Congratulations, your having a baby! Whether this is your first baby or you have several children, we all know that time leading up to giving birth can be exciting, scary and overwhelming all at once. You’ll have so many things to do, organise and prepare, including the bag you’ll bring to the hospital. Try to have your bag ready and packed by the time your 36 weeks pregnant. You could also pack 3 separate bags or sections to your packing – one for labour, one for the new baby and one just for you!
And just a little reminder to make sure you have booked your newborn session in and if not fill out the contact form to enquire about booking a photography session with Blissful Moments Photography in Mackay.
1 – Labour
Medicare card, health insurance details (if you have it), hospital paperwork & birth plan
What you want to wear while in labour, something comfortable – loose nightie, oversized shirt, socks, slippers, thongs dressing gown just in case your walking the halls whilst in early labour.
Massage oil or lotions, lip balm, hair clips, hair bands and bobby pins.
Toiletries and tissues
Magazines, books, games and music
Snacks and drinks for during and after the birth to keep your energy levels up, even though the hospital will have these but you may prefer to pack a few things that you know you like. Water bottle is essential with a straw
2 – For You
Maternity Pads
Comfortable underwear – remember it doesn’t matter what they look like as long as your comfortable. You may be tender and sore. If breastfeeding – breastfeeding bras.
Clothing that is comfortable to wear and breastfeeding friendly, if choosing to breastfeed. Shirts or dresses with front opening tops.
Breastpads, nipple cream
Toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, skincare, deodorant, face washer, hair brush, toothbrush and toothpaste which you can get all in travel sizes to save space in your packing.
Eye Mask and ear plugs to help you sleep on a brightly ward and if a light sleeper.
Shoes or slip ons that are easy to get on and off to wear around the hospital
Your phone, charger, camera
Notepad and pens incase you have questions for the midwife/doctor or to keep track of baby’s feeding. Or just to write down notes about this special moment
Clothing for the trip home for you
A bag for the dirty clothes
3 – For Baby
Sleepsuits, singlets, vests, socks, mittens, beanie and a going home outfit
Disposable nappies or re-useable nappies depending on what you prefer and baby wipes
Formula -if not breastfeeding, bottles and dummy.
Blanket for baby, burp clothes
Don’t forget! Your support people will also need to bring clothes, snacks, water bottle/drinks, their phone and charger, maybe panadol or aspirin in case of headaches. Maybe some extra change in case they want to buy food or drinks whilst there. Contact numbers and the list of people to contact when baby arrives!
Don’t forget! Your baby MUST travel home from the hospital in a suitable infant car seat, which for newborns, is a rear facing capsule. Make sure you have a capsule correctly installed in your car prior to birth.
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