In the last trimester of pregnancy, I found myself wandering the aisles of a department store looking for something Iโd never bought before.
Past the long, floral nighties and embroidered cardigans was the underwear section. Hanging innocently off the rack were the black, cotton full briefs with a high waist, $15 for a pack of five.
I eyed them doubtfully โฆ friends had assured me these would be essential after I gave birth. Really? I popped two packs into my trolley and ticked โBig Black Granny Undiesโ off the list.
As it turned out, my friends were right.
Packing your hospital bag
If youโre pregnant for the first time and have no idea what to pack in your hospital bag, I guarantee youโre not alone โ I had no clue either.
When compiling your list, itโs a good idea to break it into two sections: luxuries and necessities. What will make your stay that little bit more comfortable and what is essential?
Luxuries are the items specific to you; things that make you feel happy and relaxed. Having these in the birthing suite may help boost your mindset during labour and childbirth. Ideas include things such as your favourite music, essential oils, photos of loved ones, little treats like chocolate or crackers, a soft bath robe, massage lotion, lip balm, eye mask, ear plugs, books and magazines, your own fluffy towel and a comfortable pillow from home or nursing pillow to make breastfeeding more comfortable.
Then there are the essential items.
The essentials
- Chosen Healthcare Providerโs contact details
- Medicare/Private Health Insurance cards
- Your birth plan if you have one
- Phone and charger
- Spare clothes โ youโll have your blood pressure regularly checked, so clothing with short / loose sleeves makes this easier.
- Socks
- Black, cotton Bridget Jones-style underwear (Itโs not uncommon to have heavier-than-normal bleeding following childbirth.)
- Pyjamas (A style that buttons all the way down the front are a good idea if youโd like to breastfeed.)
- Shoes or slippers that are easy to put on without bending down
- Swimmers โ you may be able to take showers during the labour if you want/if time allows
- Bathroom essentials, i.e. toothbrush/toothpaste/shampoo/conditioner/ face cleanser, face and body moisturisers
- Makeup and nice clothes to wear home (You may like a photo of this โmomentous occasionโ as you leave the hospital with your first child.)
- Maternity pads
- Nursing pads
- Nursing bras
- Nipple cream (if you plan to breastfeed)
Your partner or support person will also need a few things for the stay too, which may include a change of clothes, swimwear if theyโd like to hop in the shower with you, as well as closed shoes which can be a requirement in some hospital rooms.
Of course, donโt forget about the baby! Itโs a good idea to check what your hospital provides so you donโt pack too much โ for example, some hospitals provide nappies and wipes. In addition, youโll need enough baby singlets, sleep suits and socks for your stay. Some mothers also prefer to bring their own baby blankets and swaddles.
Other important items
Try to put the babyโs car seat into the car well before your due date. The first time you work out how to fit it safely can be time consuming and/or stressful, so itโs a good idea to do this when youโre not in a rush.
Finally, during that last trimester ensure you always have ample fuel in your car โฆ having to make a pit stop at the service station on your way to hospital isnโt ideal!
Mandy Mauloni is the author of โPregnancy Virginโ published by Nightstand Press. Available now at selected bookstores and all major online retailers.
In need of a massage while pregnant? Check out our articles:
Sunshine Coast pregnancy massage options
Gold Coast pregnancy massage options
Brisbane pregnancy massage options
This article was featured inย Issue 51 of our printed magazine, published April/May 2022.