The Ultimate Hospital Bag & Fourth Trimester Checklist
for Hills District Mums

A fluff-free, highly practical checklist of what expectant mothers actually need in their hospital bag, written by a 'mum who gets it'. Lets skip the useless items and focuses on real comfort for you and your baby.

As a fellow mum, I know you don't need 14 pairs of socks or a full makeup contour kit. Here is what you actually need to survive those first few days:

  • Extra-long phone charging cable (3m+)
    Hospital outlets are miles away from the bed. You'll need this for those 3 AM feeding scrolls and announcing the birth to the family!

  • Maternity Pads
    Even if you have a caesar.Get the biggest one’s for ultimate comfort, easy changes, and zero leaks. And bigger undies. It’s all about comfort here ladies!

  • Lip balm and moisturiser
    Hospital air conditioning is incredibly dry. Keep your lips and skin hydrated for those first beautiful (and exhausted) selfies with bub. Lansinoh is a great one for sore nipples too.

  • A comfortable, dark-coloured robe
    Perfect for throwing on when doctors, nurses, or your in-laws unexpectedly walk into the room. Plus, dark colours hide any spills or stains.

  • Your own pillow (with a non-white case)
    Hospital pillows are like flat pancakes. Bring your own for comfort, but use a coloured pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital laundry.

  • Snacks with one-handed access
    Think muesli bars, lactation cookies, or trail mix. You'll be ravenous after birth, and you'll often only have one hand free while holding your new baby!

  • A button-down nightgown
    Maybe not the most glamorous but essential for easy skin-to-skin contact and accessible breastfeeding in those crucial first 48 hours.

  • Thongs/Flip-flops
    For the shower. Cos germs eww.

  • Zip up onesies - avoid the press studs, they are not friendly at 3am when you’re sleep deprived.

  • A going home outfit
    For you and bub cos you’ll want a selfie to remember your time in hospital.

Prep For Fourth Trimester:

  • Batch cook and freeze meals - you won’t want to cook in the first few weeks.

  • Book your Newborn Photographer - the best time for those sleepy, curly photos is in the first two weeks. Book whilst you’re still pregnant to secure your spot in my Baulkham Hills studio!

So there you have it, your ultimate checklist for your hospital bag and fourth trimester!

Want to know more about a Newborn Photoshoot with Sue?