Well, It’s that time again. Packing the hospital bag. We have had a few hospital admissions over the last few months, so have rushed to get a few things together. However, now is the time to pack the bags properly. The main difference this time round, is that I am far more eco-conscious. I want to take the bare minimum and avoid any single use items as much as possible, if not all together!
The other difference is that I am having a baby during a world wide pandemic. We have already been told that once I am in labour, Liam is to stay with me the entire time, until we are discharged. There is no popping to the car, or popping home to grab bits, as if he does, due to the strict rules in place at the moment, he wouldn’t be allowed back in. That means we are having to pack for 2-3 days, I am still trying to keep it as minimal as possible! This is what we have packed;
For Mama
Nighty x 2 ( one for early labour and one for after )
Pjs x1 (one set for after labour in case I don’t want to wear nighty )
Nursing bra x 1 ( only 1 as I will probably be braless a lot of the time )
Dressing gown ( so I can keep my modesty walking around the hospital )
Undies x 5 ( use my own instead of disposable ones )
Sports bra ( for possible water birth )
Comfy going home outfit ( will probably be the outfit that I go to the hospital in, which will be something along the lines of maternity leggings, baggy top, oversized jumper & Ugg boots. I may pack an extra pair of leggings just in case one get dirty )
Reusable pads and breast pads ( I want to try and avoid disposable sanitary pads, but all depends on how things are after birth )
Klean kanteen bottle ( my 32oz one as it’s huge and keeps drinks cold )
Pillow ( nothing better than a pillow from home )
Birthing ball ( don’t think the hospital provides them anymore )
Mama’s wash bag
Bamboo toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo bar
Soap bar
Flannel
Reusable make up wipes x 4
Hair brush
Hair bands x 2
Deodorant
Mascara
Chap stick
Nipple cream
Towel
Hypnobirthing pack
Candles (battery ones that look amazing, use them whilst in hospital )
Essential oils ( I have a lavender in a roller ball & will make up a spray this week )
Affirmations ( to stick up around the room for motivation )
Portable speaker ( to hook up to my phone and play my hypnobirthing music on )
For Dad
T shirts x 2
Comfy bottoms x 2
Jumper
Pants & socks x 2
Sketch book and pencils ( Liam draws so if things are slow, or I am sleeping, he has something to do )
Water bottle & coffee cup ( as he can’t leave to get drinks, and the coffee cup will keep hot drinks warmer for longer )
Liam will also have the clothes he goes to the hospital in, but with Molly’s birth, he got covered in blood from my arm as they tried to put a cannula in. Plus I am hoping for a water birth, so a few spares are being packed.
Dad’s Wash bag
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Misc
Phone chargers x2 ( Mine and Liam’s )
Laptop & charger
Camera & charger
3 x camera batteries
Snacks and isotonic drinks ( snacks like granola bars, Ritz biscuits and drinks like Lucozade Sport – not the fizzy sort )
For the Baby
Tiny Baby onesie x 2
Tiny Baby vest x 2
Newborn onesie x 2
Newborn vest x 2
When Molly was born, despite weighing 7lbs 2oz, only tiny baby clothing would fit her, and even they were a little big on her. So we are taking a few of each size just in case this little one is the same.
Knitted coat ( for going home in )
Cloth nappies x 10 – 15 ( 2 different sizes & we would love to use these from the get go this time round )
Cloth wipes x 20
Wet bag ( for the dirty cloth nappies and wipes )
Blanket ( for going home )
Teddy
Hat & bow ( we are team yellow, to taking a bow in case it’s a girl )
Muslins x 3
Wooden announcement plaque
Car Seat
This is as minimal as I could make it without risking or worrying about needing more of anything. Because if we do, we have no way of getting it. Liam can’t leave and family members can’t bring us anything. Things like a breast pump, the hospital can provide to save me having to take my one in if I need one. I have no idea how this labour is going to go, I was induced with Molly, and was in hospital for a total of 4 days. That was without the worry of everything linked to Covid-19!
Looking for some other Hospital bag post?
Whats in my Hospital bag for my second baby – Caitylis
What’s in my Hospital Bag – Sophie Ella & Me
What’s in my Baby’s Hospital Bag – Sophie Ella & Me
What’s in our Hospital Bag – From Rachael Claire
This is a great post, thanks for sharing. I want to be much more prepared hospital bag wise as you say in case Danny can’t pop back in.