottle with a straw

Clothes:

• 2 x short sleeve vests
• 2 x sleepsuit
• 1 x cardigan
• 1 x socks (for going home)
• 1 x hat (for going home)
• Optional – special leaving hospital outfit

If you are really organised you might bundle up each outfit and put in a packing or ziplock bag.

I prefer sleep suits with open feet for hospital and wrap around style vests for the first few months. These are easiest for observations such as taking temperature.

If you are expecting to stay in hospital or don’t have a car, a couple more of each might be handy.

Changing bag:

• 1/2 pack nappies (size 1 unless you know baby is measuring below 7lb)
• 1 x pack of cotton wool (use with water for nappy changes, no wipes required)
• 1 x Muslin square

Feeding supplies only if you intend on bottle feeding from the start:

• 2 x Bottle
• Premixed formula cartons for 24hrs

I don’t usually recommend bringing formula supplies if your preference is breastfeeding. Instead, I recommend you advocate for as much support breastfeeding as you need in hospital. In Leeds hospitals, there are specially trained breastfeeding supporters – both staff and volunteers and there is also an infant feeding team. Breastfeeding is a skill that will be new to both you and your babies, it can take a little while to get the hang of it. Don’t panic if it doesn’t click straight away, it often takes speaking to a few people and trying out different things. Also, don’t be afraid to ignore someone if they suggest something that isn’t helpful to you or doesn’t feel right, just ask someone else.

• 1 x Clean nightie with easy access for skin to skin (e.g. buttons or poppers)
• Optional – pair of pyjama bottoms for underneath
• 3-5 x pairs of pants
• 1 x pack maternity pads
• 2 x Nursing bras
• Slippers
• Optional – dressing gown (If you want this for modesty, maternity wards are usually very warm)
• 1 x comfy outfit for lounging in. Choose soft, loose fabrics. You will still need maternity clothes for a period after birth.
• Optional – going home outfit.
• Large towel
• Toiletry bag with a luxury shower gel, moisturiser, facial skincare, toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Snacks – take something really delicious to eat. Generally warm, moist and soft foods are recommended post birth. Sachets of instant porridge are an easy to bring, nutrient dense food.
• Magazine/kindle/tablet
• Chargers
• Travel mug with a sippable lid (so you can drink a hot drink whilst tending to baby)
• Herbal tea if this is your preference – or any other drinks of choice
• Any regular medication
• Optional – eye mask and ear plugs if you are more comfortable with these on a shared ward

• If you are travelling by car you will need a car seat. You should not need to bring this in to the ward if you don’t want to. Midwives are not usually car seat trained and many seats now are fixed.
• If you are travelling by public transport or there is a long route to the car, remember you will need suitable outer clothes for you and baby.

A few things in might be useful to know about Leeds hospitals.

1. The wards are very warm, pack short sleeves. And maybe a fan or a cooling towel if you feel the heat.
2. There is access to a fridge on all the maternity and birth wards – ask a midwife to put something in there for you. Post birth you can access the kitchen with fridge and kettle yourself. You will need to label your items.
3. If you want to keep your placenta make sure you tell your midwife and ask them to put it in the fridge for you. Remember to collect it!
4. You can change the private birth rooms round and ask for additional items. Mats, birth balls and peanut balls are available in limited numbers at both hospitals – ask as soon as you get a room or get your birth partner to ask so you can have everything you might want on hand.
5. Last time I was there, they did not offer mobile monitoring. This means if you have constant monitoring in your labour (not recommended as standard), the assumption will be you will not leave the birth room including for toilet breaks – they provide a commode. Please remember this is your choice and you can decline and choose to take a break from monitoring if you are more comfortable to. This does mean your baby will not be monitored whilst you have a break and your midwife will probably be keen to let you know the risks of this so you can make an informed choice. If you do take toilet breaks, you may like a partner to support you.
6. Being monitored does not mean you cannot have an active birth or make the space yours.
7. Your partner might want to think about a hospital bag of their own.
8. Partners are not allowed to use patient toilets on the wards
9. You should get a meal for all the mealtimes you are there. Alternative menus are available – if you are vegetarian, the vegan menu has more nutrient dense and postpartum suitable options. Partners will not be fed.
10. You can ask not to be woken up for observations.
11. If your baby needs a NICU stay, including transitional care, you are entitled to a parking voucher.
12. There should be access to hospital grade pumps and sterile milk storage if you need this for feeding.
13. You can ask visitors to bring warm food for you at mealtimes.
14. Yes, you can order a deliveroo! They meet you at the entrance so send a birth partner down or see if you can rope a HCA into going for you.

Does this list seem long? Is anything unexpected? What have you or will you be taking to hospital with you?

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