What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a Vaginal Birth

24 th February 2021

3 min read

Pregnancy

Preparing for the arrival of your baby is incredibly exciting, but as the due date nears, one task that often raises questions is what to pack in your hospital bag. Whether it’s your first time or your fourth, having everything you need ready to go can make your labour, birth, and recovery more comfortable and stress-free.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

The NHS recommends having your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks of pregnancy, or sooner if you're expecting twins or have a high-risk pregnancy.

Keep the bag somewhere accessible, and if you have a birth partner, let them know where it is too. It's also helpful to pack a separate small bag for labour, and another for post-birth and baby essentials.

Essentials for You During Labour

Here’s what you’ll need to feel supported and as comfortable as possible during labour:

Birth plan and maternity notes
Long, loose, comfortable nightshirt or T-shirt
Lip balm (hospitals can be very dry)
Hair tie or headband
Socks or slippers
Dressing gown
Refillable water bottle
Your own pillow
Snacks and isotonic drinks (for energy during labour)
Phone and charger
TENS machine (if using)

For After Birth: Comfort and Recovery

You’ll want soft, supportive, and soothing items to help you rest, recover, and bond with your baby:

1. Maternity Pads

Bleeding after birth (lochia) is completely normal. Pack a few packs of thick, absorbent maternity pads.

2. Disposable or High-Waisted Cotton Pants

Comfortable underwear is a must—especially ones that hold maternity pads securely and won’t rub against your belly or stitches.

3. Perineal Care Products

If you have a vaginal tear or episiotomy, cooling and cleansing products can help ease discomfort. Here are a few of our favorites:

Lansinoh® Organic Post-Birth Relief Spray – provides gentle, plant-based cooling relief
Lansinoh® Post Birth Wash Bottle – helps you stay clean and comfortable after using the toilet
Lansinoh® Cold & Warm Post-Birth Relief Pads – reusable gel pads to help reduce swelling and soothe perineal pain

4. Breastfeeding Essentials

Even in the early days, having the right support can make all the difference if you choose to breastfeed.

Nursing bras or crop tops
Breast pads (you may leak a little even early on)
HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream for soothing sore nipples
Colostrum, if you have it (ask your midwife how this can be facilitated)

Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Cream – 100% natural and safe to use while breastfeeding

Lansinoh® Disposable Breast Pads – ultra-absorbent and discreet

Lansinoh® Washable Breast Pads – eco-friendly alternative to disposables

Clothing and Toiletries for You

2–3 sets of loose, comfortable clothes (including one to wear home)
Nursing pyjamas or button-down tops for easy feeding
Flip flops for the shower
Towel
Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush)
Face wipes or water spray
Lip balm and moisturiser
Glasses or contact lenses, if applicable
Eye mask and earplugs (hospitals can be noisy at night)

Essentials for Baby

Pack enough to cover at least 24–48 hours, in case you stay in longer than expected.

3–4 sleepsuits
3–4 vests
Newborn hat
Scratch mittens
A blanket (cellular blankets are best)
Muslin cloths
1–2 swaddles or baby wraps
Pack of nappies (around 24)
Cotton wool pads or reusable wipes for cleaning
Newborn car seat (leave in the car ready for discharge)

For Your Birth Partner

It’s a good idea for your birth partner to pack a few things too:

Comfortable clothes
Snacks and drinks
Phone charger
Toiletries (in case of an overnight stay)
Coins or contactless card for parking or vending machines
Pillow (hospital ones can be in short supply)
Camera or phone for photos

Midwife’s Top Tips

Pack two separate bags: one for labour, and one for post-birth and baby
Use Lansinoh’s maternity and postnatal recovery range to stay as comfortable as possible
Label baby’s clothes in sandwich bags (e.g. “first outfit”) for easy access
Keep a spare bag at home with extras in case your stay is longer than planned
Remember: you don’t need everything—just the things that help you feel prepared, supported, and calm

Packing your hospital bag is one of the last things you’ll do before meeting your baby, and it’s a lovely way to start focusing on the big day ahead. With the right mix of practical items and comfort-focused essentials, you’ll feel more in control and better able to focus on what matters most: your wellbeing and your baby’s safe arrival.

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About the Author – EMILY BUTTERWORTH

Midwife and IBCLC Lactation Consultant

Emily brings over 18 years of midwifery and feeding experience, having begun her midwifery journey at the University of the West of England, Bristol. After qualifying in 2008, she spent a decade working in London, gaining experience across all areas of maternity care.

During this time, she developed a particular interest in supporting people planning a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC), going on to establish a dedicated VBAC service. This initiative empowered women to make informed choices about their birth options following a caesarean. In 2012, her commitment was recognised with the Midwife of the Year Award at her hospital.

Her career then progressed into a specialist role in External Cephalic Version (ECV), a procedure typically performed by obstetricians to gently turn babies from breech to a head-down position in the later stages of pregnancy. She became one of the few midwives in the country offering this service independently, providing personalised care and information to parents exploring their options.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined the frontline effort at the Nightingale Hospital in London, supporting intensive care teams. Following the birth of her first child, she relocated and took up a role as a Community Midwife at Milton Keynes University Hospital, offering antenatal and postnatal care in the home, and supporting safe, informed home births.

After the arrival of her second child, she settled in Yorkshire, where her passion for breastfeeding support led her to train and qualify as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Since then, she has worked within the local community, supporting families with their feeding goals and delivering breastfeeding education in preparation for baby’s arrival.

In 2022, she accepted a new role in Leeds, where she launched and continues to lead the hospital’s first midwife-led ECV service, further championing person-centred care.

At Lansinoh, Emily plays a vital role in shaping educational content and supporting both internal teams and our community of parents.

If you have any questions along your journey, Lansinoh’s midwives are always here to help with the support and information you need, when you need it most.