Pack The Ultimate Hospital Labour Bag - Newborn Photographer Brisbane
Welcoming a newborn baby would have to be one of the very few times in life that we get a little bit excited about going a hospital.
If youre anything like me, you might find hospitals a little intimidating, overwhelming and even a bit scary. So for my personal experiences of labour, I wanted to make my space really calm, relaxed and homely to keep my hospital-anxiety as low as possible.
From essentials to thoughtful comforts, this blog post will guide you through things to consider packing into the perfect labour bag because whether you're a first-time parent or slowly creating your own sports team, having a well-packed bag can make all the difference during this momentous occasion.
So, what are the essentials and little extras that will make your hospital stay a memorable and stress-free part of your childbirth adventure? I'm so glad you asked. Here is a list I prepared earlier!
FOR YOU
Paperwork
Ugh. Boring right? But essential. Make sure you have your admission paperwork, medicare card, insurance info, birth plan and any other important paperwork packed and ready to go for the big day.
Slippers and socks
Get your "nanna-vibes" on and pack these in your bag. Even in the hot months, feet get cold when you are resting in hospital. Enjoy the rest while you can, slippers and all.
Zip up hoodie, cardigan, dressing gown
Same reason as above and its helpful that all 3 of these open at the front for easy-access breastfeeding. Also you can chuck it on if you have to walk the hospital halls. Or if you WANT to walk the hospital halls, for reasons such as "vending machine chocolate was calling out for me".
Pyjamas
Ones that can unbutton for breastfeeding are best. Obviously this advice is more applicable if you are breastfeeding.
Nursing bras + nursing pads
Nursing bras undo for breastfeeding. There's a theme getting underway here.... The nursing pads are in the baby aisle at the supermarket and you can pop them in your bra to catch leaking milk. I didnt realise this until too late, so I'll tell you now. When the milk-machine part of your boobs fires up, baby will turn the tap on when they are feeding from one side, and then the other boob-milk will flow as well. The nursing pads catch the leaks.
Hydrogel discs
OMG these are amazing. Grab them from the baby section at the supermarket. Keep them in the fridge and when your boobs fire up the milk-machine, making them hot and painful, you will seriously appreciate the cooling and calming wonders of this product.
Maternity sanitary pads
Not required for breast feeding. The surfboard kind. There huuuuuge. You will be surprised, I certainly was. But with any luck you wont need them for long.
Giant black cotton undies
Get a larger size than you would think (cause the enormous maternity sanitary pads are so freaking huuuuge) and ones with a wide waistband so its not digging in right at your uterus (or c-seciton line). You're going to chuck these out soon after you get home anyways, but please trust me that big, loose, breathable black undies are a good idea for the first few days after baby arrives.
Loose, comfy clothes
The kind you can wear for the car-ride home. Anything soft around your tummy is good. Also, patterns will hide any leaky boob accidents mentioned above. Trust me, I learnt this the hard way lol.
Toiletries
The same ones you used to pack for the girls weekend away, but minus the perfume and makeup. So... I guess more like the kind you packed for a weekend at your grandparents when you were 8. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, lip balm, hand cream etc. will do. You're a basic bitch now but it's glorious.
A book or magazine
Yes you will spend lots of time snuggling your baby and talking with nurses and visitors, but you will likely also have some quiet time as well. If youre not ready for sleep, then some screen-free entertainment can be nice too.
Snacks
I mean, it's come along way, and generally these days, hospital food is not BAD, but it is also not getting a Michelin star any time soon. So unless you want to be solely fed by the hospital kitchen and vending machines, its a good idea to pack a few muesli bars, cheese/cracker kits or a pack of biscuits to snack on in between meals. Major bonus points for any visitors that bring you sushi, cold meats and soft cheese!
Eye mask and ear-plugs or headphones
Hospitals can be noisy, stimulating places, especially if you are sharing a room. In case you need to catch some sleep when other new mums have visitors, or if you want to watch the Barbie movie uninterrupted, an eye mask and some headphones can make your stay that little bit more relaxing.
FOR BABY
After the long list above, this one is pretty simple. All they need are some clothes, and keep it simple with comfy jumpsuits, beanies and wraps. Booties and mittens are unlikely to be needed while your newborn baby is wrapped up snug as a little bug.
What about nappies and wipes? Well depending on the hospital, you may not require them as these can be provided, but it can be safe to pack some just in case - especially at public hospitals.
DON'T BOTHER PACKING
Perfume
Hair curler
Makeup
Anything you need to give long-term attention (toddlers, dogs, tamagotchi...)
Perfume
Babies love to be able to smell their parents so strong scents of perfume, body sprays, cigarettes or other smells can be overwhelming to their new little nostrils.
Hair curler and Makeup
I mean, if you want to, then go for it. But despite your best efforts, hospitals aren't known for being photogenic places with flattering light. Also, between the nurses and your immediate family, no one really cares if you're not looking instagram ready to meet them. Actually, they're all more interested in your new baby anways, so just chill at the hopsital and get your hair and make up ready for your newborn photoshoot with Family Photography by Natarsha March when your baby is around 2 weeks old!
Attention-Sucking Stuff I took a knitting project I had just started. Yep, that was a pretty good sign I was a first-time-mum.
It feels like you will have so much spare time sitting in a hospital bed with nothing to do, but somehow a newborn baby takes up an insane amount of time. It won't make sense until they are in your arms, but you can literally just stare at them for hours on end. Watching little facial expressions change and just .. loving your new baby. You won't want any distractions from this special and precious time.
And just to prove how much I love a list, I have also aded a bonus one of things to organise in your home before baby arrives. Some fo it is fun - like setting up the nursery - and some of it is mundane but important - like the paperwork.
Remember, your labour bag is not just about essentials, it's about making you feel at home during this significant life event.
Whether it's the comfort of your favourite pjs, the familiar scent of your toiletries, or the joy of having your go-to snacks, these small touches can make a world of difference to your hospital stay.
So, pack with care, embrace the anticipation, and get ready to welcome the newest member of your family with open arms.
Wishing you a smooth and joyful birthing experience!
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER BRISBANE | NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER BRISBANE
