Firstly, have one bag for yourself and one bag for baby. Most women would use their changing bag for the baby. As you prepare for the birth of your baby, do get your husband/partner involved in knowing whats in the bags too, so that they know where to look and find items on the day! Helps to reduce stress!
Keep it simple! Kitchen sink is not required! As an experienced midwife with hands on years of support for women birthing – this is some of my top tips that I recommend as helpful for the bags! Its not a comprehensive list though!
For baby – 10 or so nappies, with some cotton wool. Best to avoid wet wipes initially when they are newborn. Just 3 vests & baby grow’s working on principle of one on, one in wash and one clean! I personally recommend baby nighties – long soft gowns with no poppers which makes frequent nappy changes so easy! Thin cardigan in case baby is cold post birth – must be thin for safe sleeping guidance. Pair of socks as newborns feet are often cold for a few weeks. A soft but thin large cotton muslin or even better, flannette sheet to wrap baby in post birth. Flannette is so cosy – brushed cotton – its perfect against baby skin – to keep them cosy. The hospital will supply a blanket but they are like cardboard! Standard size muslins for supporting with feeding.
For Mum – something to wear when birthing. Over sized t shirt or nightie; cotton; some like just a crop top though; but certainly nothing expensive in case of bodily fluid spills. Wash bag with all the usual, and bath towel. Flannels are not in vogue any more but they are perfect in labour – nice soft cotton square flannel – your partner can keep it topped up with cold water to place on your head/brow when in established labour – it works so well! Be sure to pack some vaseline or lip balm for your lips – as all the puffing and blowing with contractions can make your lips so dry! Water bottle with sports cap or straw to encourage easy hydration in labour, and snacks too! Sanitary towels – just one pack for the bag of heaviest type. Some soft loungewear for post birth wearing – if breast feeding with buttons down – nightie or pj’s. Loose fitting recommended so no annoying trousers to irritate vaginal area post birth. Cotton underwear – ideally high waisted to hold sanitary towels securely and also support tummy post birth. Feeding bras to support breasts; whether breast feeding or not – be sure to wear one post birth so that breast tissue is well supported in anticipation of milk coming in. Slippers or crocs or flip flops for your feet in the hospital – avoid at all cost walking around hospital floors with bare feet – not to be recommended!
If you would like to chat through your list for the bags, do contact me and we can speak over phone or a video call. See fee’s for options
Independent/private midwife Helen Taylor 