packing for hospital

    Your Go Bag

    As you get closer to your due date, there are lots of things to arrange. It makes sense to have a bag packed and ready to go. You’ll probably want to pack two bags, one for labour and one for after.

    Here’s a basic checklist of what you might need.

    Stuff for you

    • Your handheld pregnancy record (if you have one)
    • Comfy clothing (breathable pyjamas or loungewear)
    • Toiletries
    • Minimum 2 packs of maternity pads
    • Unscented oil or light body lotion for massage
    • Hairbrush, and hair bands for long hair
    • Camera
    • Phone
    • Drinks and snacks for you and your partner
    • Pen
    • Any medications you may be on
    • Maternity bras

    Bras N Things has some incredibly stylish and supportive maternity bras. Please click here to view their range.

    Bamboo Body is an eco-conscious clothing brand that creates seriously comfortable bamboo basics, travel-ready styles and maternity wear. They present classic styling, versatile wardrobe essentials that are flattering against all body shapes. Bamboo fabric is not only luxuriously soft, breathable and skin-friendly but is ethically and sustainability produced making it a perfect social choice too. Please click here to view their amazing range of clothes, ideal for mums with newborns.

    Go bag for baby!

    • Two dozen newborn size nappies
    • Six newborn singlets
    • Jumpsuits and sleepsuits for the baby
    • 6-8 bunny rugs or wraps
    • Baby wipes/cotton wool balls
    • Three face washers
    • Cotton buds

    You can find everything you need for baby’s first days in the links below. Alternatively, please visit our TRUSTED PARTNERS PORTAL to select from a wide range of products.

    Amazon AUSTRALIA

    You may also find this checklist useful

    • Are all your emergency numbers (such as your labour ward, midwife, and taxi) to hand?
    • Do you have the numbers of everyone you will wish to notify after the birth?
    • Is your bag packed?
    • If you have a birth plan, do you have it packed somewhere easily accessible?
    • Do you have your hand-held pregnancy record?
    • Have you thought about the options for pain relief during labour?
    • Can you quickly get hold of your partner or whoever you want to be with you when you give birth?
    • Is there someone else on hand in case you can’t get in touch with them?
    • If you have young children, have you planned for their care during labour and birth?
    • Do you have a car seat suitable for the baby and car – and have you practised fitting it/had it installed?

    Rest assured that your labour and birth are unlikely to happen at the pace they do in movies. Your preparation will let you focus on your experience and finally meeting your baby.

    Dr Janelle McAlpine (PhD), Clinical Midwife
    Photo by Maksim Shmeljov used under license from Shutterstock.com


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