What You Need in Your Hospital Bag

Here’s a practical checklist of what to pack for your hospital bag, including essentials, optional extras, and what to bring on discharge day.

Hospital bag essentials

• Supportive bra if breastfeeding (avoid underwire bras)

• Colostrum silicon collector to express milk (for breastfeeding)

• Breast pads

• Maternity pads – at least 2 packs (not plastic backed). Have more at home which can be brought in.

• Comfortable, high waisted, large fitting underwear – approx 10 pairs

• 2 towels – preferably not new, ideally dark coloured

• Phone charger, note pad & pen

• Feeding pillow (if preferred)

• A packet of disposable nappies

• Cotton wool / baby wipes (suitable for newborn)

• Approx 5 vests

• Approx 5 babygrows

• Cardigan

• 2 small towels for bathing/changing

• Comfy nightie for labour (front opening is best)

• Light dressing gown

• Flip flops (for the shower)

• Comfortable slippers

• Warm socks

• Toiletries

• Face cloth

• Shower cap

• Bath towel

• Spare underwear (2 or 3 pairs)

• Ziplock bag with 2 nappies, babygrow, vest inside & wipes

• Colostrum in cooler bag/container (if harvesting)

• Snacks for you and support person

• Tens machine & spare batteries (if using)

• Change for parking or register through phone on www.parking.ie

Additional things you may like to bring (optional)

• Music / docking station / portable speaker

• Massage oils (e.g. lavender) / electric essential oil diffuser (if desired)

• Lip salve

• A copy of your birth preference

• Birth affirmations

• Labour / birthing comb

• Ear plugs & eye mask (if spending the night on antenatal ward)

• Hand held fan

• Winner Flow Breathing Device (if using)

Bring these on your day of discharge (baby going home)

• Approved car seat (for guidelines visit www.rsa.ie)

• Cardigan

• Warm outfit (depending on weather)

• Hat

• Blanket