What Should I Pack in my Hospital Bag?
Packing your hospital bag is one of those pregnancy milestones that makes it all feel very real (in the best way). But between the chaos of labour, birth and those first precious days with your newborn, it's easy to overlook something you'll wish you'd packed.
Aliza Carr, midwife and Haakaa medical board member (as well as owner & CEO of Franjos Kitchen!) has put together a complete checklist covering everything you need for labour, recovery, baby and your partner, plus the essentials you won't want to forget on the day. We've even included a handy downloadable PDF right here so you can make sure you've got it to hand when you need it. Read on to make sure your bag is ready to go!
Labour:
☐ Water bottle (with straw)
☐ Franjos Kitchen Motherhood Hydration Powder (electrolytes are crucial!)
☐ Phone and charger
☐ Speaker (for music)
☐ Birth ball (check if the hospital has them)
☐ TENS machine
☐ Dressing gown
☐ Healthy snacks to fuel you and your partner
☐ Lip balm
☐ Hair ties
☐ Slippers and flip flops
☐ Swimmers (if you'd prefer not to be naked in the shower or bath)
☐ Your pillow
After Birth:
☐ Notepad and pen
☐ Haakaa Colostrum Collectors
☐ Franjos Lactation Cookies
☐ Nursing bra or maternity singlet
☐ Breastfeeding friendly tops
☐ Large maternity pads
☐ Large, comfortable underwear
☐ Hair brush
☐ Silverettes and nipple cream
☐ Earplugs and eye mask
☐ Perineal ice packs and peri bottle
☐ Hygiene products (soap, face wash, shampoo, conditioner)
☐ Haakaa Ladybug Milk Collector
For Baby:
☐ Swaddles x3
☐ Burp cloths x3
☐ Outfits x3-5
☐ Singlets x3-5
☐ Socks
☐ Car seat (if driving home)
☐ Nappies
☐ Baby wipes
☐ Zippy jumpsuits
For Partner:
☐ Button-down shirt (for skin to skin)
☐ Snacks
☐ A change of clothes
☐ Swimmers (if having a water birth or using the shower in labour)
☐ Phone and camera
Important:
☐ Phone, camera and chargers
☐ Hospital pregnancy card
☐ Birth plan
☐ Yellow card / Pregnancy card
☐ Any prescription medication
☐ Frozen colostrum (if antenatally expressing)
☐ Food / snacks: labour and postpartum require calories!
