Written by Alice Bingham 

Images by Wylde Folk Studio (for Alice Bingham) or taken by myself.

Packing my hospital bag for my first pregnancy was very exciting. I #pinterested all these hospital bag lists, and I was so excited with what I packed into my suitcase, ready for my bubs arrival. When the time came, my husband grabbed the bags and brought them to hospital with us. I thought I was so organised, but boy was I wrong. I had really over packed! I had so much stuff that I actually couldn’t find what I needed, when I needed it. I had to much of the stuff I didn’t need and not enough of what I actually really needed. I was so overwhelmed. I made a promise to myself that next time I would pack a little lighter and bring more of the essentials rather than all the extras.

I have put together a list of what I needed and wished I had put in the first time and second time, for both my hospital bag and my babies’ nappy bag. I also did a Instagram post up and asked my community what they thought was a must. So I have combined your idea and suggestions into this blog too. Thank you for your help.

Hospital Bag Essentials for Labour and Post birth. 

For Mumma 

• Labour Support Clutch – In here are all the things that you might intend on using to support your birth, so fake tea lights, crystals, diffuser blend, affirmation cards or tens machine. I will be using the “You got this Mama” clutch from Birth Bliss and will be using their Elle TEN’s machine also.

• Lip balm as your lips get so dry in the air conditioning and if you decide to have pain meds, dry lips and mouth is an adverse effect of the drugs. I love the Brauer Paw Paw Ointment. It is all natural and organic.
• Essential Oil Labour Blend and Calming face mist. I will be using this in my birth, this is totally up to you but I loved the idea of using these natural products to assist my labour naturally. Even if it is just a mind over matter strategy to assist labour. The face spray is great for cooling the face and calming your senses.
• Feeding Bras if you choose to breastfeed, as it is so much easier to just unclip. During Labour I will be wearing my Bimby and Roy’s and they are so comfy to wear on the bump.
• Postpartum Panties, Pads or Maternity or Comfortable Underwear! The hospital pads they supplied were so stiff and so uncomfortable on my stitches down below. I personally had a reaction to the hospital ones. The first 24hrs – 48hrs I will be wearing @partumpanties. Then I will will the reusable maternity underwear. I also love the Tom’s Organic Maternity Range too if needed. They were like a cloud ‘down there’ compared to the other brands. Plus, they are made from 100% organic cotton, so they are hypoallergenic and breathable. Remember these knickers can get soiled from your post partum bleeding.

• Nipple Balm,yes there is such thing. Your nipples can become quite cracked when breastfeeding, with the newbie trying to latch. Also, leakage can occur causing this too. I loveLittle Bairn, Oragnic Nipple Balmas it is specially developed to both protect and repair the skin during this time.
• A button down, comfortable(not to tight) nightie. I love the Modern Day Dress by the Comfort Mama. Even if you bottle feed, comfy clothes all the way with loose elastic if you choose to wear bottoms.

• I love a great dressing gown too, one that will move with your body, bamboo is a great fabric. This time round I have purchased the Two Darlings Mist Bamboo Rope, its easy to undo to feed your little one.

• Slippers & Bed Socks,to keep to those tootsies warm. Hospitals are always so cold.
• Phone and Charger, so you can let your loved ones know of your cute arrival. Plus, its perfect to capture those first few moments with your new babe.
• Toiletries,it is just nice to have your own personal items. Hospitals do provide the basics but using your own will make you feel a little more like yourself. I love natural deodorants to keep fragrance away from your new bub,
• Hair ties or Head Band, hair in your face is no fun.
• ID cardand yourPregnancy Record.
• Snacks, I personally could not eat during labour but so many of you said this was up there with your must haves. I liked to have some tea or sip on a hydration drink. When it comes to post partum I loved snacking on lactation cookies or bliss balls.
• I will be also taking my manual Medela Harmony Breast Pump as the hospital only had so many on the ward. This is for that just in case. I did have to pump so much with my third as she was a premmie in special care.

For Baby 

• Baby Bag (nappy bag) I like to have bubs stuff packed separate to my stuff. So it doesn’t get all mixed up.

• Newborn nappies and wipes,some hospitals provide you with a few to start off with, but then it is up to you to supply the rest. I have a pack of  Tooshies by TOM Oragnic Newborn Nappies and Wipes.

• Baby Clothes, I think you really only need 3- 4 onesies. Family can always bring you more up if you need. Great to have a few singlets, socks, beanies and mittens as it gets really cold. But honestly do not over do. It is so overwhelming going through the bag to find things. Even a nice wrap to put bub in with their singlet and nappy. Keep it simple.

• Muslin wraps or swaddle to wrap your little darling in. The hospital will provide you with some, but honestly, I prefer to bring my own as the hospital ones have been washed hundreds of times and are so old and dated. I recommend just taking two of these only. Nice for that first hospital photo too.
• Dummy if you choose to use one.
• A hooded baby towel and bamboo cloths again to make it a little more personal. I loved photographing bubs first bath too.
• A carrier or pram or capsule, to transport baby straight to the car safely. Most hospital will not allow you to hold your baby to walk to the car. Plus they like to check the car seat is fitted correctly

To download your PDF Checklist to either your phone or to print your own copy. CLICK HERE!