​Hospital Bag Essentials

We get it: those final few weeks of pregnancy can sometimes feel like an eternity. But look on the bright side: you will soon be meeting your baby! So how about using this time to prepare and have your hospital bag packed and ready to go? The ideal time to start is between Week 32 and Week 35 (at the latest). To help you plan, we have picked our Hospital Bag Essentials that no mother should ever be without! Make sure they’re checked off your list: being prepared will also help you feel a bit more relaxed as you head into this exciting new phase of your life!

In addition to cosy PJs, a dressing gown and a going home outfit (yes, for you too!) your Maternity Underwear should be all washed and ready to go. This includes a Maternity Bra that is comfortable, flexible and still supportive. Like the Carriwell Seamless Maternity Bra, made in extra smooth, breathable material with a supportive band and no wire, or the B.D.A. Bra Belly Bandit: so soft you can sleep in it! Also pack handy Disposable Briefs, like the Carriwell Disposable Panties, which will safely and discreetly hold your maternity pads in place. (Did you know that at InHealth.ie you can find hospital standard BV Maternity Pads and Medicare Maternity Pads? They are soft, absorbent and thick enough to offer cushioning and protection.)

In the early stages of labour, a relaxing self-massage will do wonders to help you ease into the experience: we recommend using a specific maternity skincare oil like Basq Resilient Body Stretch Mark Oil, with 100% Botanical ingredients. Its bright citrus aroma will also lift your spirits!

To help you manage contractions during labour, consider using a TENS machine or a birthing ball, that will also provide soothing relief for your lower back all the way through your final trimester.

If you are planning to breastfeed, take your time browsing our selection of Breast Pumps and select one well in advance to familiarise yourself with it. Disposable Nursing Pads are a must: the Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads offer effective, discreet protection from leakage thanks to their absorbent polymer and stay-dry lining. To prevent sore and cracked nipples choose an extra-delicate Nipple Cream that won’t interfere with baby’s feeding. Lansinoh HPA® Lanolin is safe, pure and hypoallergenic, so you can use it with confidence.

Ok, so this final item won’t fit strictly speaking fit inside your bag, but it’s no less important: the Car Seat to bring baby home with you! The award-winning, stylish Britax Romer Dualfix Black is a customer favourite, suitable from birth all the way up to 4 years!

Have fun picking all your essentials, and don’t forget there is so much more to discover at InHealth.ie: your 100% Irish one-stop shop for all things pregnancy & baby!