Have You Got Your Hospital Bag Ready?

Preparing yourself for the arrival of your little one is an important step in readying yourself for imminent parenthood, and as you enter your last trimester, thoughts should turn to your hospital bag. Because babies can be impatient and may make an appearance a week or two early, we recommend that by the 34th week that you have that all important baby arsenal at the ready, perched at the front door, waiting for that mad, exciting dash to the hospital. We’ve compiled a list to get you started and support you and your little one through those first all-important days, leaving you to bond without worry.

• Pack your medical notes and birth plan.
• A comfy dressing gown and slip on slippers (slip ons are more suitable if you have had a C-section as it allows you to remove them without bending over).
• Your labour night dress or t-shirt.
• Socks, as feet are prone to getting cold throughout the labouring process!
• A lip balm to help soothe your dry lips (Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm)
• A water cooling spray for your face to soothe your skin during labour and the days post birth. (Dermalogica Ultra Calming Mist)
• A TENS machine for drug free pain relief. (Smart TENS)
• Nursing bras. (Carriwell Lace Drop Cup Nursing Bra)
• Breast pads. (NUK Breast Pads)
• Toiletries for yourself. (Mama Mio)
• Old, cheap or maternity underwear, the higher waisted the better particularly if you have a C-section so they don’t rub the wound. (Carriwell Light Support Panties)
• Earplugs or eye masks for a noisy ward.
• Baby sleep suits and vests. (The Gro Company)
• Newborn nappies.
• Muslin cloths.
• Wipes and cotton wool for cleaning baby.
• Going home outfit for baby with hat.
  Sanitary towels/maternity pads. ( Medicare Maternity Pads)
• Bibs
• Nipple cream for sore nipples if breastfeeding. ( Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream )

So now you have the bag packed, and it’s time to organise your transport. Prepare in advance exactly how you intend to get there, if you’re planning to go by car, ensure it is in good working order and that you have plenty of petrol in the tank! If you don’t have a car keep taxi numbers at hand. Make sure you have important telephone numbers at the ready. You may need to list the hospital’s number, your partner or birth partner’s number, close family and of course the taxi if that is your mode of transport. If you have a mobile make sure if it’s pre-pay that you have credit, there will be good news to share!

And don’t neglect to prepare for coming home, it’s vital you’re in a position to rest and care for your baby, so carry out as much planning in advance as possible. Bonding over cleaning remember, so stock up on basics such as toilet paper, sanitary towels, nappies and wipes and if you have a freezer cook some meals in advance and freeze them. Preparation and organisation will ensure your bonding experience and first few weeks with baby are the exciting, magical and stress free time it should be.