What's in My Hospital Bag - Know What To Pack, From 'Must-Have' To 'Good to Have'

The Hollywood, Bollywood, and Hongkong TVB dramas always dramatise the labour process as we are shown how the pregnant women had to rush to the hospital whenever they have contractions or their water break. Truth is, contraction takes hours and our cervix will take hours to dilate to full 10cm to allow baby to make his/her way out. So in reality, it’s a lot less dramatic. 

However, that doesn’t mean you should only start packing your hospital on the day of labour. First of all, you will be in pain during those contractions and secondly, you would be too nervous that you may pack in a hurry and forgot some necessary items. Therefore, it’s always wise to make a list of items to pack and get them ready in advance. Of course, some items would be packed at the very last minute like your identification card, money and toothbrush for example. 

Ideally, you should have your hospital bag ready by around 36-37 weeks, just in case you go into labour before your due date. It’s a good idea to start thinking about what to pack as you enter your third trimester. Not sure where to start and what to pack? Here are some ideas, from my opinion of “must have” to “good to have”

What To Pack For Mommy

Think of yourself going for a hotel stay, except you are going to deliver a baby. Here’s what you need to pack: 

Must Have:

❶ Your identity card and medical records

This is a no-brainer but some people might forget packing these. Makes sure you bring along your identity card and medical records for registration purpose. If you are delivering in a government hospital like I did, and have been visiting KKIA (Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak), do bring along your pink book (also known as buku merah)

❷ Money for hospital deposit and other necessary expenses

Money is king everywhere we go, so make sure you bring some money with you, in case credit card is not accepted. In my case, I was opting for first class ward in government hospital and was required to pay RM800 deposit for that. Even if you are opting for third class ward, there’s no harm bringing some money with you in case you need it to get something from the vending machine. 

❸ Toiletries

Cleanser, moisturiser, shampoo (or dry shampoo), shower gel, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, hair ties, face wipes. Don’t forget these! Pushing your baby out is going to make you sweat and tired, so you will need to freshen up. Not to mention that you will be staying in the hospital for at least a night (for normal delivery) or up to days (for caesarean). 

❹ Mobile phone, powerbank and charger

How can we forget our mobile phone? You will need to contact your family and friends, snap photo of your baby or even to pass time or listen to music when waiting for labour. Make sure you also bring powerbank, charger and charging cable as well. 

❺ Maternity pads and disposable panties (or maternity panties)

If you water break, you will need to start wearing maternity pads immediately. Otherwise, you would be needing it after labour because of lochia (you know, the blood discharge from your vagina just like period). A normal (heavy flow type) sanitary pad can also be used if you are not getting maternity pads. Also bring along a few maternity panties or disposable panties as well. 

❻ Nursing bra (or maternity bra) and breast pads

Your milk may or may not kick in right after labour (some people takes a few days labour) but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wearing your nursing bra. In fact, I have been wearing them during my pregnancy as they are so comfortable. Otherwise, wear bra with no underwire as they are more comfortable. And pack along some breast pads while you are at that, in case your milk comes early and it leaks. 

❼ Socks and jacket (or sweater)

Hospital tends to be cold and when you are in labour, your feet get cold easily. So pack a pair or two socks. Also bring along a sweater or jacket in case it gets cold in the hospital. 

❽ Thermal flask and hot water

I brought a thermal flask with me filled with hot water before I head to the hospital. The Chinese believe that after labour and throughout confinement period, we shall drink only hot or warm water, and avoid any cold water or mineral water at all cost. After labour, you can refill the water in the flask with hot water from the hospital as well. 

❾ Going-home outfit

You will be wearing hospital gown during your stay but you will need to pack a set of clothes to be worn when you discharge. Don’t pack your skinny jeans and tight top just yet even if you miss them (it’s been 9 months and I understand the urge). You will still look like you are 5-6 months pregnant, so pack those you wear in your second trimesters. Make sure they are of comfortable material and not too tight in case you had a caesarean and it presses on your wound. 

