We've updated the checklist!
Itโs hard to imagine youโll be going into hospital and emerging just days (or hours if youโre lucky) later with a whole new little person in your life.
Bringing that fabulous little person into your life will be that much easier with a little organisation.
Itโs a good idea to have your hospital packed and ready to go from about the time you reach your third trimester โ although you may expect to stay home until the 40 week mark, bub can totally take you by surprise by coming earlier than expected.
You also donโt want to spend your last few weeks stressed out running around doing errands.
You should aim to rest and relax as much as possible in your last few weeks of pregnancy โ youโll need all your strength for the birth and taking care of a newborn!
It can be hard to know exactly what youโll need, so Angel Maternity has pulled together this checklist of all the essentials youโll need during labour, birth and the precious moments following bub's arrival.
- Hospital Paperworkย โ Any hospital registration or admission papers, as well as your Medicare card and private health insurance details
- Birth Planย (if you have one) โ This is usually a guide outlining the type of labour you hope to have. Remember, births rarely go โto planโ but itโs good to inform the hospital staff about what you want to happen and what you want to avoid.
- Mobile Phone and Chargerย โ To take lots of pictures and call/text/email/video call everyone the good news, once bub has arrived.
- Moneyย โ Have coins or a credit card handy for parking fees and vending machine snacks.
- Hospital Birthing Gownย โ These are great for giving birth as they have been designed specifically to accommodate all types of births.ย Angel Maternity Hospital Delivery Gownsย are stylish, easy to clean and incredibly functional with buttons down the side that allow midwives, doctors or nurses easy access without having to remove your robe during delivery. They enable crucial skin to skin contact once bub has arrived with easy breastfeeding access.
- Socks/Slippersย โ Even though youโre often sweating buckets, your feet can get cold during labour. You might also end up pacing up and down the cold hospital corridors a lot during labour, so you want to keep yourย feet warm.
- Snacksย โ Very, very important as you may be in labour a long time and need your energy. Itโs important not to get dehydrated and you donโt want to be hungry either. Bananas, apples, toast, plain biscuits, muesli bars, lollies, water and juice are all great as they provide energy without aggravating your stomach. Itโs not uncommon to throw up during labour, so you want to ingest food that is relatively light.
- Musicย โ Itโs a great idea for you and your partner to make a birth playlist to have ready.
- Books/Magazinesย โ To pass the time between contractions. You may in pre-labour a long, long time.
- Toiletriesย โ Toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush and deodorant. Also pack some lip balm โ dry lips are common in labour โ and hair bands if you have long hair. Dry shampoo is essential to freshen up your hair without having to wash it. Ear plugs are a good idea in case you end up sharing a room or are sleeping in a noisy ward.
- Maternity Padsย โ Ensure you pack enough of these!
- Maternity/Nursing Robes - If you're expecting visitors, be comfortable yet stylish with any of our nursing dress plus robe outfit. It even comes with a matching baby wrap!
- Going Home Outfitย โ For both you and bub. Remember thereโll be LOTS of pics taken so itโs a good idea to have a nice, comfortable breastfeeding top or dress you can wear. Angel Maternity has a wide range ofย fabulous nursing dressesย and nursing tops. Have something special to dress bub in for their first venture out into the big, wide world.
- Maternity Brasย โ Youโll be living in these once the baby has arrived, if you werenโt already leading up to the birth. Angel Maternity has a great range of comfortable, affordableย maternity bras and nursing singlets with built-in brasย available.
- Black Maternity Undiesย โ Following the birth youโll want to wear undies that are comfortable and wonโt show up any stains. Angel Maternity has a greatย Maternity 3pc Underwear Set in Blackย for just $29.95 โ thatโs less than $10 a pair.
- Breast Pads and Nipple Creamย โ Be prepared to experience leaky, sore nipples following the birth, especially as you and bub work out how to latch properly and get into a good feeding groove.
- Nappies and Baby Wipesย โย The hospital will usually supply these initially but it doesn't hurt to bring your own if you have a preference for certain brands/types.ย
- Baby Onesiesย โ The essential wardrobe item for every newborn. Pack a few of these.ย
- Swaddlesย โ DIY with muslin wraps or use the ones that simply zip up. Have a practice run beforehand if youโre using a wrap so youโre not stumped the first time you give it a go โ thereโs an art to the swaddle!
- Beanie or Hatย โย Depending on the weather, pack a beanie and a jacket for bub if itโs cold or a sun hat.
- Car Seatย โ Donโt forget to have your car fitted with the correct seat so you can take your precious cargo home from the hospital.
Also some tips while you're at the hospital:
- Changing nappies and swaddling a newborn baby are things that need to be learned, especially if it's your first bub. Don't be afraid to ask the midwives at the hospital for guidance.
- Most hospitals have classes you or your partner can attend. They usually cover topis such as breastfeeding, how to bath a baby, how your partner can support you, after-birth care for mums, etc. If you're unsure, ask the midwives/nurse.ย
- Need breastfeeding support? Find out if the hospital provides breastfeeding sessions or have a breastfeeding room (basically a room whereย lactation consultants/midwives are at hand to help you and your bub learn how to breastfeed). Some hospitals may also provide breastfeeding sessions that you can attend after you've been discharged and gone home.
That's the updated checklist, we hope it will help you as you pack your hospital bag. All the best with your childbirth!