WHAT’S IN THE (MATERNITY) BAG?
Birth in times of COVID – who the hell thought we’d be here?
But here we are. And lots of women are powering on and giving birth every single day in the strangest of circumstances. Legends. And even if you’ve done it before, Lockdown and restrictions mean suddenly we’re facing the great unknown once more.
Sometimes, I think the most effective way to feel in control is to simply control the controllable. So, the nesting might be turbo and the planning pedantic; that’s all good. Whatever gives you a sense of purpose and lets you feel in command is exactly the undertaking for you at this time.
I started compiling my ‘concise’ list for my hospital bag this week – just to tick things off as I went, making for an efficient packing process, you understand. Then for no reason at all, I began elaborating on my list - by way of explanation and a reminder to myself having already done it once, not so long ago. At least I think that’s what was going on. Who knows?
And so, now I have a big old list with plenty of waffle that I have decided to share. Why? Because I have and maybe always will be absolutely intrigued by people’s bag - particularly hospital bags - and so I thought mine may well be of passing interest to others. Or at least something to send you back to sleep when you wake with the 3 am third-trimester insomnia.
Before you dive in to be enlightened and illuminated, It’s worth noting that, due to my birth ending in a section last time, I have a date to go into hospital for a planned section this time. And so I’ve made the list based on that plan. I’ve added notes at the end about other things you might like to consider bringing in if you’re going to the labour ward first though, based on my last little adventure.
Read on, Mama!
MAMA’S BAG
Clothing
Comfortable button-down nightshirts and/ or PJs
I estimate to have 2 changes per day because between Baba and Mama, and all the feeding, healing, leaking that goes on, you really don’t want to run short. Plus, you’re unlikely to be getting into ‘real’ clothes at any stage meaning it’s really important to have something fresh to change into so you can feel halfway human.
With a section, I’m mostly avoiding PJs. However, I have a pair from my first time around which are mahoooosive (like when I stand up they fall down-big) so I already know that they won’t dig in or hurt to wear at all.
Cotton dressing gown
This is so you can cover up with an extra layer when you’re leaving your bed or sometimes you might want to just wear this if you’re finding yourself cluster feeding with baba on your skin.
One thing I have been told is that the infamously roasting maternity hospitals are now noticeably colder as the windows are open so much more to reduce risk of COVID spreading. Not sure if this really is the case but if you’re a cold creature do keep this in mind and perhaps make it a warmer dressing gown
Knickers: full size, extremely soft, high-waisted, LARGE underwear
Approx. 4 sizes larger than pre-pregnancy size
About 10 pairs (really)
Wash them at home first to ensure they’re really soft
Supportive breastfeeding bra x 2
If you’re going to try to feed yourself then you’ll want the bras to hold the leaky sisters in and allow you to apply compresses or other aids whilst not feeding (see toiletries)
Comfortable slippers
It’s important that you bring a pair that have either a hard sole (think ones you’d wear out the back garden for hanging the washing… or, ya know, having a cocktail) or at the very least, non-slip. As soon as there’s a new baby on your person you are a walking danger detector. I was terrified of slipping every time I walked from the bed.
Socks
Slippers won’t keep you warm at night, guys! I recommend treating yourself to really soft socks that will act like a hug for your feet. Even worn over the compression socks post-op, they’ll be so welcome for a nice touch of comfort. I *hate* having cold feet.
Flip flops
If you’re anything like me, you really don’t want your bare feet in any shower that isn’t your own one at home. Call it a hangover from years backpacking but you’ll thank me in the end, I assure you.
A cloth laundry bag for dirty clothes
You definitely want to keep these separated from your main packing. Ask your partner to bring in another bag to transfer into so as they can take them with them to wash every day when they’re leaving.
Face masks
Are these now considered clothing? Not sure, but bring fabric ones with fresh filters, as well as disposable ones, just in case you need options.
Going home outfit
Something super-comfy and easy to put on such as a tent dress or tracksuit. And be sure to pack trainers (that slipping danger you’re freaking out about doesn’t stop at the corridors, you know!)
You might want to leave this outfit in your partner’s car and ask them to take into you on the day you’re being discharged. They can pack up and dress Baba while you get yourself sorted and ready to go.
Toiletries
Towels x 2
Hair and body size in dark colours (use old ones if you have them)
Flannels x 4
Make sure that these are pre-washed and soft as your body will cry if not.
Shower cap
Even if you usually wash your hair every day, it’s unlikely you will in hospital as you will be sore regardless of delivery method so stretching and reaching will be punishing and frankly that’s just unnecessary and should be avoided.
Hairbrush, bobbins + clips
ALL the instruments for getting your hair out of your damn way. Not rational. Still needed.
