The day has finally arrived! Baby is ready to leave your womb and enter the world.When the big moment comes, it’s great to have a bag already packed with all your hospital essentials. No woman wants to be hurrying around the house gathering things just after her waters have broken!Here’s a handy checklist of recommended items to have ready by the front door when you’re expecting to go into labour in the very near future.
Labour Essentials
- Any health paperwork
- Medicare/private insurance card
- Phone and charger
- Lip balm
- Water
- Snacks
- Thongs or comfy socks (your feet might get cold)
- Hair band
- Comfortable shirt
Optional Extras for Labour
- Camera
- Heat pack
- Mints/gum
- Massage oil
- Squishy stress balls
- A playlist of relaxing music on your phone or iPad – at Greenslopes we have iPhone docking stations in every birth suite room and up in the ward bedrooms.
Items for Your Comfort
Include a collection of everyday items to keep yourself comfortable before and after labour. These are the kinds of things hubby can go back and fetch for you after the initial trip to the hospital.
- Showering items (shampoo, shower gel, towel, etc.)
- Spare clothes (including a nice outfit to wear in photos and when you go home)
- A book (perhaps a parenting guide)
- Journal/notebook and pen
- Inexpensive underpants
- Moisturising cream
- Pyjamas with an easy-to-open top
- Maternity pads and bras
- Premium toilet paper
- Comfort food
- Ear plugs
- Slippers or comfy socks
- General toiletries (brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, etc.)
- SRC Recovery pants to start wearing once you are given the all clear after the birth – we do sell them at our offices
Essentials for Your New Bub
- Nappies
- A dummy
- Singlets/baby clothes (including their first cute outfit for when you take them home)
- Blanket
- Beanie, mittens, socks
- Car seat
- Lots of wipes!
For Caesarean Sections
If you know or suspect you’ll be giving birth via C-section, there are a few extras to consider packing in your hospital bag.
- Large undies, pants and tights that won’t rest uncomfortably on your wound
- Sanitary pads
- Comfortable clothes
- Mouthwash/mints
As you can see, there are quite a few things you’ll want to have in your bag when you head off to hospital. It’s easy to understand why using a checklist and packing in advance is a smart idea!
Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
