Currently I am 38 weeks pregnant, and so far everything is going well. I'm still considered high risk but my midwife, obstetrician and maternity physician are all safely saying I will make it to 40 weeks. While this is great news, I have decided to go with the 'what if he comes early scenario?' so the second step after making sure we have everything ready in his nursery is to pack for the hospital. (I have been officially packed ready for the hospital since I was approx 30 weeks).
After Googling many different packing lists, ready numerous blog posts and forums and watching countless videos I think I have come up with a list of everything to pack that is relevant to myself and giving birth in a public hospital in New Zealand.
I am making sure that everything I pack works for both a natural birth or a cesarean section birth as I currently do not know what will happen. Also keep in mind, sadly I will not be transferring to Birthcare after the birth as I am required to stay in hospital for approx 3-5 days due to needing a pain pump machine for my Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and to see if I suffer from Inter-cranial Hypertension post birth (I suffered from this during my second trimester).
Below is everything that I have packed to take with me to the hospital, remember everyone is different and likes different things for comfort. Leave a comment below letting me know what you took, or are taking.
Tri-Pillow & Case - Everything I read recommended taking my own pillow with me to the hospital to make it more comfortable. I have decided to take my tri-pillow with me as it can play double duty. First it is a great pillow to use to prop me up in bed to make it more comfortable but it can also be used as a breastfeeding pillow (as baby grows I can also use it to prop him up).
Maternity Bra - An essential for any woman even if you don't plan on breastfeeding, as they will give you the much needed support you'll require.
Soft Sports Bra - Throughout the course of my pregnancy I have found soft sports bras the perfect bras to sleep in. There's no under wire digging into you anywhere, they're super comfy as they 'mold' so to speak to your breasts shape and they're super soft. I have also found the ones I have to be quite 'movable' (easy to pull down to gain access to the breast for breastfeeding).
Nighty - I picked up a great 'granny' nighty from our local Kmart (similar to Target and Walmart). It has three buttons down the front which allow me easy access for breast feeding but it is also nice enough that I won't mind being seen in it by visitors or have my photo taken in it. It will also make a nice change from hospital gowns. I chose a nighty over pyjamas for the simple fact of if I have to have a c-section I have heard that not only does the band of pyjama bottoms rub against your wound, it can also be hard to bend to pull down and up pants, hence a nighty is super simple and easy.
Robe - This is not a necessity but I thought it would be something I might like to have. It will keep me warm while also giving me some added privacy for when I'm up and about and walking throughout the hospital.
Trackpants - with roll top waist band.
Loose fitting breast feeding tops - I am only taking one of these with me to pair with my track pants once I feel like getting 'dressed' so to speak. Otherwise I plan on wearing a hospital gown to birth in and for the first few hours post birth, then my 'granny' nighty.
Nipple Cream - I am taking Bepanthan. This cream doubles as both my nipple cream and my nappy cream.
Breast Pads - I am taking 4 pairs of disposable breast pads and also 2-3 pairs of reusable breast pads. I don't know if my milk will come in while I am in the hospital but I am currently leaking colostrum so regardless I will be needing them.
Toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, deodarant, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, hairties and clips, body wash, moisturiser
Maternity Pads - My hospital does supply maternity pads, but I am also taking 1 pack myself and also a couple of Night Time pads.
Light weight cardy - Just a light weight throw on type pullover (cardy), something that will keep me warm while still allowing me to breast feed easily.
Notebook & Pen - the nurses, midwives and doctors are going to tell you a lot of information and tips most of which you will not remember in post birth haze. A notebook and pen will allow you and your partner to take notes to refer to when you get home.
Camera & Spare Battery - A must for capturing all those special first moments with your bundle of joy. I am also packing a spare battery just in case.
Phone & Charger - A must for everyone, it's a great way to keep in touch with friends and family while in the hospital. Also great for letting people know when your special one has arrived.
Wheat bag -
Lip Balm - I suffer from extremely dry lips, ever since I had braces as a teenager, so I am taking both a tube balm type lip balm and also Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment for when I really need good coverage.
Flannel (wash cloth) - This is so that I can wash my face to make myself feel better (hospitals can make you feel quite gross even when all you're doing is just lying there) and also for use in the shower.
Luxury Toilet Paper - I kid you not, our hospital has the grossest thinnest toilet paper imaginable. I will be taking a roll (or two) of luxurious 3 ply soft toilet paper for post birth comforts.
Stress Ball - I have a very high pain tolerance for which I am extremely grateful, the way I like to manage my pain so as not to need pain killers is to distract myself so to speak from the pain itself. Usually by reading, talking, just allowing myself to block the outside world out and also squeezing a stress ball. This may also help save the Hubby's hands while I'm in labour as well.
Snacks - I am taking some mixed nuts, muesli bars and Up & Go Breakfast drinks with me. These will give me sustenance as needed post baby when breastfeeding etc.
Water Bottle - An easy quick way to keep my fluids up while in labour and in the hospital in general as I find sipping water from a bottle an easy way to take in lots of fluids without really realising it.
Maxi Dress - This is mainly for coming home. I will have the Hubby bring this in to me closer to when I will be discharged.
Granny Undies - I just picked up some basic cheap black underwear from The Warehouse. I got 5 in a packet for $6 so I do not mind one bit if at the end they go in the rubbish. I made sure to get ones that would go nicely over any c-section wound.
Entertainment
Magazines - This is both an entertainment factor for my husband and myself. Hospitals can be very boring places even if you do have a newborn baby. But there will be times when baby is asleep and/or not with you.
Tablet & Charger - I have decided to take my tablet in with me to the hospital as its very versatile. Both my husband and I can read e-books on it, we can surf the internet and play games together. We have also loaded it up with movies to watch.
Playing Cards - The Hubby and I are great game players both card and board. We will probably take a couple of our favourite card games - UNO and Skip Bo. This is a great way to pass the time while we wait for my labour to progress and also a nice distraction from any pain. They will also come in handy once baby is here for when we just need something to pass the time while I am still in hospital.
For Hubby
Hubby will have the ability to go home and freshen up while myself and baby stay in hospital. But just in case we have decided to pack a few basics for him.
Deodorant, toothbrush, socks, t-shirt, jumper, change for vending machines.
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