Maternity Pads
At least 2 packets of these mattress-sized offensive-looking inventions that are utterly essential. Don’t get anything plastic-backed. If they give you some in the hospital, ask them which side is up. I didn’t have a notion and actually, I’m still not sure I do now. I’m pretty sure I wore them upside-down 50% of the time.
Moist toilet tissues
Hey, I wanna be as sustainable as you, sister, but sometimes needs must. Buy these, pack these, use these. Ask me no secrets and I’ll tell you no lies.
Face mist
Fabulous for during labour but also wonderful if you’re hot when feeding at night
Breast pads
Even more padding for tits that have never been so big before in your life. Will stop leaks and drips.
Nipple compress
If you bring small scissors you can cut these in half and just use one individual pack for both boobs. See if the midwife can store in the fridge for you - they’re bliss when cold.
Silver nursing cups
forget diamonds, forget gold … *these* are the jewels in the breastfeeding paraphernalia crown. If you don’t have them, buy them. They’re spendy. And worth Every. Single. Penny.
Antibacterial wipes
now more than ever, these will give you peace of mind as you can clean your surroundings every day as much as you like. Also good for shared bathroom facilities.
Hand sanitisers
Of course the hospital will have plenty but, again, it’s important to have your own close by so you can use as often as desired. I love the Dr. Bronners lavender ones.
Iron tablets
or any medication you are taking. Note that they won’t recommend you start taking the iron tablets again until you have done your first poo. And that, my friends, is an entire other blog post.
Minis/ decanted portions of the following:
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Shampoo + conditioner
Dry shampoo
Non-perfumed body wash
Body Moisturiser (just in case you have irritating dry patches. It’s unlikely you’ll be doing a full head-to-toe massage, spa-style.
Cleanser, toner & moisturiser
Deodorant (non-perfumed, natural if possible. Baba spends a lot of time near your pits.)
Makeup if it will make you feel good (I’ve tinted moisturiser, mascara and some cheeky rouge!)
Hand cream
Lip Balm (N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B; N.B.; N.B!)
Other Essentials
Birth Plan
If you have one then make sure you show it to your consultant and/ or midwife at 34 weeks. Some can be cynical and snippy, others totally into it. It doesn’t matter; so long as it’s important to you, make sure you share it ahead of time so it’s on your notes. Then have copies for the team on the day.
Music
Check that you’re allowed to play it where you’ll be birthing, and in what format the team can accept and facilitate that for you. It didn’t go as planned for me at all last time so I didn’t have this but I really hope to this time. Being sung into the world by Dolly Parton is what my baby needs most.
Water bottle
As large as possible and full to the brim so you have your supply from the get-go. Stay hydrated people! (Although don’t pre-section as you’ll be fasting and this will set you back hours and I don’t’ want to be responsible.)
Snacks: bags of nuts + bars of chocolate
For someone that had NO intention of eating the hospital food (yes, I have issues), I became institutionalised so quickly that I was very soon counting down the hours until my next delivery, listening intently for clanking cutlery and trollies. I was absolutely starving all of the time – probably a mix of post-labour/ surgery and breastfeeding – so having handy snacks nearby for between meals was essential.
Nuts are great for crunch and filling the gap, particularly in the middle of the night. Chocolate is great because it’s chocolate.
Phone charger
Some people bring an extension flex, but I can’t remember why. Maybe because it’s hard to reach the plug from your bed? It’s a step too close to the kitchen sink for me but maybe worth considering?!
Headphones
Especially important at this time for family phone calls of which you’ll be making so many more. But also, for listening to music at night when the wards get really, really noisy. NOTE! Night 2 of the baby’s life is *chaos*. If you’re in a ward with other Night 2 babies, expect a cacophony of crying all night long. Music will help, maybe.
Notebook and pen
Jot down the questions for the midwives and medical team as they come into your head. You’ve lots to think about and your phone will already be hot from Googling so this will allow you clear your head by hand whilst feeling confident that you won’t forget everything you worried about all night as soon as the experts pop their head around your curtain in the morning.
Also, write down the names of the midwives as they meet you. You think you’ll remember. You won’t. Some don’t tell you which is odd so try think of asking and noting.
Folder for documents
The hospital will provide you with loads of print outs before leaving so good to keep them and your notebook in a buttoned folder.
Pregnancy pillow
Personally, I wish I had the foresight to bring this last time. I was already so used to it in my own bed that it would have offered double comfort in a strange bed but also it would have provided great leverage when feeding. This is particularly true post-section.
Add a pillow spray to make it a little delicious for yourself. Or bring your own pillowcases for other hospital pillows if you like.
Placenta freezer bag with icepacks
- If you are having your placenta encapsulated (I did it last time and am doing it again this time without question), remember to not only bring the foil bag but also to add the icepacks from the freezer before you leave for the hospital. Ask your birthing partner to remember this.
