Packing a Bag for Hospital

A special list for special circumstances…

What to pack for a stillbirth or TFMR

After receiving a poor diagnosis the following days and weeks and filled with questions, tears and turmoil. The last thing on your mind is probably what to pack in your hospital bag.

While the hospital or a quick google search can give you a list of what to pack, this does not include special items you might want to bring for your baby. Most parents receive their poor diagnosis in the second trimester, when they have not even considered what they might need to bring to hospital, especially if it is their first baby.

Essentials:

  • Phone and charger

  • Wallet and coins for parking/vending machine

  • Prescribed medications

  • Medical notes (if these have not been sent on by the hospital)

  • Passport if traveling

  • If your phone camera isn’t working, bring a camera that does or ask the midwives about photography available in the hospital

For you:

  • Nightdresses (for delivery) and comfy PJs

  • Loose clothes like tracksuits, leggings and hoodies (nothing tight at the waist)

  • Comfy cosy socks

  • Slippers or flip flops

  • Dressing gown

  • A good few pairs of knickers (big enough for maternity pads)

  • Comfy/non-wired bras

  • Clothes to wear on journey home

    (If you are traveling abroad, consider what will be comfy to wear on the long journey home)

Toiletries:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Face wipes/cleanser

  • Shower gel & shampoo

  • Moisturiser

  • Hair brush and hair ties

  • Deodorant

  • Breast pads

  • Maternity pads/sanitary towels

For baby:

  • Set of clothes and hat (if your baby is very small, the hospital should be able to provide tiny knitted clothes. Don’t focus too much on size, it’s ok if the clothes are too big)

  • Toy or precious object to put with your baby and to be in photos

  • Blanket you would like to take home

  • A book you might want to read to your baby

  • Music you might want to play to them

  • If you have other children, any gift or memento they might want to give to their sibling and take photos with

  • Additional toy and blanket to stay with your baby if desired

  • Memory making items you like (additional handprint kits, a container for a lock of hair. These items might be included in your memory box)

  • Plastic bag to protect items on the way home

  • If you are traveling from abroad, additional bag/blanket for bringing your baby home if needed

  • Any night light/battery operated candles you might like (the hospital may have these)

    The hospital will provide you with a memory box which should contain teddies and a blanket

Comfort items:

  • Headphones (especially if you are having you baby in Ireland as the hospitals are noisy)

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Your favourite snacks

  • Book/magazine/tablet

  • Your own pillow (especially if traveling by car)

  • Large, refillable water bottle

  • Any comfort items you want to bring

If your baby will be born alive and will survive for some time, ask the midwives what special items they might need for comfort