ADP - What to include in hospital bag before labour?

Every expectant mother, at some point, starts wondering what she should pack for childbirth. Packing a hospital bag for labour can be a challenge, so it’s worth preparing well in advance. Other moms are happy to share their experiences, but the best solution is a detailed hospital bag check list to help avoid unnecessary stress. It’s also a good idea to check the recommendations of your chosen hospital, as each facility may have its own requirements for what’s needed in the delivery room. What do you need in your hospital bag for labour? Here are some hints to those questions.


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Postpartum

When and how to pack your hospital bag for childbirth?

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After childbirth, the body undergoes many changes, so it’s good to have comfortable clothing and hygiene products on hand:

- __2–3 nursing nightgowns__ – preferably with front buttons for easy access;
- __Bathrobe__ – light and breathable, ideal for walking around the ward;
- __Postpartum pants (2–3 packs)__ disposable, supporting the abdomen, and highly absorbent, necessary during the postpartum period; 
- __Nursing bras (2 pcs.)__ – preferably without underwires, soft and stretchy;
- __Breast pads__ – essential when milk production starts; 
- __Towels (2 pcs.)__ – One for the body, another for intimate hygiene;
- __Wet wipes and tissues__ – useful in any situation;
- __Toilet paper__ – soft, as the skin can be very sensitive after childbirth.

Hospital bag essentials (after childbirth)

ADP - Pregnancy, Incontinence, and New Mums

Pregnancy, Incontinence, and New Mums

ADP - How to Choose Postpartum Underwear

Postpartum Underwear Guide

Every woman after childbirth needs specific products that make daily life easier during this demanding time. The postpartum period is one of intense recovery, during which the uterus contracts, birth-related wounds heal, while hormonal changes can affect your mood and well-being. That’s why it’s important to prepare in advance and stock up on essential items. Key products to have include:

- High-absorbency, disposable postpartum pants designed specifically to manage postpartum discharge and ensure comfort and fit supporting abdomen.

In addition to underwear, pads, and liners, every new mother should consider care products that support the healing process and maintain hygiene during postpartum recovery. Especially useful are products with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which can be applied locally to minimise the risk of infection. These products are ideal for caring for wounds and stitches, whether from a vaginal birth or a C-section.

Read more: [Feminine intimate hygiene tips.](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/health-and-wellbeing/feminine-intimate-hygiene-tips)

Choosing the right trousers or leggings is also important for the comfort and well-being of new mothers during postpartum recovery. The best options are high-waisted models, with waistbands that sit above the caesarean incision line or over the abdomen, where the skin is particularly sensitive. This design helps avoid pressure and discomfort in the lower belly area.


Postpartum products — what’s worth buying?

Maternity hospital bag

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ADP - How does recovery after pregnancy and labour progress?

How does recovery after pregnancy and labour progress?

ADP - Incontinence after pregnancy

Incontinence after pregnancy

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Always Discreet Postpartum are designed to support new mothers during the emotional and transformative postpartum period. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric, these high-waisted pants provide superior absorbency for managing postpartum bleeding and incontinence, allowing you to focus on bonding with your baby. Their snug yet comfortable fit stays in place, giving you the confidence to move freely without worry.

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Packing a hospital bag for labour can be a challenge, so it’s worth preparing well in advance. Here are some hints.

ADP - What to include in hospital bag before labour? 

What to include in hospital bag before labour?

ADP - What You Need to Know about the Stages of Postpartum Bleeding

What You Need to Know about the Stages of Postpartum Bleeding

After childbirth, a woman enters a new stage of life that, while beautiful, can be filled with both emotional and physical challenges. The body needs time to recover, and new mothers learn to adjust to their new role. In the weeks following delivery, lochia (postpartum discharge), is unavoidable. At the same time, weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to unexpected urinary incontinence, catching many new moms off guard. But the good news? Proper preparation and suitable products can make managing these challenges much easier. In this article, we’ll highlight the products worth having before childbirth to help you prepare for the postpartum period.

ADP - Essential and useful postpartum products

Packing a hospital bag for labour is an essential part of preparing to welcome your baby into the world. It’s best to do this well in advance to avoid stress in the final days before delivery. What to pack in your hospital bag for labour? It’s best to divide your hospital bag into three sections:

- __Essentials for before labour (e.g., documents, medical test results, toiletries)__
- __Items for the delivery room;__
- __Supplies for a multi-day hospital stay for both mom and baby__

Choosing the right bag also matters—a medium-sized rolling suitcase or a comfortable travel bag works best. To stay organised, use transparent pouches or organisers and label them accordingly. To help you stay prepared, download and print out our hospital bag checklists here.

