Especially during your first pregnancy you'll be encouraged to pack a bag for hospital towards the end of your pregnancy; your midwife will helpfully ask "Have you packed your hospital bag yet?" The real question, though, is: what DOES go in to a hospital bag?
Everybody's approach to packing any bag is different and often personal. I pack really systematically, with a list, (there's a link to buy my checklist at the bottom of the page) but I think there's two ways to realistically pack a hospital bag: by person or by event.
To pack a bag for the hospital by person you need to consider every person; birthing person, birth partner and baby. The birthing person will need clothes, toiletries, snacks, a means of distraction or entertainment and a means of communication.
Clothes
Comfort is key for day and night wear. In case of catheter insertion I'd recommend both PJs and a night gown or oversized shirt. Hospitals can and do provide gowns if you'd prefer but PJs will be very difficult to wear with a catheter in situ.
In case of caesarean I'd recommend oversized, dark coloured, full briefs - these serve several purposes: the top of the underwear will be well clear of the surgical wound reducing potential irritation, they'll be great for keeping maternity pads in place but being a dark colour any bleeding or leaks from the wound dressing wouldn't leave obvious staining.
Supportive bras - whether breastfeeding or alternatively feeding I would recommend well fitting supportive bras. Feeding bras will support breasts and make for easy feeding access. Maternity or sports bras in the appropriate size will support postpartum breasts when you don't wish to/are unable to breastfeed. It may be helpful and comfortable to wear a bra at night whether you are breastfeeding or not. Changing bras often will help you feel comfortable and reduce the risks of nipple thrush.
Slippers are recommended in hospitals as the floors can be slippery and cold - you can either use disposable slippers, your slippers from home if you use them or slipper socks with anti slip/anti skid grippers on the soles. Disposable slippers are a little more robust that slipper socks and a little more resistant to spills or objects on the floor that may be uncomfortable to stand on. Disposable slippers can be put in the bin when you are packing to go home although the environmental impact of disposables can be concerning. If you use slippers at home and taking those slippers to and from the hospital is the most cost effective and environmentally sound idea.
Going home clothes - again comfort is key, layers to deal with postnatal hormonal temperature changes and the temperature difference you'll experience leaving the super warm maternity unit.
Toiletries
Maternity pads. Whatever type of birth you experience you will have some postnatal bleeding. It is advised, to reduce the risk of infection, to refrain from using tampons during the immediate postnatal bleeding or lochia bleeding. Therefore maternity pads are recommended. You can choose disposable or reusable pads. If you choose reusable pads you'll need some form of storage for used pads until they can be washed at your home. Some people use disposables for the realtively short hospital stay and switch to reusables once home.
Breast pads. Whether or not you breastfeed your body will produce breast milk due to hormonal changes following birth. Breast pads will absorb any milk leaking from your nipples. Again disposable or reusable pads are an option. A storage solution for used breast pads suring your hospital stay will need to be considered if you would prefer reusables.
Showers are available in hospitals so standard toiletries, enough for a couple of nights away, need to be packed. Consider either travel size versions of your favourites or decanting your home products into travel sized bottles you can buy online or in pharmacies and other stores. Remember that you may be sharing a space with others on an antenatal or postnatal ward so it may be worth thinking about avoiding strong scents or aerosols in case anyone has breathing issues or asthma.
Hospitals will provide towels however you may wish to bring your own. A towel from home may be larger and softer, a microfibre camping towel will pack down small but be absorbant and quick to dry. As with underwear it may be worth considering a dark coloured towel to reduce staining from bleeding.
Personal care items such as a hair brush and ties, ear plugs, an eye mask and any personal sleep aids or long term medications should also be packed. Medications must be discussed with your medical team in the hospital and recorded in your notes. Policies on medicines from home vary from NHS trust to NHS trust so speak to the medical team about where medicines should be stored during your admission.
Snacks
Special dietary needs can be catered to in hospitals however labour, birth and breastfeeding are all marathons so a few extra snacks can be a real bonus.
Snacks that are easy to store, and do not need refridgeration are most appropriate.
If you have a new baby snacks that are easy to eat with one hand are useful as you can still hold baby to meet their needs while you meet your needs.
A reusable water bottle can be refilled and is more difficult to spill than a cup of water. An empty water bottle is also reasonably light to add to any bag.
Consider isotonic sports drinks to support your body during labour and to keep you hydrated.
Remember you may be sharing a space with other people so it may be worth avoiding nuts in case anyone has severe allergies - just like on an aeroplane.
A means of distraction and a means of communication
A mobile phone ticks both of these boxes - don't forget the charger. Inevitabley the plug socket will be in an inconvienitent place and one of very few you'll find to use so it may be worth investing in a longer charging cable for your bag.
A crossword or sudoku puzzle book may be an inexpensive and useful addition your your packing. No major loss if it is misplaced or unused but maybe a useful distraction if avoiding the blue light of electronic devices at night times.
A digital or disposable camera may also be a consideration to capture those first moments a s a new family. It leaves your phone available for communication but still gives you a way of recording the newest member of the family and your transition to parenthood or further parenthood.
A birth partner needs similar considerations just on a smaller scale
Clothes
A change of clothes in case of a long time in the hospital or in case of any body fluids spills during labour and birth.
Toiletries
A toothbrush and deodorant will often be suffcient as birth partners are not permitted to use showers at the hospital.
Snacks
Your support will be key to the birthing person so it is important that you maintain your nutritional and fluid intake.
