For first time mums, it’s hard to know exactly what you will need for labour and hospital. I’ve had a few questions about what I packed, so here is my checklist. I’ve included what I used AND didn’t use.
I researched quite a few different lists but I still found I didn’t need certain items.
Keep in mind that everyone is different and what worked for me might be very different for you. I hope you find it somewhat useful though!
FOR LABOUR
Things I used:
Birth plan
Hospital Booklet with consent forms
Tens Machine – I put this on at home
Labour Aid /hydrolyte ( I used this AFTER delivery, I wish I had made more!)
Shower cap (I thought I would use this for labour when I got in the shower but it turned out I never used the shower – still a good idea though if you don’t want to look like a drowned rat post birth)
Camera – didn’t end up packing one but I wish we did! Phone is fine though
Things I packed but didn’t use for labour:
Doterra essential oils – (I didn’t even think about using these but I know they have helped others)
Music play list on phone – My husband just played some random music on his phone, I wasn’t paying much attention to what it was but it helped to make the birth suite less clinical and I remember it was really nice once Summer was on my chest
FOR ME
Things I used:
Light dressing gown – I got a summer one from K-Mart
Thongs– I wore bare feet most of the time but wore thongs to leave hospital. I didn’t take any other shoes and didn’t need them!
Cotton On singlet nightie – a soft jersey material – I lived in this and my dressing gown for the first two days
Leggings x 1 – soft Lululemon ones (called the Align Pant) that I wore all through pregnancy
Tracksuit pants (one size up) and zip up hoodie
1 x Long sleeved top
2 x Bonds Nursing Singlets with bra x 2
2 x Bonds nursing crop tops
Breast pads, cooling gel pads for sore nipples and nipple cream (Lansinoh)
3 x Toms Maternity pads – I only took 2 packs, you will need 3!
8 pairs full brief black undies, one size up – from Bonds
Black Kookai Cardigan (to go home in and look semi-decent)
Phone charger
Basic toiletries - I put a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush etc in a toiletries bag so it was ready to go
Things I packed but didn’t use for me
Oversized t-shirt for labour (old one) - I didn't bother with clothes!
Warm socks – I didn’t wear these at all but apparently feet can get cold during labour so it may be worth packing just in case
FOR BABY
Things I used for baby:
Capsule / car seat
2 x bunny rugs/swaddles
4 x growsuits with feet and hand covers (only used 2)
4 x singlets (only used 2)
Warm baby blanket
50 Nappies and Water Wipes (check whether your hospital provides these or not)
Things I didn’t use for baby:
1 x sleep swaddle sack
Muslin squares
1x hat (only needed if your baby is premature)
HUSBAND LIST
Change of clothes
Toiletries
All the best pregnant mummas! xx