Hospital Bag Packing
- jillysmummastyle
- Jan 26, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13, 2022
What is in my hospital bags for an elective cesarean. Especially for those first time Mums, you may be wondering what or how much to pack so I am here to help! Here is a full list of what is in my hospital bag for myself and the baby including links to shop.
That time has come.... the third trimester is here and reality that there will actually be a little baby in the house soon has set in!
There is so much to purchase and prepare before your little human arrives; set up the nursery, pram, cot, bassinet, capsule, bottles... the list is long. With all of that it can be easy to forget the important step of packing the hospital bags. You may think you have time before that due date but babes always have a mind of their own!
With Poppy, I had an elective cesarean so I packed considering I would be in hospital for up to 5 days. For some of you these bags might look like a lot but keep in mind that you may not know how long you will be in hospital for. I think it is best to be prepared, especially if traveling a distance and your partner cannot return with more items from home.
What is in the Hospital Bag - for Mamas
For my first birth I actually over packed my hospital bag compared to my baby bag which was under packed! I also didn’t consider the type of undies I would need for a cesarean.
So here’s the details of what I am packing with links:
Lot’s of big (think 2 sizes bigger than usual) high rise cotton undies - My doctor advised cotton is best for healing.
Bralette or nursing bra
One pair of pjs
2 comfortable lounge clothes
Tiny bit of makeup. I packed; cc cream, lip balm, and mascara - It just makes me feel so much better and fresh to have a little bit of something on!
Something to wear home from hospital - Loose and comfortable.
Hair brush and scrunchie - I did my hair the morning of my cesarean thinking it would stay decent but honestly my hair was up the whole time!
One pair of socks and one pair of slippers - Didn’t like the idea of being bare foot on the hospital floor.
Eye mask - People will be coming in and out of your room a lot so if you want a decent rest than one of these may help.
Phone charger
Book… Okay this is slightly optimistic but Poppy was actually a really good baby so we had lots of down time.
Oh and don’t forget your tooth brush!
I also packed some additional feminine hygiene pads. I’m packing one pack of regular and one light from @lovekins_australia. Your hospital will have pads but I had hardly any loss after my cesarean and the hospital only had really thick ones.
Click the image to shop some things I picked up to pack in my bag!
What is in the Hospital Bag - for Baby
When I initially packed for Poppy’s birth I thought I was over packing and preparing well for hospital temps and explosions… But actually I ran out and had to ask Nik to bring some more clothes from home. So, if you’re traveling a further distance to your hospital or your partner can’t leave due to policies than don’t be afraid to pack lots of options. You’re going to be pretty well restricted to your room for several days so you might as well have some fun dressing up your new bub too!
Here are the total details of what’s in my bag:
6 full onesies - That’s what I went through with Poppy in hospital.
2 long sleeve rompers and one pair of shorts - Just in case it is warmer being a summer baby.
One going home outfit and a backup option just in case temps change our mind.
4 muslins - 3 cotton, one jersey. One for a birth announcement.
2 bows - One for going home outfit and one for birth announcement.
Milestone cards for announcement
2 Dummies with a dummy holder - Keep in mind your child may not take one or may not like the one you have brought so don't invest in a lot before ensuring your baby likes them. I tried three different ones before we got Poppy to take the Bibs. I have heard a lot of babies like these.
Comforter
Gift to Poppy from the baby - Great idea a few people suggested. She will be giving a matching one to the baby.
I should also mention that I pack our choice of formula as I will not be breast feeding. The hospital does have formula that they can give you if you need it but I like to have that chosen and started from day one.
Click the image to shop some things I picked up to pack in my bag!
The thought of labor and birth really becomes a reality in the third trimester. That's when it really feels real that there is a living baby in there, about to come out and you are responsible for taking care of it... Not to mention the actually giving birth part! I find feeling prepared and having the hospital bag packed really helped with these feelings.
For any first time Mums about to give birth, here is a little advice (if you're not sick of advice by yet!).... Try not to be too attached to your "birth plan". These babies can have a mind of their own and choose to come whenever and however they wish. Trust your doctor to make the best decision for you and your child. Definitely be your own advocate for what makes you comfortable but in the end sometimes it isn't up to us and the best choice for your baby and yourself has to be made
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