If you have a Type A personality, packing your hospital bag might bring major excitement and anticipation. However, if you're a first-time Mum, there's a good chance you're pretty overwhelmed.
I remember my packing list was as long as my arm; I bought and packed everything, then ended up only using half of it. But being over-prepared isn’t a bad idea since not everything always goes according to plan.
With hindsight in mind, we’ve put together this guide to streamline the process and maybe even make it enjoyable?
A Personal Lesson
Before diving into the list, let me share something I learned: investing in easy-to-wear postpartum outfits can make a world of difference. I packed black trackies, tights, and t-shirts—practical, yes, but I realised too late how much wearing something I actually like, is important to me. Looking and feeling fresh can help maintain a sense of self during this transformative time. (And let's just say, I wish I wasn’t in daggy trackies in all my baby’s first photos!)
Everyone's needs are different, whether it’s fresh hair, nails, or a good book—whatever helps you feel like yourself, is worth the effort! This goes beyond the hospital stay though, trust me, the clothes you choose will be your go-tos for months, if not years to come. A little extra effort now can lighten the mental load down the track. Wearing some pretty and practical outfits around the home not only makes you feel good, but makes it easier to step out for a walk or a coffee without a second thought.
Postpartum can be a time of redefining your style, especially when your pre-pregnancy jeans still don’t fit. Comfort, practicality, and personality in your wardrobe can bring the good vibes, but most importantly, can give you a sense of control during this season of transition.
So, now that I have hopefully convinced you to invest in you, lets dive into which specific items to pack.
What to Pack
For Mum
Clothing Essentials
- Comfy cotton dress (or two): Easier than pants for labour. Plus, they won’t irritate a Caesarean incision if you have one.
- Cotton pyjamas: Button-downs are convenient for breastfeeding, and what a time for pyjama core to be in. Cute sets can double as loungewear and transfer easy by adding bike shorts or a tee.
- Dressing gown: Hospitals can be cold, so bring something cosy.
- Slippers and your favourite comfy socks
- Cozy knit
- Black tights and/or tracksuit pants: Black is practical and easy to clean. I love a wide leg that gives a bit more structure, making them versatile enough to wear out.
- Nursing bras/tank tops: What a time to be breastfeeding. We are so lucky to have leak-proof options now. They are worth the investment, as you may experience leaks for up to 12 months (and breast pads can get so annoying).
- Going-home outfit: Yes, you probably already have baby's picked out but you might want something that matches your super woman ora as you leave the building.
- Comfortable underwear: High-waisted cotton is ideal for a Caesarean recovery (and if you're anything like me, become the granny panties you live in for longer than I care to mention).
- Period underwear: Again, so lucky to have these. Also worth the investment, as you can wear them when you start menstruating again.
- Baby carrier: Useful if you stay in the hospital for a while and want to walk down to get a coffee etc.
- Extra outfits: I would pack an outfit for every day you're in hospital, then throw in a few extras in case of milk spills and spews. Think drawstring pants/shorts, button down shirts, and loose dresses.
Toiletries
Now’s the time to keep skincare simple and organic for all the skin-to-skin contact, as well as hydrating as hospital air can be drying.
- Gentle cleanser & body wash
- Willow by the Sea Naked Cream: A nourishing all-in-one for face and body, safe for baby, too.
- Willow by the Sea Belly Butter or Oil: Great for postpartum skin recovery.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner &/or dry shampoo
- Hairbrush and a hair clip: Include a hair dryer or straightener if you prefer.
- Make-up (if you like): There's no shame in feeling your best.
- Organic face spritz: Refreshes and hydrates.
Postpartum Care
- Willow by the Sea Nipple Balm: Perfect for tender nipples and doubles as a lip balm.
- Peri bottle: or any spray bottle (highly recommend)
- Padsicles: You can also make these at home by freezing postpartum pads with water.
- Multivitamins and/or probiotics
- Coconut water or Electrolytes: For added hydration (yes you will probably need it).
- Breast pads: or leak-proof bras as aforementioned.
- Snacks with fibre: I also used Coloxyl and am glad I did, but speak with medical staff about this, I am sure they will have some.
- Nipple shields
For Baby
- Onesies
- Singlets
- Beanie and mittens
- Going-home outfit
- Swaddles (at least three)
- Going-home blanket
- Nappies and water wipes: Hospitals may provide these, but extras are helpful.
- Burp cloths
- Willow by the Sea Bottom Balm: Give them a tox-free start to life
- Colostrum in syringes (if using): Keep it cooled - I did not, and it all went to waste!
Extras for Comfort and Labour
Bring your creature comforts to make the hospital feel more like home.
- Your own pillow
- Nursing pillow
- Snacks (for you and your partner)
- Large water bottle with a straw
- Rescue remedy or flower essence: for overwhelm
- Charged speaker for your labour playlist
- Battery-operated candles for ambiance. I didn't use these but liked the idea of them.
- Phone and chargers
- Cosy blanket: surprisingly one of my most cherished items I took in.
- Breastfeeding tea: May help with milk supply? but regardless it tastes yummy and nourishing.
- Books or magazines
- Headphones for podcasts or meditations
For Documentation
- Phone or camera for photos: I didn't have a photographer, but I think its a nice idea and would strongly consider it for next time.
- Folder with essential medical paperwork
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Birth Plan: I personally felt a bit extra having a birth plan, but I’m so glad I did. Mine was super simple, but I’ve since learned that I tend to go inward during labour. Having my plan meant that my partner and midwives could advocate for me without needing much communication. For example, I had specified not to offer me pain relief—I would ask if I wanted it. They respected that, and I never asked.
There’s absolutely no shame in using pain relief; I was completely open to it. I was however fortunate to have a straightforward birth and didn't need it. But if they had offered, I probably would have taken it.
- TENS machine: I cannot recommend this highly enough. I was able to labour at home for a long period of time thanks to this. It just gave me a distraction and control over my contractions. It was an absolute game changer for me.
- Comfort items like essential oils or affirmations: Throughout my pregnancy I listened to positive birth affirmations, just on Spotify. When I went into labour, I put them on, and this helped me get into a good frame of mind.
- Placenta service (if you're considering it)
- Glasses (you won't be able to wear contacts in surgery)
Happy packing, and happy birthing! There’s so much to say about the beauty of childbirth—I found it incredibly empowering and loved the experience so much, but that’s a whole other blog post.
Contrary to the extensive list I just gave you (lol), remember, all your baby really needs, is you. Your support people can always run out to grab anything you forget and Hospitals have everything else you need, so don’t stress too much about overpacking. I promise, once baby arrives, the intense nesting emotions will subside!
Stay tuned for the next blog post as we go through how to prepare: beyond the hospital bag.
