Discover the 20 essential items to pack in your hospital bag and be prepared for labor, delivery and motherhood.

Packing for a baby is hard enough but anticipating your own needs after birth can seem impossible. Most maternity books concentrate on labor, suggesting that you pack enough aromatherapy oil to start your own salon. But far more of your hospital stay will occur after the birth of your baby, and packing to become a mother is often a challenge of the unknown.

This is a guide to 20 of the most commonly recommended ‘must haves’ to include in the definitive hospital bag.

Non-Soda Drinks

As milk production begins the body’s requirements for fluid increases leading to an unquenchable thirst. Breastfeeding women need a constant supply of water or other nourishing fluids but should avoid sugary soda drinks which cause dehydration.

Snacks

A breastfeeding woman craves fuel for her increased metabolic rate and even the best hospital meals will not suffice. Stock some of your favourite, energy dense snacks preferably with high complex carbohydrate content (low GI) for sustained energy.

Magazines, Puzzles And Pens

Life with a newborn is divided into three hour cycles of change-eat-sleep leaving you with the odd quiet time. You may sleep but if not, weariness often limits your activities to puzzles, magazines or television. Don’t forget the pens.

Pear Juice And Kiwi Fruit

A daily glass of pear juice or a kiwi fruit (skin on) are a gentler cure for constipation than prunes or laxatives. After giving birth the last thing you need is to strain.

Wheat Bags And Ice Packs

After delivery there are areas requiring soothing warmth or cold. Most hospitals will not provide hot packs due to medico-legal fears of burns but your own gel packs can be heated or cooled as required.

Comfortable Not Frumpy

Socially speaking, your popularity peaks after birth, but physically it is a transitional time; no longer pregnant you are still a way from your pre-pregnancy physique. It will do your psyche no good to feel frumpy while receiving visitors so pack maternity outfits which make you feel comfortable but attractive.

Clock

Time becomes meaningless in the maternal dimension so taking a clock not only anchors you to the outside world but is essential to time feeds and visiting hours.

Maternity Pads

They’re big, ugly and essential especially with tampons off-limits Lochia, or the bleeding after birth, can be surprisingly heavy. Take two packets of the brand recommended by friends and some old underwear.

Breast Pads

A good breast pad can be the difference between comfort and embarrassment especially when receiving visitors. As your milk comes in your breasts will engorge and leak until supply adjusts to your baby’s demands.

Sports Tops

In the first few days your breasts enlarge at a staggering rate, initially outstripping your maternity bras. Lycra-based sports tops have no underwires and can provide flexible support and are comfortable for sleeping.

Hair Elastic For Wrist

Pack a few hair elastics even if you have short hair. They are worn around the wrist and swapped from side to side to indicate which breast should be started on at the next feed; it is easy to lose track in the fog.

Phone Numbers And Cell Phone

From your parental cocoon you can share news via phone or text message. Take a list of phone numbers and your cell phone but check the rules regarding use of mobile phones in your hospital.

Triangular Pillow Or Bean Bag

Most women form a close relationship with a favourite pillow or bean-bag during pregnancy. This old friend is useful to facilitate breastfeeding, or to help mom get comfortable after birth.

Camera / Video

Pack your cameras, chargers and spare batteries and if the equipment is new try it out before time.

Earplugs And Eye Shades.

Adjusting to your baby’s routine means sleep must be taken opportunistically, day or night. Earplugs and eyeshades help to tune out the hustle and bustle of the hospital.

Extra Bag

In many ways, you will be bringing home more than you took to hospital! But with all the cards, gifts and post-birth paraphernalia, take an extra bag or two to transport your new family home.

Packet Cloth Diapers

Whether you decide on cloth or disposable diapers, you should invest in an extra packet of plain cloth diapers. These all-purpose gems can be used as change mats, clothing-protectors, makeshift bibs and wipes.

Five Onesies

It is tempting to pack all of the adorable baby outfits you have bought, the reality is that newborns spend most of their time swaddled and clothing becomes all about accessibility and ease, in other words; the onesie.

Muslin Or Flannel Wraps

Wraps or ‘blankies’ are invaluable companions for use in swaddling, covering baby in the pram, a shoulder protector, playmate, modesty cover while feeding or any one of 50 other uses. The choice of muslin or flannel is seasonal.

Baby Book

Memories are quickly formed and lost amongst the constant activity of these first weeks unless they are recorded as they occur, so pack a journal or baby book in which to record feelings and paste mementos.