17/08/2025
****The Forgotten Hospital Bag Items, that are so useful****
The packing of the hospital bag is an exciting event. It's very hard to prepare for the unknown!!!! You will find lists of hospital bag items everywhere.
21 years as a Midwife, here are my 6 useful items that are often forgotten, and why they should be packed...
1. A SHOWER CAP, who wants to wash their hair in hospital. Absolutely wash your wounds, if you have any, and please dry them well, (infection loves moisture), but do you want to get out of the shower, ready to feed your baby with wet hair? Wash your hair before you go in, tie it up and have a lovely hair wash shower when you get home.
2. A SECOND PAIR OF SLIPPERS, one pair nearly always falls victim to waters, blood or are simply too big for your beautiful feet postnatally. Birthing is a glamorous business,###x
3. A LONG PHONE CHARGER CABLE, some sockets are high up, or in an awkward position and after birthing a baby, keeping things easy is really important.
4. EAR PLUGS, obviously these can't be used postnatally as you want to hear your baby, but they are so beneficial if you are admitted before your baby is born, called antenatally. If it's the night before an induction, or a planned section delivery, or even for observation, sleep is so important.
5. A NOTEBOOK AND PEN, I know I'm old fashioned, but you can learn so much from the experienced Mammies on the postnatal ward, and also from the midwives talking to other Mums. Also, writing down length, timing amount of baby's feeds ( breast or bottle), in the first few days, can really help. You think now you will remember, but as a Mammy trust me....write it all down!!!.
6. PLASTIC BAGS, so handy for sending dirty clothes home with your partner or family members. Some babies will keep a vest and grown clean all day, some babies will need a clean outfit after every feed. For day 1 we are all unique.
I really hope this helps,
Remember packing the hospital bag to have a baby is so special....how many times will we do it in our life?
Love...
Bridget The Midwife,###