Well-planned packing for both mom and baby will prevent last-minute searching for essentials in crucial moments. There’s no need to overpack—your loved ones can always bring any missing items if necessary.

Check out: [Pregnancy, Incontinence, and New Mums.](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/pregnancy-and-postpartum/pregnancy-incontinence-and-new-mums)


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Useful Postpartum Products

- For postpartum bleeds & incontinence
- Highly absorbent
- Soft & Stretchy

Postpartum Pants Small/Medium

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Postpartum recovery and returning to physical activity

- ID – required for hospital admission formalities;
- Pregnancy record book – includes the full history of your pregnancy, test results, and health information about both mother and baby;
- Birth plan – if you have one, bring it along to communicate your preferences to the medical staff.

Recommended test results to bring:

- Blood type and Rh antibody screen – especially important if you’re Rh-negative;
- Recent blood test results – to help assess your current health;
- GBS test (Group B Streptococcus) – typically done after the 35th week of pregnancy;
- Infectious disease tests: HIV, VDRL (syphilis), HCV, HBsAg (Hepatitis B);
- Toxoplasmosis IgG/IgM – especially if the first-trimester result was negative;
- Pregnancy ultrasounds – the most recent scan and any previous imaging if available.


Hospital bag checklist: important documents

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ALWAYS DISCREET Incontinence Pads Normal

Postpartum Pants Large

PDP - Always Discreet Postpartum Disposable Pants Large

Always Discreet Postpartum Disposable Pants Large

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During your hospital stay, basic personal care is important, so it’s a good idea to pack the following items in your hospital bag for labour:

- __Shower gel and shampoo__ – preferably gentle and fragrance-free;
- __Intimate hygiene soap__ – mild and suitable for postpartum care;
- __Deodorant__ – preferably fragrance-free and non-irritating to the skin;
- __Toothbrush and toothpaste__;
- __Hairbrush and hair ties__;
- __Body lotion and moisturiser__ – the skin may become drier after childbirth;
- __Nipple cream__ – helpful during the first days of breastfeeding.

See also: [How to choose the postpartum underwear?](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/pregnancy-and-postpartum/how-to-choose-postpartum-underwear)


During your hospital stay...  

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Always Discreet Postpartum Disposable Pants

Essential and useful postpartum products

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What to Include in Hospital Bag?

The postpartum period, or post birth recovery, is a unique phase in a woman’s life that begins immediately after childbirth and typically lasts around six weeks. This is the time when the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state, undergoing a range of anatomical, hormonal, and functional changes. Regardless of whether the delivery was natural or via C-section, the postpartum period is divided into three stages of healing after labour:

- Immediate stage (the first 24 hours);
- Early stage (the first week);
- Late stage (from the second to the sixth week).

### Postpartum recovery — changes in the body after pregnancy

During the postpartum period, a woman may experience various physiological and emotional symptoms. These include uterine contractions, which can cause lower abdominal pain, as well as the discharge of postpartum lochia. Lochia is a natural process of cleansing the uterus, but its amount and odour should be monitored to rule out infections. Other discomforts may also occur during this time, such as urinary incontinence after pregnancy, caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles.

The postpartum period is also a time of intense hormonal changes that affect a new mother’s mood and energy levels. The first days after childbirth, especially during the immediate postpartum phase, are the most physically demanding for the body, making medical care and support from loved ones crucial. While unpleasant symptoms gradually subside during the late postpartum period, full physical recovery after giving birth and a return to pre-pregnancy condition can take several months.

What should you know about postpartum recovery?

Post birth recovery — the value of physical therapy

While the hospital bag checklist is extensive, it also helps you avoid packing unnecessary items that will only take up space. What you don’t need in your maternity hospital bag: Breast pump – hospitals usually provide equipment if needed; Baby nail scissors or files – newborn nails are very soft, and trimming usually happens at home; Teats and formula feeding bottles – if supplementation is needed, nurses will provide special syringes or disposable teats; Toys and rattles – unnecessary for a newborn in the first days of life; Car seat and going-home outfit – it’s better to have a family member bring these on discharge day. A properly packed hospital bag will make your hospital stay more comfortable and stress-free.

