Essentials for your hospital labour bag

Congratulations! The big day is almost here, which means getting ready for the final step – bringing your baby home. But before that, you need to be ready for labour and delivery, with a little help from us. 

Here are some essentials to prepare for your labour bag. Aim to have the bag ready to go at the door at least two weeks before your due date. Remember, some babies are impatient to arrive!

Sleepwear 

• Depending on how long you will be in the hospital, pack at least three sets of comfortable pyjamas. You will want dark colours (bleeding after surgery), roomy with plenty of stretch and a button-down top for breastfeeding. Remember, you might have a C-section so you’ll want something soft and non-irritating on your skin. If you’re wearing a nightdress, take along a robe for the communal bathroom.

Sanitary/maternity pads

• It’s normal to bleed heavily after giving birth so stock up on a pack or two of long and wide-fit maternity pads. The hospital will give you a few but it’s always a good idea to take your own. Also, a few disposable panties wouldn’t go amiss. Try: Carriwell Extra Large and Ultra Absorbent Maternity Pads.

Maternity bras

• You will need comfortable nursing bras. Make sure they are well-fitted and don’t chafe your skin. Try: Carriwell Adjustable Maternity & Nursing Bra, a soft and comfortable bra that moulds to your changing body shape.

ID/hospital paperwork

• You will need your ID document, your medical aid details if you’re at a private hospital, and other paperwork from your doctor, if necessary. 

Toiletries

• Don’t rely on the hospital to provide your toiletries. Nurses get very busy and overwhelmed and may forget to bring you certain things. Take your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wipes, your hairbrush and a shower cap. Take along a refuse bag for dirty clothes you send back home for washing.

Snacks 

• Labour can be as short as 30 minutes or could go on for hours. You never know which you’re in for, so again, be mindful of the hospital’s resources and capacity and take some snacks along for the ride. A packet of crackers, chips, fruit and nuts and juice should sustain you for a longer labour, especially if you’re too nauseous to eat a meal. 

Phone and charger 

• Sounds obvious but it’s easy to be forgetful in the rush to the hospital! 

Nipple cream

• Pack this along with your toiletries if you’re going to breastfeed. The first few tries can be challenging for some moms and you might have very sore, cracked nipples. A nipple cream will help soothe the pain. Try: Bepanthen Ointment.

The must-have, don’t-forget item!

The baby car seat. It’s not safe to carry your newborn baby in your arms, even if you’re in the back seat. Make sure the car seat is installed at least a week ahead of your due date.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.