I pack extra nappies, wipes, clothes for me and clothes for baby in a dresser drawer so when I need anything extra while in hopaital I have it in one easy spot. Plus I judge myself less for feeling like I have overpacked.
A couple of must haves for me:
– Hydrogel discs that i put in my hospital room freezer
– laundry bag to send clothes home
– maternity sanitary items
– phone charger and extension cord
– change for my hubby
– nappy bags
Not necessary: breast pump (lactation consultant said it was too early to use) and sanitiser (they did that)

My advise is to pack smaller baby clothes than you expect. Socks, comfy clothes and a good book. (When I had my second son, who was a great sleeper – I enjoyed some time to just relax and read.)

This is going to sound super weird but, socks were my saving grace when I was in hospital! So maybe some socks or slippers? Also some snacks that you like. Don’t forget the wipes! Or nappies. Suits in different sizes are good too because your baby may come out smaller / bigger than expected

Snacks are always a good thing, especially something sugary that will keep you going during the long hours. Clean clothes for you are good and maternity pads, comfortable sleep wear for you in case you need to stay over for any reason, phone charger, a good book or an iPad for entertainment. Plus all the usual things like clothes and nappies for bub, etc.

Always a phone charger and something to read. Bring something of your own loved food and maybe some herbal teas especially when you’re picky. I quite often find it too cold in the hospital and they do not always have enough blankets. I like to bring a warm enough pj’s or sweatpantz & top. Your own pillow can be good too, as some of the hospital pillows are uncomfy and of course some basic toiletries 🙂

Snacks!!

All the extra skincare etc i packed being a first time mum just went out the window and unused! You’ll be so exhausted for the most part and it’s the last thing you’ll do. I just made sure i packed extra nappies for the baby, just a few baby clothes, a few for myself to change and a good amount of pads and a simple face wash and moisturiser at best. You wont be staying in the hospital long enough to need a lot.

The best advice I can give you is take a jumper and some socks for yourself, hospitals get very cold and from experience the one thin blanket they give you is not enough. Also lots of snacks as you will get hungry and the hospital food is never that great. I also took some formula in case i was unable to breast feed.

Pack a few sweet snacks for you. I had overwhelming cravings the first day or two of breastfeeding! And take a shawl, something you can throw on and off easily. I found my temperature kept changing and taking something with sleeves on and off was a pain. A camera or phone is vital.

Postpartum undies (ie, an adult nappy. Not cute but so necessary). Portable speaker so you can play music during labour. Slippers that can accommodate very swollen feet. PJs that button down all the way if you plan to breast feed. Any snacks you’ll want either during or after labour (all I wanted was cut fruit during). Moisturiser and lip balm. I was only there one night so didn’t need too much

Gosh, I find it hard to even remember what I packed back then and what I did and didn’t need. Hospitals usually supply a lot of stuff so worth checking with them first . A phone charger is vital. Maybe a eye mask if the lights annoy you when trying to sleep.