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Third trimester

Childbirth: What to pack for hospital

21 December 2022 | By The Clicks Baby Team

Make sure you’re prepared for your little one’s arrival.

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In most cases, you would look to start packing for the hospital around week 34 of your pregnancy. Depending on your pregnancy, for example, whether it's been complicated or whether you may be expecting more than one baby, this date may vary. 

Your gynaecologist or caregiver will advise or give you some indication, but if he or she doesn’t, feel free to ask.

The important thing to remember is that you simply never know when you might have to make a move, especially if you are pregnant with your first child. 

And the last thing you want to do is to forget something important, as this will just add to your frustrations and nervousness. Make sure you’re prepared by packing these essentials well in advance. 

What to pack for yourself

A comfortable T-shirt for the delivery room

Socks

Pregnancy vitamins and/or chronic medication

Pyjamas (one set per day plus one extra – preferably ones with buttons for feeding)

Feeding bras (approximately 2-3)

Maternity pads and panties

Breast pads

A gown and slippers or sandals

A black pen and copies of both parents' ID documents (for birth registration – where available)

Your medical aid details

A set of clothes for going home

Some reading material (a magazine or book)

Lip balm

A cellphone charger

What to pack for birthing time

This will depend on the type of labour you are having. If you are having natural birth include the following (keep in mind that some of these are optional): 

A birth plan (if you have one)

An exercise/Pilates ball – this is great to sit on and bounce, rock or lie over during labour

Your choice of music

Water and juices, and snacks to nibble on

Pack a separate bag for your first assisted bath after the delivery or Caesarean section. This should contain:

A sleep shirt

Two maternity pads 

Dark-coloured face cloths

Soap 

Perfume or deodorant 

Body lotion

A hairbrush and hairdryer (optional)

What to pack for baby

Check with your hospital or clinic, as often they will provide hospital clothes for the duration of your baby’s stay. However, if you would prefer to have your baby in their own clothes, this should be fine. 

Some clinics and hospitals also offer complimentary baby bags with items such as disposable nappies, creams etcetera, as part of their welcome pack to you and baby. Confirm this before you start organising your bag. You will need the following items for your little one:

Four or five sets of baby clothes (vests, babygros, receiving blanket, socks, beanie). Pack each outfit into a plastic zip-sealed bag – that way you can place the dirty clothes into the empty bag each day.

A warm blanket

If bottle-feeding, be sure to take your own sterilizing unit, bottles and teats

A dummy (optional)

Car seat (important for when you leave the hospital)

Newborn-size disposable nappies (one packet)

Baby wipes

Cotton wool (roll and round eye pads)

Baby toiletries (moisturiser, soap, barrier cream, petroleum jelly and baby oil)

Powder or surgical spirits for the umbilical cord

What your birth partner needs to pack 

Often a birth partner will be with you for a while and, in some cases, even stay the night with you. Their bag should include:

A set of pyjamas 

A change of clothes

Cool drinks, juices, water, and snacks

A video camera or camera – make sure these are charged and have enough memory

A list of people to call, text, or email

Champagne and glasses (optional – but always fun to include for any special guests arriving to celebrate)

Lastly, make sure that both you and your partner know the way to the hospital. If you have additional children that need to be cared for during this time, ensure that arrangements have been made in advance as to where they will need to go or who will be looking after them.

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