Have you been wondering what to pack in your maternity bag for labour, so you can put your mind at rest and concentrate on your baby’s arrival? Your delivery checklist might be more important than you’d think at first. In this blog post, I have collected those essential things you will probably need to take to the hospital, making you more comfortable in labour.
Essential things
- Your ID
- Insurance documents if relevant
- Credit card / cash
It’s important that you take your photo ID with you to the hospital, so you can identify yourself in any unforeseen circumstances. In very rare cases, when the hospital doesn’t have you pre-registered, your ID can be a shortcut to being admitted smoothly. Later, whenever you want to make a short trip to the cafeteria, your credit card becomes extremely handy, and yes, even some cash when that very only POS terminal doesn’t want to accept your card.
Toiletries you will need
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sanitary napkins
- Shower gel
- Make up
- Lotion
- Lanolin cream
- Hair clips and bands
- Hairbrush
- Eyeglasses / contacts / eyedrops
- Deodorant
- Breast pads
Even if your hospital is well supplied with toiletries, you might want to stock up on some more of them. The resources of hospitals are far from unlimited. And depending on your style and “beauty” habits, make sure you have those essential bath, hair, and makeup supplies that make you more comfortable and less like a fish out of water. There’s nothing wrong to treat yourself while waiting for your baby’s arrival.
Things that make you feel more comfortable
- Comfortable clothing (including socks)
- Slippers
- Robe and a breastfeeding nightgown
- Pajamas
- Breastfeeding or support bra
- Maternity underwear
- Pillows
Yes, pillows, as well, because you are the only one who knows best what you need in order to sleep well. Comfortable clothing, including socks, pajamas, and maternity underwear can change every single moment you spend in the hospital.
Things to entertain yourself
- Your favourite screens (phone, tablet)
- Chargers
- Music playists ready to listen to
- Portable speakers / headphones
It’s just normal that you will go through some moments which may seem to be boring for you in the hospital. That’s when you need your favourite screens handy, so you can kill some time or keep in touch with your closest ones. Don’t forget to take the necessary chargers with you.
A few things for your baby
- At least two outfits
- A baby book
- Extra blanket
- Car seat
- Sleep sack
- Socks and mittens