We have all seen the essential hospital bag checklists but no maternity bag list of necessities would be complete without with a few special things that mums would REALLY like to help them keep sane.
Hypnobirthing music – If you are planning a relaxing hypno birth then your relaxation music is a must. It will include all those triggers that you need to get yourself into a calm and relaxed state to welcome the new arrival of your baby.
A sweet treat – Usually after birth you are given a cup of tea and some toast, so get some chocolate or your favourite treat to reward yourself for all your hard work after labour!
Notebook – A personally created notebook for writing important things down like times of feeds, or just for the general information that nurses and midwives share with you. It will not only be useful but will in later years become a treasured item. Pen and paper may become essential if you need to produce lists for bewildered family members, for all the things that you didn’t think you would need.
Fairy lights – white Christmas lights, or stand alone baby nightlights, can turn out to be your favourite thing. Hospital lights can be very harsh. If it is possible to turn them off you may benefit from using the ambient light from your lights making everything more peaceful and dreamy – perfect for that first nights sleep!
A picture perfect pack – Happy mum and baby photos are an inevitable must. A travel hair brush, dry shampoo and a shiny lip balm can help any new mum to her feel more human for when guests arrive. Hair ties can also help after being in a hospital bed for hours, so moms can tie away the mess. There is no better feeling like waking up the next day as a new mother, then showering, and putting on some easy makeup to get ready for doting guests.
Special siblings – If it is not your first baby then it might be a nice idea to pack a present for the new baby to give their older brother or sister. It is a bonding experience if your children are going to meet in the hospital for the first time, it is easier to pack something nice before the birth than have someone else rush around afterwards for you.
New mum memory makers – You will most likely not feel up to savouring the memories of the birth, but later on you may wish that you (or your family around you), have documented some of the experiences. Take chargers for the camera on your phone. A baby book can be started as you mean to go on.
Bespoke pain relief. – Alongside the hospital recommended pain relief , a hot water bottle can be a help to soothing a backache during contractions, and if has been personalised for you with a special cover, it can be surprisingly great for effective pain relief. Long BBQ tongs can also be a useful addition if you can fit them in your bag especially after a caesarean, as bending down to pick up things can be a painful task.
Essential oils – Witch hazel or lavender can be sprinkled on the maternity towels that new mums need as they can be used to help sooth and calm after the birth. Witch Hazel gel is extra useful for smearing on pads and can ease in soothing stitches and also be used for hormonal skin post birth. These can be teamed with IOU massage gift cards from caring partners.
Lastly, a do not disturb sign may be very useful in some shared hospital bathrooms!
Would you add anything to the list?