Blanket. While the hospital will likely provide blankets, a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.
Having your hospital bag ready in advance can help you feel more secure and ready for whatever happens in your last weeks of pregnancy. Pack your hospital bag by the time you're about 36 weeks pregnant, since you could go into labor at any time in the weeks before your due date.
Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you don't know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate. Your pediatrician's contact information.
3 to 4 nightgowns or pyjamas (light ones – hospitals can be warm). Wide opening nightshirt pyjamas if breastfeeding. An old t-shirt or shirt for labour.
You're likely to need: clean bed clothes and towels. clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby.
In previous years, traditional childbirth recommended hair removal on the pubic area before delivery. However, modern childbirth finds that it's not necessary to shave your pubic hair before delivery. Clinical research shows that shaving or not shaving pubic hair doesn't necessarily affect birth.
breast pads. maternity pads (two packets) an extra five pairs of knickers. towels.
Nappies – approximately 6-8 a day. Baby wipes (non-perfumed) and/or cotton wool balls. Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature).
comfortable day clothes which are loose-fitting (front-opening clothes are easy for breastfeeding) underwear, including large, close-fitting pants to hold maternity pads – you may find disposable pants useful for the first few days. a nursing bra. maternity pads or night-time sanitary pads.
Since you'll spend most of your recovery time sitting down or lying in bed, you'll want comfy clothes like loose pants with an elastic or drawstring waist. If you're breastfeeding, you'll need tops with stretchy necklines or easy nursing access.
Similac Advance Newborn bottles are the same bottles used in hospitals- The Perfect Bottle® for your new baby.
A lot of mothers want breast coverage while they deliver, which is completely understandable, and you can keep your bra on during labor if you want. However, we recommend wearing a simple bra that is comfortable and easy to remove.
The hospital will make sure you have clean sheets, towels and wash cloths. You'll also have a bed with several pillows and blankets. If you have a hard time sleeping with a different pillow, it might be a good idea to bring your own.
Baby. The hospital will provide disposable nappies, clothes for daily wear, bunny rugs and bed linen for your baby whilst in hospital. If you wish you may dress your baby in clothing of your own choice. Be prepared early and have your bags packed for the hospital as babies can arrive early.
Yes! You'll need to bring nappies and wipes to the hospital. Although the hospital will have some nappies and wipes available, you'll be expected to bring enough for your baby.
Hospitals usually provide plenty of receiving blankets, hats, newborn diapers, wipes, and diaper cream. Typically, they can't hand off items you did not end up using to another new baby's family, so you are encouraged to take these baby basics home with you.
It also doesn't impede the birth process. Having pubic hair actually serves a purpose- it helps maintain a healthy microbiome, it keeps pathogens- bad bacteria- out and has other functions.
Never mind that the Royal College of Midwives has repeatedly stated that there is no need to do so, that no health professional will even notice and that pubic hair will have absolutely no effect on your baby's health. If you need a C-section, they will shave whatever needs to be shaved.
First babies are less likely to be “on time” at 39 weeks, and more likely to be a little late, between 41 and 43 weeks. Among full-term pregnancies, first babies are born about 1.3 days later on average.
Some hospitals supply a pack of disposable nappies, but you'll probably need to bring extra ones if you're staying in hospital for more than a day or two.
The Right Bag
“Generally speaking, usually having one main bag for you and your partner is solid,” Patmor says. “A suitcase or duffel bag suffices for that.” But remember, you're going to be in the hospital or birthing center for a few days, so you'll need a few different bags.
A robe is a must-have for your hospital bag checklist. You can put it on over your hospital gown to walk the halls during labor and it's a favorite postpartum clothing item.