It is recommended to only bring 1-2 small bags with you when you go to the hospital to have your baby, as the space there will be limited (1 cabin size suitcase that you would take on holiday, containing yours and baby’s clothes, toiletries and nappies plus a small bag with snacks for you and your partner).
It might be an idea to pack another bag in case you are required to stay longer, but please don’t bring this ‘back up’ bag with you to start with. Either keep it in the car or at home and your birth partner can bring this up for you when needed (and take away stuff that you no longer need). Just make sure you let them know which bag is which as when you are in labour, that will be the last thing you will want to worry about! It is also a good idea to label the bags clearly to make the job easier for them!
Read below for some suggestions of what to pack, as well as some FAQs...
Ideas on what to pack in your hospital bag:
For mum:
Maternity notes
Your 'Birth preferences'
TENS machine (although if you are planning to use one, you will probably arrive to hospital already using it as they work best in early labour)
Cotton nighties or old big t-shirts (1-2) for labour
Nighty/ Pyjamas to change into after
Dressing gown (thin is better than thick as the hospital can be quite warm)
Slippers/ flip flops
Pack of ‘big’ knickers (high-waisted are best)
Maternity pads (1 pack) or Tena lady pants - high-waisted (optional but comfier than regular pads for the first couple of days. These can also be used if your waters break with a gush and continue gushing during your labour as they are more absorbent than traditional pads)
Nursing bras if planning to breastfeed
Breast pads
Wash bag with toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
Lip balm
Hairbrush, hairbands or a hair clip
Pillow - (optional, but a good idea)
Snacks for you and birth partner (flapjacks, cereal bars, fruit ,sweets, crackers, sandwiches)
Isotonic drinks (non-fizzy ones are better for labour)
Water bottle (optional, but a good idea)
Mobile phone charger/ power bank if you have one (fully charged up )
Hot water bottle (staff might tell you that they are not allowed to refill these for you due to health and safety. You could ask for a jug of hot water and get your partner to refill it or bring a flask with hot water. This really can be a life-saver for back pain!)
Playlist on your phone
Comfy (pregnancy) going home clothes
LED tea lights or a string of battery powered fairy lights or a battery powered star light projector (optional but these can help to transform a clinical delivery suite room into a much calmer environment (MLBU rooms have these in by default) - please note that you should not be plugging in any electronics into the hospital sockets - this why things should be either battery powered or plug into your power bank
Small bluetooth speaker with charger (optional - some rooms and the theatre have some, so you could ask if there is one you could borrow if you don't have one )
For baby:
Newborn nappies
2-3 Sleepsuits (newborn size will fit most babies)
2-3 Vests
Cotton wool or water-type wipes
Ready-made formula if formula feeding
2 bottles + bottle brush if formula feeding
2 Muslins
Blanket
(Keep the car seat in the car, your birth partner can collect it just before you go home).
For birth partner (only bring snacks with you, keep the rest in the car in case needed):
Snacks & Drinks
Change for parking/ vending machines (although most accept car payments)
Wash bag - toothbrush, deodorant
1 x Change of clothes (optional but a good idea)
And here are some other questions I often get asked:
Please bear in mind that the answers are relevant to our local maternity department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH). If you are having your baby at a different hospital, you could always phone the labour ward or a birth centre in advance and ask.
Should I bring a birthing ball with me to the hospital?
There is no need to bring a birthing ball with you (they are not the easiest things to carry). There are plenty of birthing balls on MLBU, Delivery Suite and Cley Ward at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. If there isn’t one in your room, just ask!
Should I bring some formula milk with me to the hospital if I’m planning to breastfeed, just in case?
No, you don’t need to bring any formula milk with you if you are planning to breastfeed. If for any reason your baby requires some formula during your stay, this will be provided to you.
Do I need to bring formula milk with me to the hospital if I’m planning to bottle feed?
Yes, if you are planning to bottle feed your baby you will need to bring formula milk with you. Pre-made formula is easier to use whilst you are at hospital than powdered formula. It is also a good idea to bring a couple of your own bottles and a bottle brush. Newborns usually only take small volumes of milk in the first few days and you can avoid a lot of wastage by decanting some pre-made formula milk into your own bottle.
How will I sterilise baby bottles in the hospital?
At NNUH you will be provided with a Milton tank for the duration of your stay. This will be changed daily by the lovely maternity care assistants (MCA’s).
Should I bring my own pillow to the hospital?
Whilst not essential, you might find it more comfortable to have your own pillow when you go to hospital. A pillow can also be useful for your journey home if you have had a Caesarean birth - place it over the wound before fastening your seat belt to make the journey home more comfortable.
Do I need to take towels to the hospital when having my baby?
No, you definitely don't need to bring your own towels with you! You will be provided with towels, whether you are on Cley (antenatal) or Blakeney (postnatal) ward, MLBU or Delivery suite.
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