A means of distraction and a means of communication
Your phone (and charger) may be important especially if you are making your way to hospital with the birthing person in labour.
Your focus will obviously be the birthing person, but if they are sleeping you may wish to pack a quiet activity like a reading book or puzzle book.
Avoid excess electronics as there may not be safe places to store them in the hospital.
The baby will need to be kept warm, clean, fed and safe.
Clothes (WARM)
Pack spares - that first poo can be a mucky business and posseting is real.
Pack a soft cotton hat for the first 24 hours of baby's life to help maintain their temperature/reduce their heat loss through their head.
Vests and babygrows are the most practical options for new babies. Poppers are quick and easy - avoid styles with poppers on the reverse (they exisit, honestly). Styles with zippers can be super quick but the end of the zip can be uncomftable under baby's chin and if the baby grow is too big the zip may bulge.
Muslins are great all round tools; something to lie baby on, a breastfeeding cover, a burp cloth a swaddle, mopping up spilt water. Pack several.
Layers of clothes for the journey home from the hospital, and a special outfit if that's your desire.
A blanket or car seat cover for the journey if it's cold. Follow safety guidelines about appropriate clothes and blanke use with car seats.
Toiletries (CLEAN)
There's no need to give baby a bath in the hospital, so no real toiletries are necessary.
You could pack a natural oil such as sunflower oil or a baby safe moisturiser in case your baby develops dry skin after birth. Again this isn't necessary and the natural vernix that babies are born with can be rubbed in to their skin for moisturising and immune system benefits.
Cotton wool and water or baby wipes are essential for nappy changes and other baby skin care. Some baby wipes contain chemicals which may cause skin reactions. Wipes based on water and fruit extracts can be purchased and are proported to cause less skin issues. Reusable wipes, as with maternity and breast pads, are an option. A storage solution for used wipes is important to consider during any hospital stay.
Remember nappies - you may have an idea of baby's likely size based on previous babies but if you're unsure buy a small number of newborn nappies. If you plan to use washable nappies you'll need to take enough spares and a storage solution for used nappies while you're in hospital. Sometimes it's easier to use disposables in the hospital and make the switch to washables once you are home.
Feeding (FED)
If breastfeeding you need very little extra equipment - breast pads generally is it. If you struggle to breastfeed midwives, feeding coordinators, nursery nurses and peer supporters will be able to support and advise you.
If you are feeding in another way you will need to take all equiptment and supplies to the hospital with you. Ready to use infant formula in small bottles, sometimes called a starter pack, is available in supermarkets and pharmacies. It's the most convenient for short hospital stays where access to sterilising equipment may be limited, and the bottles are recyclable in most cases.
Safety (SAFE)
An appropriate car seat for the journey home from the hospital is a priority.
Making sure you are aware of safe sleep practices for babyis also key - for both hospital cots and sleep at home.
If you plan to pack by event I would urge you to consider three specific events or time frames: labour, birth and postnatal.
Labour
Consider tools that may be useful for managing labour at the hospital. TENS machines can be hired or bought before labour but generally aren't available at the hospital to use.
A comb or stress ball may be something that helps the birthing person focus away from the contractions. All small enough and easy to pack.
If you'd like to create a home from home birthing environment consider packing familiar favourites like pillow cases or comfort items such as blankets.
If you's like to use aromatherapy, you could pack oils to use. I advise seeking a consultation with a qualified aromatherapist before using any essential oils in pregnancy.
If you'd like to create a darker space that feels more private consider packing battery powered tealights or fairylights to give some soft light compared to the harsh overhead hospital lighting
If you'd like to access your own music for labour consider making a playlist in a music app of your choice and taking a battery powered bluetooth speaker or headphones to the hospital.
Peanut and yoga balls are often available in hospital settings.
Think about snacks - snacks that release energy slowly, refreshing fruits and drinks.
Birth
Think about special things you'd like to happen at the time of birth or special things you'd like to have around you at that time - a blanket to wrap over baby's towel for example.
Anything that may help you assume your favoured position for birth or repostion yourself during birth may be useful to pack - a yoga strap for example.
Are your birth preferences clear and easy to understand. Packing a copy of your preferences to communicate with your care team can be vital if you have specific requests.
Around the placenta and cord - what would you like to happen?
Do you want to use a personalised umbilical cord tie? It's important to discuss your plan with your medical team and make sure everyone knows your preferences and the location of the tie.
If you want to encapsulate or otherwise keep your placenta make sure you have the right tools on hand for storage and the contact details of anyone you need to contact if your placenta is being collected for processing.
Postnatal
Postnatally you'll be tired - pack things that comfort you and support your rest or sleep.
You'll also be hungry - pack your favourite snacks and treats.
You may wish to pack perineal care items for your postnatal recovery - a spray to soothe tender tissues.
Stool softner can also be a useful tool to have in your postnatal bag. In hospital they can be prescribed to you but if you have them and discuss their use with your care team you may be able to have more timely treatment and lessen any discomfort.
Soft shoes or slippers. Your feet may swell towards the end of pregnancy and that swelling takes some time to resolve so loose or soft footwear may be the best option to protect your feet without discomfort.
You may want to introduce something like a white noise machine or app to soothe baby postnatally but this is not an essential.
Frankly you COULD pack everything and the kitchen sink but I urge you pack carefully and wisely as there's not much space in a hospital room, and you don't want to carry things un-necessarily.
Have a look at the Healthy Opportunities Shop for hospital bag items or a complete grab bag to add your personal items to.