What to pack in your Hospital Bag (for Labour)

So...it's Week 35,  do you have your Hospital Bag ready?

It's best to pack 2 bags; Mom Bag & Baby Bag. Make sure everyone around the house knows where these bags are kept and label them if you need to. 

On the left is a Baby Backpack and on the right is a trolley bag

If like me you are going to Government Clinic (Klinik Kesihatan) and will be delivering in the Government Hospital, remember to have your 'pink book' in your handbag at all times. With this 'pink book' with you, should you need urgent attention you can go to any nearest Government Hospital.

For a new mom, packing these bags can be quite daunting. Here I will share with you what I've decided to put in my Hospital Bags.

Mom Bag - Stuff in my Trolley Bag

Mom Bag

1. Beach Towel

2. Long long looooong Pads

Look for the 40cm long ones. I prefer these compared to 'Maternity Pads'

3. Nursing Bra x 2

These clasps make it easy to snap off anytime and breastfeed. Just don't buy too many as your breast will still grow (OMG What?) after your milk comes in after day 3 or 5.

4. Disposable Underwear x 2 packs

I like these particular one from Guardian that feels like normal underwear. It doesn't feel like paper or plastic... its sensible to leave your normal (sexy or aunty) undies at home seriously..it could get messy.

5. Vaseline (for dry lips)

6. Nipple Butter

Be prepared for sore nipples. This my first time trying this brand - Earth Mama Angel Baby. Last time I used Palmers Nursing Butter, it was great but I can't find it anywhere

7. Disposable Nursing Pads

Once you go home you can use the Washable Reusable ones. I suggest disposable for Hospital

8. Toothbrush & Toothpaste

9. Miniature Toiletries

Shower Cap, Moisturizer, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Mouthwash

10. Baggy T-shirt / Maternity T-shirt / Nursing Blouse / Nursing Dress

For breastfeeding moms I suggest Baggy T-shirts instead of button down shirts. From experience you reveal more of your breast with a button down shirt then a Baggy T-shirt. Use your imagination and you will understand this logic. Even better if you have nursing blouses or a nursing dress to wear.

11. Sarong

Comfortable and easy to remove. 

12. Maxi Maternity Skirt 

Hospitals are cold plus more comfortable covering legs on the wheel chair ride. Yeah, I remember riding on the wheel chair from my ward to the car pick up. This is for big hospitals I guess.

13. Slippers

14. Warm toastie socks

15. Hoodie / Warm Jacket

When packing clothes for yourself, remember that you will only need them when you are leaving the ward as once you get checked in you will be handed those lovely, adorable (horrible but comfortable) hospital blouses and sarong to wear so don't pack like going for a vacay!

Additional Items that I will be packing later:
1. Loo Roll
2. Go Girl
3. Make Up (yeah right..but just bring it)
4. Hair Tie
5. Handphone & charger
6. Camera with charged batteries
7. Tab / Laptop with some movies
8. Stress Ball (last time I kept throwing it around the room during labour and my husband had to keep bringing it back to me lol)

Baby Bag

1. Swaddle Cloth x 3

I recommend you get ones that look like huge nappies from Aden & Anais. They are very versatile and can be used as swaddle cloth, nursing cover, blanket, mattress protector...

2. Newborn Diapers

You would probably need more if you have to stay over at the Hospital. Just pack some in the bag and rest can be put in the car.

3. Receiving Clothes

The first top that baby will wear. The top should be front opening as opposed to a t-shirt that you put through the head as baby's head & neck is still floppy. I would also recommend the tie string type as it overlaps the chest and provides baby with more warmth.

4. Square Hand Towels

For baby burp, wipe spills, wipe baby ...many uses

5. Wet Wipes

6. Baby Beanie Hat

7. Mittens & Booties 

8. Spare Clothes 

Just in case the stay is longer

9. Diaper Rash Ointment

Other items not in this list:
1. Baby Bath
2. Towel

When you are wheeled in to labour, your husband or birth partner may need to bring along the Baby's first clothes, newborn diaper and swaddle cloth / receiving blanket. I've neatly packed it separately to avoid and chaotic situation (I'm not dramatizing it okay..can you imagine your hubby digging your bag looking for matching baby stuff and asking you while you are having intense labor cramps?). 

Oh just a small rectangle Swaddle

Tadaaaa - together with Baby's First Outfit and Diaper

One last thing to ensure is your car is fitted with an Infant Car Seat (Group 0) for the ride home. Of all the things to scrooge on, a car sear is definitely not one of them. The Infant Car Seat can be used till the baby is about 10kg (depending on model), after that you can get a Group 1 seat which can be used up to 18kg. There are many kind of seats, do your research and get what is suitable for your budget and lifestyle. Some Group 0 seats triple up as a baby carrier as well as can be fixed on to a pram. There are also some convertible seats from Group 0 to Group 1.

Baby Suryanh at 3 days old in his Group 0 seat. At this stage it needs to be rear facing.

Hope this helps especially for new mamas out there. All the best on your delivery.