Check [Always Discreet Postpartum Pants size S/M](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-products/incontinence-pants/disposable-postpartum-pants-size-sm) and [Always Discreet Postpartum Pants size L](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-products/incontinence-pants/disposable-postpartum-pants-size-l).


Hospital bag for labour: what not to pack

After Pregnancy, Labour Recovery

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It’s good to start packing your newborn hospital bag with clothing essentials, such as: 3–4 sleepsuits; 3–4 bodysuits; 2–3 light jackets or cardigans; 2 hats; socks and scratch mittens; a warmer jacket or winter overall for going home in colder weather. Diapering Essentials:

- [Newborn disposable diapers;](https://www.pampers.co.uk/products?filter=diapers_newborn)
- Cotton muslin cloths;
- [Baby wipes;](https://www.pampers.co.uk/products?filter=wipes)
- Changing pads;
- Diaper rash cream.

Baby care products should include a gentle baby wash, baby oil, saline solution, sterile gauze pads, soft baby hairbrush. Baby comfort items such as a warm blanket, a swaddle or baby wrap.


Newborn hospital bag checklist - what to pack?

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ADP - Heavy Bleeding After Giving Birth: Whatâ€™s Normal and Whatâ€™s Not

Heavy Bleeding After Giving Birth: What’s Normal and What’s Not

__- Highly Absorbent:__ Always Discreet Postpartum Pants are designed to handle heavy postpartum bleeding and incontinence, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the day and night.

__- High-Waisted Comfort:__ The high-waisted design provides gentle support to your abdomen. The snug fit ensures that the pants stay in place, allowing you to move freely without worrying about leaks or shifting.

__- Soft and Gentle on Skin:__ Made from soft, breathable materials, these pants are gentle on sensitive postpartum skin.

__- Convenient and Hygienic:__ These disposable pants are easy to use and dispose of, making them a convenient option for busy new mothers. Simply wear, remove, and discard.

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Dr. Anne Henderson

Dr. Anne Henderson - Discreet

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Recovery after a C-section requires special attention, both in caring for the surgical wound and maintaining overall hygiene. A key aspect is creating optimal conditions for the healing of the uterus after the procedure. This includes regularly cleaning the incision, keeping it dry, and avoiding excessive pressure on the scar. For intimate hygiene, it’s recommended to use gentle cleansing products, always ensuring the incision area is thoroughly dried.

__Postpartum care after a caesarean section is also crucial, involving follow-up visits with a doctor__, monitoring the healing process, and, if non-dissolvable stitches were used, having them removed when appropriate. Women should be vigilant for any alarming symptoms such as redness, pus discharge, pain around the incision site, or fever, as these may indicate an infection that requires immediate medical attention.

Check out: [Pregnancy, Incontinence, and New Mums](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/pregnancy-and-postpartum/pregnancy-incontinence-and-new-mums)


How to take care of yourself during recovery after a caesarean section?

Postpartum disposable pants

The postpartum period is a phase in a woman’s life that begins after childbirth and lasts around 6 weeks. Find out what happens to the body after labour!

Post pregnancy recovery is an individual process that every woman experiences at her own pace. Regaining full fitness and resuming pre-pregnancy physical activities requires patience, mindfulness, and listening to your body. Support from healthcare professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists, is also important to assess your readiness to resume workouts. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), most women should avoid intense physical activity for up to six weeks after a vaginal delivery and up to twelve weeks after a caesarean section.

For women who exercised during pregnancy and had a natural birth, light activities like walking or gentle pelvic floor strengthening exercises can be safely started within the first few days after giving birth. However, returning to more demanding workouts should be done gradually and cautiously to avoid overloading the body. It’s essential not to rush into intense exercises and to allow time for recovery, giving your body the opportunity to adapt and regain strength. Baseline fitness before pregnancy is also key here – women who exercised regularly and had a good general level of fitness are more likely to manage increased physical activity at an earlier stage post-partum.

### Caesarean section — postpartum exercises

A C-section is a major surgical procedure that requires a careful approach to physical activity during the postpartum period. The first postpartum exercises after a C-section should be gentle and tailored to the body’s condition, focusing on improving blood circulation and minimising the risk of thrombosis. Even within the first few hours after delivery, it’s advisable to start anti-thrombotic exercises such as moving the hands and feet in all directions, performing dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the feet, and tensing large muscle groups like the thighs and glutes without engaging the limbs directly.

