The Real Mum’s Guide to Your Hospital Bag

by Hampshire Maternity & Newborn Photographer, Evie Winter

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you know I love to share a poll on Instagram. Recently I asked my followers to share with my their top tips for the best items to put in your maternity hospital bag and they were kind enough to share some of their suggestions.

My Hospital Bag

When I was expecting my first baby I spent lots of time researching on the internet for stuff like this, but it was speaking to the real women and reading opinions from real mothers and not just anonymous articles online that really influenced my hospital bag choices.
So here for you, from a bunch of real Mothers who have already been there - these are their top tips for what should go in your Maternity Hospital Bag…

“Big pants, water bottle, magazines, nipple cream”
“Big pants”“Diapers for ME”“Tena lady pants for afterwards. Life savers”
“Snacks, night shirts, shampoo, huge knickers, breathable pants, comfy trousers, charger”
“Drinks with straws for during labour, my first was 23 and a half hours long!”
“Brownies”
“Phone charger”
“Jaffa cakes”
“Prunes / dried fruit to help that first bowel motion not require any effort”“Make up bag! Sounds silly but made a huge difference to how I felt - also, people take photos!”“Big granny pants in case you end up with a c-section”“Big fat pads! Fatter the better for the cushioning”
“Hair ties/ bands/ bobbles”
“Lip balm”
“Jaffa cakes” (Yup, 2 ppl suggested it independently. No, Jaffa cakes didn’t sponsor this)“Comfiest joggers to wear post delivery and home. Sugary drinks and water bottle, hair tie”.

Pregnancy / Newborn Photoshoot Winchester by photographer Evie Winter

On a personal note, I agree particularly with the Tena lady pads suggestion. I had an unexpected spinal block and ventouse as well as a third degree tear, when giving birth to my first child which led to me being incontinent for a few weeks. Having the Tena pads helped give me dignity and freedom in going home and leaving the house with a newborn.

What were you glad you put in your hospital bag? Did you forget anything? I’d love to know, join the conversation over on Facebook.
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