Note! Although the bags are now packed and ready for action, I have yet to add my phone charger, headphones and the placenta bag as they need to be packed just before leaving for the hospital. To make sure I don’t forget them, I have a large A4 sheet attached to the zip of my bag reminding me to add them before going out the door.
BABY BAG
I have prepared for 5 days but, again, keep in mind that I am having a planned section and so this is just in case I’m in that long. With the times we’re in it’s not like family or partners can just pop to the shops for extra of anything so, although you don’t want to bring the kitchen sink, it will give you comfort knowing you’re not likely to run short of anything.
Also, I have laundered all of the baby’s clothes in non-bio washing powder. It just made me happy to do so. You do you.
Here’s my baby bag buzz in numbers:
24 x first size nappies (sounds excessive. I can’t remember if it is)
10 x baby grows – a mix of newborn and up to one-month sizes
8 x vests, nappies (mix of long and short-sleeved)
5 x bibs
5 x Muslin cloths
3 x scratch mitts (most babygrows have little mitts built in so this is just in case I have him or her in their vest)
2 x cotton hats
2 x cellular blankets
2 x rubber dodies
2 x crib sheets (not totally necessary but bringing them just in case I need to change the cot during the night)
1 x baby towel - the midwives will help you give Baba their first bath
1 x swaddling blanket (again, it’s just in case. Do check with your midwife about their recommendations on swaddling)
1 x pack of organic cotton balls for nappy changes (it’s not recommended to use anything else for the first few days)
1 x Vitamin D drops
1 x Teddy (My sister and her family brought one in for Arthur when they visited the day he was born; seeing as that won’t be happening this time I feel like I want to have one for this Baba to give to them myself. Mostly so I avoid thinking too much about family not meeting him or her and becoming an emotional wreck. I know me!)
Going home outfit
Again, this can be left with a partner until check-out day (yippeeee!)
Vest
Babygrow
Knitted cardigan
Knitted hat
Knitted gloves
Soft blanket
It’s not recommended you have the baby in any thick onesies or pram suits in the car seat so you want to ensure their warmth is coming from a well tucked warm blanket.
Top Tip!
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it really does make a difference – pack baby’s first outfit into a little bag and mark it as such. This means that your birthing partner can dress Baba easily if needed while you are stitched/ looked after by the team. It’ll save them going through the entire bag.
In fact, I packed 5 in this manner, in different Ziplock bags: nappy, vest, baby-grow. It just made things easy to find and manage (especially if it’s all just a sea of white cloth like my bag is!)
Best of the Rest
Things I don’t need this time but definitely recommend if you’re going in for natural labour – they were all Godsends during my couple of days in the pre-labour ward:
Medicine ball and pump
Massage oils to inhale/ diffuse/ rub on pulse points
Tens machine. I repeat, TENS MACHINE!
Spare batteries (for aforementioned Sent-from-God-machine)
A smaller labour bag with a change of nightdress, socks and towel
Adding towel again here as I didn’t bring it in the smaller bag last time as didn’t have any desire to use the shower in the pre-labour ward. I was wrong. And was punished with a hospital loincloth of sandpaper.
Snacks for you and partner.
And finally… A Note for Partners:
Wear a button-down shirt so skin-to-skin can happen immediately, especially if Mama’s not able to do it herself at that time
Bring extra masks as you’ll want to change them each time you hold baby for sanitary reasons.
Have a parking tag set up on your phone
Charge your phone. Bring your charger.
Bring a camera (the phone will run low and you’ll have forgotten the charger).
Add phone numbers of family/ placenta people/ whoever might need to be contacted after the birth. Add the hospital ward’s phone number to this list once you’re settled so you can call directly if necessary.
A little gift or card for the new Mama and baby to leave with them before you head off. It’s not going to be easy on anyone saying goodbye 2-hours after labour. Make them feel as secure as possible before you go.
Car seat – make sure this is fitted correctly in the car ahead of time and that you know how to remove the seat to bring in to collect your baby on home day (the BEST day ever!)
The midwives will check that you have the baby positioned in the seat correctly before you leave. This gives everyone insane amounts of relief!
Snacks. Did I mention that everyone needs snacks?
Surely, that’s the lot?!
OK! Yes, I think that’s about it, ladies.
Oh, but just with regard to bags, I am reusing my gorgeous trio from Irish company Ulluv. A very generous friend gifted them to me pre-Arthur and I adored having the set (they came pre-lacked with lots of the essentials which was magic!). I’ve since used them time and again as nappy bags and travel bags (remember travel?!).
Go forth and have the best darn birth you can! It’s not always the one you plan on but that’s ok. The aim is a healthy Mama and Baba. Trust, speak up, lean-in and love what you can.
Good luck… you’ve got this Mama xxx