Hospital Bag Essentials

R350

Material Includes

  • Legal Documents – What paperwork you need to bring with you to the hospital.

  • Birth Plan – How to pack and communicate your preferences for labour and delivery.

  • Labour – Comfort items and essentials to support you during labour.

  • After Delivery – What you’ll need for recovery and postpartum care.

  • Baby – Everything your newborn will need while in hospital.

  • Going Home – Outfits, car seat, and items to make your transition home smooth and safe.

About this course:

As you enter the final stretch of your pregnancy, being prepared for your hospital stay can make a big difference in how calm and confident you feel. In this class, we’ll guide you through exactly what to pack in your hospital bag after 32 weeks of pregnancy. We’ll cover everything from essential legal documents and your birth plan, to what you’ll need during labour, after delivery, and for your baby. We’ll also look at what to pack for going home so you feel organised, supported, and ready for this important moment. Let’s make sure nothing important gets left behind!

What will you learn?

In this class, you’ll learn exactly what to pack in your hospital bag after 32 weeks of pregnancy, so you feel confident and well-prepared for your baby’s arrival. We’ll guide you through choosing the right legal documents to bring, how to prepare and present your birth plan, and what essentials will support you during labour. You’ll also learn what to pack for your own recovery after delivery, what your baby will need for the hospital stay, and how to get ready for a safe and smooth trip home. By the end of the session, you’ll know how to pack efficiently, avoid overpacking, and feel calm and ready for the big day.

Course Content

Legal Documents

We’ll go through all the important paperwork you’ll need to have ready for your hospital admission.

 

This includes:

  • Your ID or passport
  • Medical aid details or hospital registration forms
  • Antenatal clinic card or maternity notes
  • Any relevant referral letters or test results

Having these on hand will make the check-in process smoother and ensure your medical team has all the necessary information.

You’ll learn how to prepare a simple and clear birth plan that communicates your preferences for labour and delivery. We’ll discuss what to include, such as pain relief options, birth positions, who you want present, and how you wish to handle interventions or emergencies. You’ll also learn how to pack and present your birth plan in a way that is respectful and easy for staff to follow.

We’ll explore items that can bring comfort and support during labour. This includes clothing like a loose gown or nightie, socks, lip balm, snacks (if allowed), water bottle, massage oils, music playlists, and support tools like a birth ball or TENS machine. We’ll also cover how to pack these items accessibly and what to prioritise depending on your preferences and the hospital’s facilities.

You’ll learn what to pack to support your recovery in the hours and days following birth. This includes maternity pads, comfortable underwear, breastfeeding bras and nipple cream, toiletries, pyjamas, slippers, and anything else that helps you feel clean, rested, and cared for. We’ll also discuss how hospital stays vary and how to plan for both short and extended stays.

We’ll go over all the newborn essentials you’ll need, including vests, onesies, hats, nappies, blankets, wipes, and baby toiletries. You’ll also learn about any hospital-specific requirements for baby items (like specific clothing or product brands) and tips for packing according to the season and your baby’s size.

Finally, we’ll look at how to prepare for a safe and comfortable journey home. This includes packing weather-appropriate outfits for both you and your baby, ensuring the baby car seat is correctly installed, and having any comfort or support items ready for the trip. We’ll also discuss how to organise your bag for easy access to these going-home items.

R350

Material Includes

  • Legal Documents – What paperwork you need to bring with you to the hospital.

  • Birth Plan – How to pack and communicate your preferences for labour and delivery.

  • Labour – Comfort items and essentials to support you during labour.

  • After Delivery – What you’ll need for recovery and postpartum care.

  • Baby – Everything your newborn will need while in hospital.

  • Going Home – Outfits, car seat, and items to make your transition home smooth and safe.

A Little Bit
About Me

For over 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside women through pregnancy, birth, and those tender early months of motherhood. With a background in nursing and breastfeeding consultancy, my work has always been rooted in one simple belief: when women are supported, they thrive — and so do their babies.

Read more about birth

For over 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside women through pregnancy, birth, and those tender early months of motherhood. With a background in nursing and breastfeeding consultancy, my work has always been rooted in one simple belief: when women are supported, they thrive — and so do their babies.