Hospital bags-Yes! I said bags

Written By Juanita Knudsen

Yes..this sorta blogging has been done before- Hospital bags!

I have packed and repacked a hospital bag more times than I care to admit, so I’ve learnt a few things after having 4 kids!

To sum it up in short- keep It simple stupid.

There are 4 categories to remember for easy access and usage. The last thing you want in the birth suite is to rummage through the stuff you need after birth and babies stuff…. Oh! And!!! What’s that? Hubbys jumper?! No- It’s not practical- it will cause chaos! And your brith partner will have no clue!

So- simple stupid hospital bag categories?

  • birth suite bag

  • Overnight/ ward bag (this stays in the car)

  • Partners bag

  • Baby bag

I suggest investing in some travel luggage organisers! And before you start to think, “ oh gawd! Not another thing to purchase! This is a one time thing!”- I’ll stop you! Because your future self will thank you! Traveling with babies/ kids even if it’s overnight, these things are gold baby!

Using these compartment organisers will save you time, stress and help you breakdown what you need.

So let’s talk in detail. Birth suite bag. Yes, I’ll provide you with my list, but with this one, think

  • birth plan

  • What will make you the most comfortable,

  • what tools were discussed for labour/ pain relief

  • What would you like to have post birth after your wash down or shower

There isn’t much too it! And booking in for a birth planning session with me- we can fine tune those tools you might want.

My list for the birth suite

  • Birth plan

  • Phone charger

  • Toiletries (save the skin care and make up for later)

  • Comfy clothes to go home in

  • Nursing bra

  • Postpartum undies and pads

  • Water bottle but I’m pretty sure hospitals have water and cups so don’t stress if you forget this one. Electrolyte sachets are really good to have!

  • The tools and resources you might want, (Bluetooth speaker, TENs machine, essential oils ect).

  • Nappy or 2 for bubs

  • Shoes- I suggest waterproof ones- Hopefully you have worn shoes in so this doesn’t really need to be packed.

Simple stupid right?

Now for the overnight/ ward bag. This can stay in the car because you might not need it, but if you do- it’s easy to grab. This is usually packed with the idea of staying a couple nights. So, again- you won’t need the luxuries, but pack what makes you feel good! I did pack my foundation for my postpartum hospital stay. It makes me feel good and this period isn’t really about anyone else, so you do you! And I can’t stress enough! If you have forgotten something, don’t worry!! You can purchase stuff or get someone to run you in something.

My list for the overnight bag:

  • comfy, loose, breastfeeding friendly clothes!

  • Nursing bras- I packed 2

  • Postpartum undies - I suggest 5 pairs

  • Postpartum pads - 1 pack at least. You can always get more if needed.

  • Breast pads

  • Toiletries

  • Any other personal items you think you will need

Partners stuff:

  • thongs/ slides- again waterproof

  • Change of clothes

  • Snacks and/or water bottle

  • Phone charger

Let them pack this! After all, you have enough to do.

Now for the party that will make your ovaries explode! The baby bag! I absolutely loved this part! Looking at all the clothes that I bought, visualising meeting my baby, imagining the smell, their warmth! I get the warm and fuzzies just writing about it.

My baby bag list:

  • 4 all in one suits

  • 4 base layers

  • Wipes

  • Nappies

  • 2 wraps

  • Beanie

Again it’s so simple! It’s literally, that easy! Don’t get caught up in what other people suggest or what your friends packed. You do you! This is about you! Don’t over think it! Keep it simple stupid.

Let me know your thoughts and send me a DM on insta or FB, I would love to hear from you.

Juanita Knudsen
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