Good To Have:

❶ Snacks

You may want to pack some snacks for the time you spend waiting to go into labour. You may get hungry as time passes and some favourite snacks may lift up you mood. 

❷ Comfortable clothes or robe

The hospital will provide you with hospital gown, but if you are feeling fancy, you can always bring your own robe or clothing to be worn. 

❸ Pillows

 Just like the above, sometimes bringing your own pillow could make you feel at home and more comfortable. If that makes you sleep better, than by all means go ahead and pack your pillow along. 

❹ Bath towel

Same as the above reason, anything that makes you comfortable, babe. The choice is yours. 

What To Pack for Baby

Done packing for yourself? Then you have to start to pack for you baby.

Must Have:

❶ Going-home outfit

While in the hospital, your baby would have everything he/she needs provided by the hospital. However, upon discharged, you would need to prepare a going-home outfit:

- One set of baby wear (newborn size)

- One set of baby wear (0-3 months size, as a spare in case your baby is bigger in size) – optional

- Mittens and booties (or socks)

- Hat

- Diaper

- Swaddle

❶ Diapers and wet wipes

As I delivered in government hospital, I was given a whole pack of diaper samples (about 8-10 pieces in total), however, do bring some of yours as well in case you ended up changing very frequently and you run out of the samples provided before you get discharged. If you plan to deliver in a private hospital, do check with them whether you need to bring your own diapers. 

Baby is placed in the same ward with mommy in government hospital and we are expected to change diapers on our own so bringing wet wipes is a must. Again, if you are going to deliver in private hospital, do check if the nurses there will be doing the diaper change for you. 

❷ Car seat

You don’t need this in your hospital bag, but you need to get this installed in your car. So before you husband, partner or family come to pick to you up from the hospital make sure they get the car seat installed. 

Good To Have:

❶ Towel and handkerchief

The hospital will most likely have these prepared but I find it useful to prepare a set of towel and handkerchief for your baby. After all, these items doesn’t take up much space. 

What To Pack for Daddy / Support Partner

I was one of those unfortunate mommy who delivered in a government hospital during RMCO, and therefore spouse (or any other person) was not allowed to accompany me during labour. However, for all of you lucky mommy out there who will be having a support person with you during labour, here’s an idea of what they should be packing. After all, labour may take hours and it’s important that they have all necessary items packed:

Must Have:

❶ Toiletries

Packing toiletries such as facial wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and deodorant is a must. After hours of waiting and supporting mommy, they do need to freshen up even if they are staying overnight in the hospital. 

❷ Mobile phone, powerbank and charger

In this era of mobile phone and internet, we can’t leave home without making sure we have them with us. And being in the hospital for hours? Make sure they bring their powerbank, charger and charging cable as well. Otherwise, they would be bored to death when their battery dies on them. 

❸ A change of clothes

Just like toiletries, bring a set of clothes to change! 

Good To Have:

❶ Snacks and drinks

Your partner won’t starve without packing some snacks but it good to pass time as he wait for hours in the ward with you. Having something to munch on, be it sweet or savoury can help kill the boredom and he/she can also offer some to mommy. 

❷ Entertainment

If they don’t have any entertainment stored and downloaded in their phone, it’s good to bring along book (or Kindle), iPad, laptop, headphones, etc to pass time. 

❸ Sleeping bag and pillow 

If daddy or support partner is staying overnight with mommy, consider bringing a lightweight sleeping bag and comfortable pillow, as you wouldn’t know if hospital provide these. 

❹ Camera or video recorder

Well, mobile phone these days can take very nice photo and videos but if your support partner has his own digital camera, or a video camera, he can bring those along to. 

Final Words

What I listed above is non-exhaustive and you can always add on to the list, depending on what you think would make you labour process and hospital stay comfortable. Just be sure to pack earlier (by week 36 or earlier) because you will never know when your little one decides to pop out. Pack what can be packed in advance and grab those last-minute essential items when it’s time to head to the hospital. 

To all the expecting mommies, wishing you a smooth delivery and a healthy baby (or babies)!