We recommend that you start preparing a birth bag for birth from the 32nd week. 36. it is ideal to complete your birth bag preparation in your first week. If this is your first baby, you may not know what you will need in the hospital. This is very normal… The list below will help you prepare your birth bag.
It will be convenient to prepare two birth bags, one to be used during your stay in the hospital and one to be used when you leave the hospital.
Birth Bag (Your Own Needs)
- Hospital/doctor notes
- Cosmetics/hygiene items you use
- Massage cream
- Face towel/water spray
- Lip balm
- Hair band
- Maternity pads/sanitary napkins and spare underwear
- T-shirt / nightgown / nightdress
- Slippers and socks
- Books and magazines
- Phone and charging
- Coin
- Drinks and straws
- Snacks
- Tea, juice and snacks
Your partner may also want to change clothes and may have a similar need to yours. It is useful to consider your partner’s needs when preparing a birth bag. If you are planning to have a vaginal (normal) birth, you may want to include a timer to count the contractions during the onset of labor, and if you are having a water birth, you may want to include a pair of sea shorts in case your partner wants to join you.
Delivery Bag for Hospital
- Front opening nightgown and dressing gown
- Wide t-shirt and vest
- Comfortable dresses
- Breast pump
- At least 2 nursing bras
- Disposable breast pads
- Nipple cream
- Nipple remover if you don’t have nipples
- Towels
- Diapers and diaper bag
- Maternity pillow/lactation pillow
- Baby clothes, onesie, scratching mittens, hat and socks, clothes for going home
Baby Bag for Hospital Exit
You will also need to prepare in advance for the journey home after the birth.
- Loose clothes for yourself
- Hats, socks/patties, jackets and blankets for your baby
Other Things to Consider
Planning ahead for the following issues will speed you up in case of an emergency onset of labor.
- Where can you park your car? Which entrance will you use?
- What is the admission process?
- How many people are allowed in the maternity ward and what are the visiting hours?
As the day approaches, we recommend that you prepare the birth bag in advance so that you don’t miss any details in the excitement and rush.
We wish you a healthy birth…