---
title: "What I’m Packing Second Time Around: A Hospital Bag Checklist by Women’s Health Physiotherapist Anne Stone For Her Second Birth"
id: "4385"
type: "post"
slug: "what-im-packing-second-time-around-a-hospital-bag-checklist-by-womens-health-physiotherapist-anne-stone-for-her-second-birth"
published_at: "2025-01-28T08:08:18+00:00"
modified_at: "2025-01-28T08:08:18+00:00"
url: "https://www.allforone.com.au/what-im-packing-second-time-around-a-hospital-bag-checklist-by-womens-health-physiotherapist-anne-stone-for-her-second-birth/"
markdown_url: "https://www.allforone.com.au/what-im-packing-second-time-around-a-hospital-bag-checklist-by-womens-health-physiotherapist-anne-stone-for-her-second-birth.md"
excerpt: "What I’m Packing Second Time Around: A Hospital Bag Checklist by Women’s Health Physiotherapist Anne Stone For Her Second Birth As a women’s health physiotherapist and a mum, I thought I had my hospital bag perfectly sorted for the birth..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Women's Health Physiotherapy"
---

### **What I’m Packing Second Time Around: A Hospital Bag Checklist by Women’s Health Physiotherapist Anne Stone For Her Second Birth**

As a women’s health physiotherapist and a mum, I thought I had my hospital bag perfectly sorted for the birth of my daughter. But after experiencing a vaginal birth, there are a few things I wish I had included to make the experience smoother for myself, my baby, and my support person. Here’s a checklist of essentials for your hospital bag—refined by my own experience and professional expertise.

### **For the Car**

Labour can sometimes progress faster than expected, and having these items in the car can save you from unnecessary stress on the way to the hospital:

- **A large garbage bag to sit on and two clean old towels**: Useful for protecting car seats or cleaning up unexpected messes.
- **A container or bag for sickness**: Just in case of motion sickness or labour-related nausea.

### **For Your Support Person**

Your support person’s comfort and preparedness can make all the difference. Here’s what they should bring:

- 
  - **Substantial food**: Think sandwiches, protein-packed snacks, or meal replacements.

- **Movocol, hydralite and a large bottle of water:**Avoid birthing on a full bowel or bladder if possible. Stay hydrated and well nourished for energy but empty your bladder and bowel frequently.

- **Phone charger with an extra-long cord**: Essential for staying connected.
- **Wireless headphones** (for both) **or music speaker:** For privacy and distraction.
- **Board shorts**: Handy if they’ll join you in the shower or bath during labour.
- **A change of clothes and warm jumper**: Labour rooms can be cool, and fresh clothes make a big difference.
- **Closed-in shoes**: Necessary in case of an emergency trip to the operating theatre.
- **Cash**: For vending machines, parking, or small purchases.

### **For Labour and Birth**

Labour can be unpredictable, so pack items that support comfort, focus, and flexibility:

- **Antenatal record/card**: Crucial for your healthcare team.
- **A printout of your birth plan**: Share your preferences clearly.
- **Your wallet**: With your Medicare card or private health insurance details.
- **Nourishing body oil**: Perfect for massages during labour.
- **Pain relief tools**: TENS machine, birth comb, affirmation cards, and heat packs.
- **Comfortable labour clothes**: A loose nightie or oversized T-shirt.
- **Change of clothes for after birth**: Something soft, breathable, and easy to move in and won’t rest on your lower belly (think c-section incision and uterus cramps – make sure you wear high-wasted).
- **Toiletries**: Lip balm, toothbrush, deodorant, and anything that helps you feel fresh – the birth suite has lots of dry aircon so moisturise those lips.
- **Diffuser with essential oils**: Clary sage can be soothing (check hospital policies first ie. open flames such as candles are an absolute no-no with flammable gasses around).
- **Electric candles or fairy lights**: Add a gentle, relaxing glow to the room.
- **Massage tools**: A spikey ball or massage ball for counter-pressure.
- **Phone charger**: Labour can last a while, so ensure your device stays powered.
- **Maternity pads (x3 packets)**: Heavy-duty pads for postpartum bleeding.

### **For Baby**

Make sure your little one is cosy and cared for with these essentials:

- **Newborn nappies**: Pack at least 10 per day.
- **Baby wipes**: Gentle, fragrance-free and NO FOOD PROTEINS, especially honey. Babies can have negative reactions to honey in particular however any food protein that comes in contact with your baby’s skin can potentially increase the risk of the child developing food allergies – speak to your medical practitioner about this for more information.
- **Singlet suits**: Two per day for layering.
- **Onesies with zippers**: Look for long sleeves with turn-over mittens and feet (sizes 0000 and 00000).
- **Swaddles/wraps and a baby blanket**: For warmth and security.
- **A sterilised pacifier**: Optional, but handy if needed.
- **A steriliser:** UV steralisers are amazing these days!! We now have a small UV steraliser bag that we take everywhere with us.
- **An installed car seat**: Required for safe transport home.
- **Feeding equipment**: Milk (if antenatally expressed or formula), bottles, and pumping equipment to practice with early.

### **For Postpartum Recovery**

The postpartum period is all about healing and bonding, so pack items that promote comfort and recovery:

- **Perineal bottle**: For gentle cleansing.
- **Postpartum recovery garments**: Compression leggings, shorts, or Tubigrip to support abdominal muscles and healing.
- **Organic maternity pads or adult nappies**: Soft and absorbent for postpartum bleeding.
- **Cold packs**: Essential for perineal pain relief.
- **Nursing bras**: Comfortable and supportive.
- **Breast care items**: Warm and cool compresses, reusable breast pads, soothing nipple balm, and nipple shells or hydrogel discs.
- **Loose clothing**: Button-front tops for easy breastfeeding and high-waisted pants or underwear to avoid irritation around your lower belly.
- **Supplements and vitamins**: Continue taking those prescribed by your healthcare provider.

### **Final Thoughts**

Packing your hospital bag isn’t just about preparation—it’s about creating a sense of calm and control as you prepare for an incredible journey. By including these items, you’ll not only feel ready for labour and birth but also supported in your recovery and bonding with your baby.

At **All for One**, we’re here to guide you through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. If you’d like expert advice on labour preparation or postpartum recovery, connect with us at www.allforone.com.au.

*You’ve got this—and we’re here to help every step of the way.*