Maternity Bag: what to bring to the Hospital

Preparing the maternity bag is a concern for many pregnant women. Some like to prepare their maternity bag in advance, others leave this task until the end of the pregnancy. Thinking about the maternity bag is often a sensitive moment for future mothers. When doubts arise, it is common to seek support to prepare your maternity bag.

Even if you are planning a home birth, it is recommended to have a maternity bag prepared in case there is a need for hospital transfer. We can call it a birth bag instead, if you don’t like the term “maternity bag”. We got you!

Having a maternity list helps you prepare everything calmly. So, being steps ahead helps you not to forget what is important to bring. Get inspired by our advice, so you feel comfortable.

How to prepare your maternity bag?
Prepare your maternity bag in advance

If you take care of everything and pack your maternity bag in advance, you won’t forget anything. Last-minute items can be placed on a visible list, which you can stick on your fridge or wall. For example, if you have to leave food for your cat, bring fresh fruit or charge your cell phone. It is important that the maternity bag is small and practical.

Start by making your maternity list

We can help you with a maternity checklist. However, the ideal starting point is to make a list of what is really relevant to you.

Prepare your baby’s clothes in advance

How to choose clothes for your baby? Ideally, the baby’s clothes should be made of cotton, wool or linen, soft, without elastic and easy to wear. Wash beforehand with neutral detergent and remove all labels.

What to pack in your maternity bag

For you:

  • Sleepshirts or pajamas with an opening at the front to facilitate breastfeeding (the sleepshirt facilitates medical observation, so you don’t have the hassle of taking off your pants);
  • Bedroom slippers and bath slippers;
  • Underpants (normal or disposable, if you opt for sanitary pads)
  • Sanitary pads (if you choose disposable ones, organic cotton ones are preferable to protect your skin)
  • Alternatively, period underwear or adult diapers, whatever is comfortable for you
  • Bras that facilitate breastfeeding;
  • Personal hygiene items of your choice;
  • 1 Robe, if it is something that brings you comfort;
  • Cream and protective discs (disposable or reusable) for the nipples (optional);
  • Medicines you usually take;
  • Foods that give you energy (Naoli tea);
  • Bag for dirty clothes;
  • Cell phone charger;
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes for the day of discharge.

For Pain Relief

  • Pilates ball or peanut ball;
  • Essential oils and massage oil;
  • Speaker and playlist;
  • Rebozo for massage;
  • Your doula. 🙂

For the baby

  • 4 interior bodies;
  • 4 sets of outerwear;
  • 4 Knitted Jackets (if the season so requires);
  • 4 Pairs of socks (boots are a cute option, but they come off more easily);

Many pregnant women like to separate their baby’s changes of clothes into bags, identifying the day they are intended for (1st day, 2nd day…), each containing the pieces needed for a complete change.

  • 1 Hat;
  • 1 blanket to snuggle the baby;
  • Disposable or reusable diapers, depending on your option;
  • Cloth diapers;
  • 1 cardboard file;
  • Elastic cloth or ring sling (optional, but can be very useful);
  • Transport chair approved for the car.

You should consider an average stay of 2 days for a natural birth and 3 days for a cesarean section.

For the birth companion

The companion must think about what will they need during the birth, as well as the overnight stay, if the hospital allows rooming-in.

  • Foods to maintain energy during childbirth;
  • Changes of clothes (having a shirt so you can open it and go skin-to-skin with the baby after birth can be a comfortable option);
  • Personal hygiene goods;
  • Cell phone charger, camera/cell phone;
  • BRAIN (To talk to health professionals, the birth guardian can ask about Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, what does Intuition say, and what if nothing is done?).

Documents to carry in your maternity bag

The documents you should carry in your maternity bag are:

  • Pregnant health bulletin;
  • Analyses, ultrasounds and other exams that you have carried out throughout your pregnancy;
  • Health subsystem or health insurance beneficiary card (if applicable);
  • Citizen Card (Identification number, Taxpayer number and Social Security number) or passport.

 

What do hospitals in the Lisbon area ask for?

Here you can find some hospital maternity lists:

Hospital Garcia de Orta – Visita virtual à Maternidade

Hospital de Cascais – O que trazer para a Maternidade?

Hospital São Francisco de Xavier – O que trazer para a Maternidade?

Hospital da Luz – Guia de Acolhimento para a Maternidade

Hospital dos Lusíadas – Mala de Maternidade: o que levar?

Once everything is prepared, you can leave your suitcase at the door (or even carry it in the car, for those who like to be really careful). Happy preparations!