This is something that was on my mind a lot when I was pregnant. What to put in my maternity suitcase? Personally, I had a hard time finding a satisfactory answer. The midwives referred me to the booklets and the booklets were anything but clear on the subject. On the internet, I found mostly sites and lists sponsored by brands and very far from being green or zero waste. So I thought I’d share with you the one I made after a lot of information gathering.
For you:
- 1 nursing pillow: For me, this is the first thing to buy when you get pregnant. It was the reason I was able to sleep through my pregnancy. Even if you choose not to breastfeed, get it! It will help you sleep well and hold your baby for a long time without getting tired.
- 1 large nightgown or 1 very large t-shirt: a delivery can last a very long time. Mine, for example, lasted 2 days and a half. During this time, we will come and check the dilation of your cervix very regularly. As a result, you will have to take off your pants regularly while you have the mobility of a whale stranded on the sand. So, I advise you to take a loose fitting garment without stockings.
- A mister: You’re going to be doing a lot of physical exertion in a warm room for baby’s arrival. Believe me, it feels really good to be able to cool down
- Apple or grape juice: During the epidural, you will not be allowed to eat. Since it can last a long time, it’s really nice to be able to drink a little sugar. Grapes and apples were the only juices allowed when I gave birth because they don’t have pulp, but maybe that has changed.
- a night light: hospital lights are very aggressive. Turning them on while baby is sleeping to go pee is the best way to wake him up. Plus, it makes the place warmer.
- phone charger and extension cord: sometimes the plugs are far away…
- something to take your mind off things: whether it’s a book, a series or something else, take something to occupy your mind. Childbirth can be long and stressful, it’s good to think about something else
- Something good to eat: after so much effort and emotion, eating something you enjoy is a real comfort, especially since during pregnancy you can’t eat what you want. This is not the time to start your diet!
- Change: as mentioned above, food can be a real morale booster. Maternity wards have snack machines but many are coin operated… Don’t forget that hospital food…it’s often not enough and not very good.
- 2 jogging suit or baggy pants: After giving birth you will have to wear huge sanitary napkins and you will always have a big belly afterwards. So really, I don’t recommend tight pants.
- A sweater or a vest: in case of cold, take something with a zipper because whether you are breastfeeding or not, you will have your baby stuck to you and your skin and if it opens in two it is much easier.
- 2 tank tops or t-shirts: for breastfeeding, I recommend tank tops. It’s really easier to take off quickly.
- 1 bra for breastfeeding or not.
- Slippers or flip-flops: so you can walk around your room. Personally, I chose flip-flops and I don’t regret it. It was very hot in the room and it felt good to have my feet in the air.
- Shorts: because it’s really hot in a maternity ward
- 1 bath towel
- 1 toiletry kit: with a toothbrush and toothpaste. I recommend our article how to get rid of plastic in the bathroom to make your choice zero-waste. You also need special pregnant soap that is compatible with baby because it should not be in contact with chemicals every time it is against you. And especially without smell. It is very important that baby smells your scent. It is animal that will reassure it. A moisturizing oil for the body compatible with baby and without odor, I took deodorized organic olive oil edible. It is very moisturizing and there is no risk of allergies like with oils from nuts. As always, if in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the nursing staff for a hairbrush, some makeup if you feel like it and rubber bands.
- Nipple cream, anti-crevasse: For moms who want to breastfeed, I strongly recommend this kind of cream. At the beginning breastfeeding can hurt very quickly while you find your rhythm and your preferred positions. It is better to have some if you need it. When I gave birth, only Lansinoh worked, the rest was not so good and I didn’t find an alternative without risks for baby but there may be new products.
- 1 roll of toilet paper: I know, it sounds weird but believe me you will thank me. Usually in hospitals, toilet paper is the cheapest. So if you don’t want to wipe yourself with sandpaper, I’m not exaggerating, bring your own.
- 1 notebook and a pen: There will be a lot of information for you and baby to remember. Don’t take the risk of forgetting something.
- Your medical file: It’s good to have a paper version to take with you, you can always need it.
For the baby:
- Diapers: Many maternity hospitals provide them but not all of them and not necessarily eco-friendly. Normally, I would recommend cloth diapers but frankly it’s so exhausting during childbirth that I don’t recommend adding that to your diet. The first days, it’s 8 to 10 diapers a day…
- A bag with a complete change for baby: inside you put 1 bodysuit, 1 pyjama, 1 hat, socks, 1 sleeping bag, everything your baby will need once he is out of your “belly”. You put in a bag. This is for the midwives during the delivery so that when they ask you for your baby’s things, you don’t have to look for them, everything will already be ready.
- 4 onesies: 1 baby it stains
- 3 pyjamas
- 2 sleeping bags: so that in case of accidents you can change him. It’s important to have sleeping bags because babies undergo a big change in temperature when they come out. You have to keep them warm.
- Slippers or socks: personally I prefer slippers because they are less useful than socks and easier to put on.
- 1 cap
- 2 bath towels: I advise you the special baby towels that look like Jedi capes, it’s practical. 1 for the bath and 1 for the change.
- Diapers: it’s very practical to wipe everything. The main thing is that they are made of natural materials. We had sewn them in an old cotton pants. In zero waste mode.
- Toilet bag: with special baby soap, a nail file or a nail clipper but I recommend you the file it is much easier at the beginning and less risky. A little saline because it always helps.
- Disposable wipes: I admit I’m not for it and at home we use washable wipes but if there is a day when you need to have them it’s this one. It’s useful for everything, for a vomit, for a leak, for you and it’s reassuring to know that you have some. On the other hand, I advise you to take some with the least possible ingredients in order to limit the chemicals.
So that’s what I packed in my maternity suitcase. I hope it will help you with yours. Don’t forget that this is your maternity suitcase and that you put what you want in it. Relax and rest, don’t forget that childbirth is only the beginning of the marathon. Do not hesitate to talk about your fears to the nursing staff. They are used to it and they are there for that. It often helps. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them in comments or on Insta or Tiktok. Don’t forget to like and subscribe. See you soon.
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