See also: [Pelvic floor exercise for women step by step](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/urinary-incontinence-in-women/developing-a-pelvic-floor-exercise-routine/)


How to take care of yourself during postpartum recovery?

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Post birth physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, regardless of whether the delivery was natural or via C-section. __It’s beneficial to start caring for your body even during pregnancy, when preparing for childbirth.__ Strengthening and stretching exercises for the pelvic floor muscles, along with learning proper breathing techniques, can significantly ease labour and speed up postpartum recovery.

After childbirth, consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist is an optimal choice to address weakened pelvic floor muscles, the pelvis, and the abdominal area. __Postpartum physical therapy includes gentle exercises, breathing techniques, massage, and education on proper posture__, which support not only the recovery process but also the overall comfort of the new mother. Regular sessions with a physical therapist can offer significant benefits, reducing postpartum discomfort and accelerating the return to health after childbirth.


Hospital bag checklist (Essential items to take)

Incontinence After Pregnancy

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The postpartum period, which is the recovery phase following pregnancy and childbirth, is an extremely important yet often underestimated process during which a woman's body undergoes intensive regeneration. The duration and nature of the post birth recovery depend on many factors, such as the type of delivery—natural or caesarean section—the course of labour itself, as well as the individual's unique physical characteristics. For a new mother to fully regain her strength after childbirth, proper rest, support, and attention to her own needs are essential. What happens to the body after childbirth? What does healing after giving birth look like when you’ve had a planned caesarean section?


Disposable postpartum pants are specifically designed to meet the essential needs of women recovering after childbirth. Their top priority is absorbency — they provide reliable protection for heavy postpartum bleeding (lochia), helping women feel secure and dry during this intense recovery phase. In addition, the pants offer gentle yet effective abdominal support, which can be especially helpful when the body is still adjusting post-delivery.

A key benefit of these pants is how easy they are to put on and take off, making them incredibly practical when mobility is limited or frequent changes are needed. Because they’re disposable, they eliminate the hassle of washing, offering a clean, hygienic solution whether you’re in the hospital or at home.

Check out: [How to choose postpartum pants?](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/pregnancy-and-postpartum/how-to-choose-postpartum-underwear)

Advice from our Experts

Heavy Bleeding After Giving Birth

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Pregnancy Incontinence

Postpartum recovery is a time when a woman should pay special attention to both her physical and mental health. Intimate hygiene is key—regular use of postpartum pants, which should be changed frequently to prevent infection and malodour, is recommended. I would be wary about making too strong a comment here regarding regular underwear changes and infection risk – infection is much more likely to come from other risk factors.

Women should also focus on maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in fibre to prevent constipation, and ensure proper hydration. Air circulation around the perineal area and avoiding tight clothing that can hinder tissue recovery are also extremely important. Gentle exercises that support circulation and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles are beneficial, but excessive physical exertion should be avoided.

Monitoring one’s health during the postpartum period is crucial—any sudden increase in bleeding, severe pain, or fever should be promptly consulted with a doctor. The process of the post pregnancy recovery takes time—rest and support from loved ones are invaluable during this period.

See also: [How to choose the postpartum underwear?](/en-gb/discreet/incontinence-advice/pregnancy-and-postpartum/how-to-choose-postpartum-underwear)

During the postpartum period, the body undergoes intense regeneration, accompanied by the discharge of lochia—a natural occurrence following both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. This is why standard menstrual pads are not suitable, and special postpartum pants are necessary.


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Mum wearing postpartum pants lifting up her newborn baby

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Mum wearing postpartum pants carrying her newborn baby

Mum wearing postpartum pants playing with her infant

Hospital bag for baby delivery containg postpartum pants and clothes


Mum wearing postpartum pants caring her newborn baby

Hospital bag for baby delivery containing postpartum pants and clothes

Mum holding her baby's feet wearing unscented postpartum pants

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Hospital bag essential for the mom

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What to include in hospital bag before labour?

01 When and how to pack your hospital bag for childbirth?

02 Maternity hospital bag

03 Newborn hospital bag checklist - what to pack?

04 Hospital bag checklist: important documents

05 Hospital bag for labour: what not to pack