What Should I Pack for the Maternity Room? Guide for Mothers and Fathers

The due date is approaching. It’s the most exciting time of your life. And you’re now ready to do everything to prepare for that special day when your bundle of joy finally enters the world. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for that day is to get your bag ready for the maternity room.

It’s best to get your bag ready as soon as possible, for peace of mind, and just in case you need to go there a little earlier than the due date. Not only will you need a bag, but your birth partner will also need to pack one as well, and you’re going to need another bag full of all the essentials for your baby once they’ve been born.

Let’s have a look at Mummy’s bag first.

The Mother’s Bag – What You Need to Pack

• Hospital Notes, Medical History, Birth Plan – these are extremely important and should be the first thing that you pack into your bag. Doctors need to be able to quickly access your medical history so that things can move swiftly and swimmingly. The birth plan, if you have one, is also very useful for your midwife and nurses.
• Loose clothing, Dressing gown – During labor, you’re going to want to move around, and having something loose to wear is the best way to remain comfortable. A dressing gown is a great idea too, especially if it’s nice, soft, and, of course, loose too. You may also want to bring a few changes of clothes, so you can freshen up if you’re in labor for a long time.
• Nightdress – Again, this will be ideal for a longer stay, and will allow you to be comfortable if you want to sleep, either before or after your delivery.
• Bras – It’s best to take three supportive, comfortable bras with you. And if you’re going to be breastfeeding, then a nursing bra is a good idea, too.
• Socks – There’s a good chance of cold feet when you’re in labor. Bring some warm, comfy socks so that you won’t have this problem.
• Flip-flops or Slippers – Flip-flops are ideal to pop your feet into if you want to do a quick stroll around the wards, and you can also wear them in the shower. Slippers are also a comfy choice for walking around the ward, but you can’t wear them in the shower, of course.
• Lip Balm – Dry, chapped lips are a likely occurrence during delivery, so keep some soothing lip balm in your bag so that you can keep them moist.
• Your Favorite Pillow – There will be pillows at the hospital, but if you want to get a good night’s sleep, then taking your favorite pillow will help you get comfy.
• Sleep Mask and Earplugs – There’s no doubt that hospital wards are noisy and bright, so take a sleep mask and earplugs to heighten your chance of catching some Zs.
• Heavy-Duty Maternity Pads – These are necessary for after your delivery. They will be available at the hospital, but it’s worth taking your own, as the ones in the hospital may not be as durable.
• Comfy, Large Panties – You’ll need quite a few pairs, and there’s a good chance that they’ll get messy, so keep this in mind. They need to be big enough to handle your maternity pads.
• Toiletries, Cosmetics, Skincare Products – All your essential toiletries are a must-have for the delivery room. You’ll want to brush your teeth, wash your face, shower, and feel fresh and normal, so having everything that you use every day will help you to achieve this.
• Phone, Phone Charger – While you may have other things on your mind, people will be trying to contact you to see how it’s all going. Having your phone on you can keep you in contact with them, even if you do hand over texting duties to your birth partner. You may also want to use the phone to watch videos or listen to music during downtime.
• Snacks and Drinks – There’s a chance you’ll be spending a little while on the maternity ward, so bringing some snacks and your favorite drinks is always a good idea. It’ll save you some money – as you won’t need to resort to the vending machine – and they will provide you with some home comforts.
• Water Spray, Sponge – Giving birth can cause you to work up a sweat. To stop yourself from getting overheated, a water spray or sponge can help you cool down.
• Massage Oil – If you’re fond of massages – and your birth partner doesn’t mind giving them – then massage oil will be a handy thing to have in your bag. There’s a chance that you’ll get some cramps or aches and pains, so a good massage can be very soothing indeed.
• Books, Magazines, Tablet – Before and after your delivery, you may have some time to kill, and having something relaxing, such as a book to read, can be a Godsend.
• Glasses, Contact Lenses – If you require either of these, then make sure they’re in your bag! You’ll want to be able to see clearly during labor.

The Birth Partner’s Bag – What You Need to Pack

• Clothes – Your birth partner will certainly need a couple of changes of clothes too. Although it’s possible for them to go home, they may not have the opportunity, nor might they want to, so having a few changes of clothing will help them to keep fresh and might come in handy if they get messy.
• Toiletries – The birth partner will also find having toiletries to hand – especially toothpaste and a toothbrush – will certainly help them freshen up.
• Snacks and Drinks – Just like Mummy, the birth partner is going to get peckish and thirsty throughout the whole process, and having something tasty to nibble on, and something to drink will be much appreciated once you’re at the hospital. Especially when you see the contents – and prices – of the vending machines.
• Small Pillow – The birth partner will want to be able to rest at times, too. A small pillow will be handy for that.
• Camera – It’s a special day, and documenting it is important. Taking a camera along for some snaps is a great idea that your child will thank you for in the future.
• Reading Material, Tablet, Music Player – There can be a lot of sitting and waiting around for the birth partner, just like Mummy, so it’s best to take something to kill time, such as a book or a tablet for watching videos.

The Baby’s Bag – What You Need to Pack

• Blanket – This will come in handy for many reasons, and you can use it to keep the little one warm on the way home.
• Clothes – You might need to check what’s allowed at the maternity ward with your midwife, as policies are different in different hospitals. Babygro’s are great, especially if they fasten up at the front. And you should also make sure to pack a warm, comfortable outfit for the journey home. A bodysuit is a great idea.
• Booties – Either booties or socks will be important to keep your little one’s tootsies warm during skin-to-skin contact.
• Hat – Your child can also wear a hat to keep warm during skin-to-skin contact.
• Between 20 and 30 Diapers for Newborns – That’s right. You’re going to need a lot of diapers for that first day or two. Your newborn will likely fill between 10 and 12 nappies every day. And make sure that you’ve got a big stock of them at home for when you return, too.
• Sensitive Baby Wipes – These will come in handy, but make sure that they’re the sensitive version, as your child’s skin will be easily agitated at such a young age.Muslins – Some squares made of muslin will be handy for catching any dribbles or wiping up your little one’s face.
  What Kind of Bag Should You Use for The Maternity Ward?

As you can tell from the list, you’re going to need a lot of stuff, so you’ll need a big bag. Generally, a gym bag is a good idea. You’re best keeping everything in three separate bags. It makes it easier, as you won’t get things mixed up.

Conclusion

That’s it. Make sure that you’ve ticked off everything on your list so that you can be sure that you’ve not forgotten anything at all. Once you’ve got your bags sorted, then you can relax and wait for the day to come. This is a special time, and you should enjoy every moment of it.

Good luck with your delivery! And when you find yourself gleefully munching on your favorite snack during a moment of respite, then make sure to remember who reminded you to put it into your maternity bag…