What to bring to hospital for labour and birth
Pack things like toiletries and comfortable clothing, and essentials for pēpi, like baby clothes and wool or cotton blankets. Leave any valuables at home and bring an approved car seat for pēpi.
For your labour
Bring your support person or whānau and:
- lip balm
- massage oil
- warm socks
- a favourite pillow
- a good book or magazine
- food or drink for your support person
- energy snacks and drinks for you
- glucose tablets or honey
- travelling rug or blanket
- music of your choice on your own device
- phone
- toiletries (see list below)
- heat pack.
For your stay in hospital after labour
Consider packing these items for your stay in hospital.
- Day or night wear whatever is most comfortable for you.
- If you will be breastfeeding, clothes that open down the front or separate at the waist are recommended.
- A supportive breastfeeding bra.
- Bras and breast pads, underwear, jandals (for wearing in the showers).
- Nighties or pyjamas, lava lava, dressing gown, slippers.
- Soap and face cloth, toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Shampoo and comb or hairbrush.
- At least 3 packs of maternity sanitary pads.
- Deodorant.
- Pen (for completing babies feed chart).
- Your own mug or cup. Tea and milo are provided.
- Complementary remedies and your usual medicines.
For pēpi
Bring the following items for baby during your stay:
- all-in-one such as stretch and grows or nightgowns
- singlets
- woollen booties or socks
- woollen or cotton baby blankets
- woollen hat
- woollen jackets or cardigans
- optional: lightweight wrap.
Avoid polar fleece blankets as these can make baby sweat and to get cold.
For pēpi when leaving hospital
- Going-home clothes such as a woollen hat, all-in-one, woollen booties and jackets/cardigans. It is a good idea to make sure the clothes have legs if the car seat requires the strap to go between the legs.
- A blanket for the journey home.
- A car seat appropriate for your new baby. This is always required.