What do surrogates pack in their hospital bags?

It’s always good to plan ahead for your trip to the hospital when expecting a baby. There are so many checklists online about what to pack in a hospital bag for new or repeat mums heading to hospital for their birth, but not much about what to pack for a surrogacy birth.

We have put together a suggested list, in conjunction with our experienced Brilliant Beginnings surrogates, to give you an idea of the things to pack. If you have any other hints or tips then please do feel free to email or contact us.

Surrogate hospital bags checklists

You will need to plan on being there a while, so you will need to make sure you have what you need to help with keeping you comfortable, hydrated and topped up nutritionally. You can always get things brought in but minimizing disruptions in what can be an emotionally charged time will go a long way to supporting you.

What to pack in your hospital bags as a surrogate

General items

There are some general, standard items:

• Birth Plan & maternity notes
• IP contact information
• Any prescription medications you are taking
• Maternity pads and disposable underwear to help keep things clean
• Reusable breast pads to stop any leaks
• Socks and slippers to keep you warm and your feet off the floor
• Hair elastics for a ponytail or braids
• Comfy clothes/pyjamas for during labour and fresh ones for after the birth
• Two dressing gowns (one for before and one for after labour)
• Lip balm & a straw to keep your lips and your body properly hydrated
• Phone charger with super long cord (and the longer the better, you never know where the plugs may be)
• Toiletries (towel, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush/comb, deodorant, anti-bacteria and wet wipes)
• Eye mask & ear plugs (so you can really sleep)
• Outfit for going home (a dress is especially easy and comfy, especially if a caesarean is involved to avoid rubbing any incision)
• Maternity bras- avoid underwire! (Your breasts will be engorged, even if you do not plan on expressing any milk and you will want to avoid any clogs)
• Snacks (small candies, protein bars, nuts & seeds, gummies, sports drinks-see below)
• TENS machine, massage oil/tools, over the counter pain paracetamol/ibuprofen (for pain management)
• Music and noise cancelling headphones (for during the birth and afterwards too)
• Camera (to capture the first family picture)
• Downloaded entertainment for after the birth

Additional paperwork

• A copy of your surrogacy agreement
• A signed copy of the Parental Responsibility letter ready to complete once baby arrives (BB and NGA clients)

Additions if you plan to pump

If you are going to be pumping breast milk after birth, then you should add these items to your hospital bag checklist:

• Breast pump (unless hospital is happy to provide theirs)
• 2-3 sets of pumping parts
• Breastmilk storage bags (to send home with your intended parents)
• Nipple cream (for sore/cracked nipples)
• Details of feeding team/lactation consultant/milk bank

Extras for you and your team’s comfort

Making sure you have a few bits and pieces that will make you and your team comfy include:

• Extra favourite pillow (there are never enough good ones on the ward)
• Change/debit card for vending machines and car park (for you and main supporter)
• Peri bottle (to keep things clean and assist with healing)

Snacks

It is important to pack some snacks to keep both you as a surrogate and your support team going during the time in hospital. Here’s a few practical favourites:

• Hard sweets (quick and fast energy)
• Pretzels (carbs are best to help keep you going)
• Nuts & seeds (for a longer lasting boost)
• Granola bars (the chewy ones, not the crumbly ones)
• Veggie sticks (with or without some dips)
• Rice cakes or oatcakes and peanut butter
• Energy bars (ditto)
• Small dried fruits (to mix in)
• Fruit

Drinks

• Hydration is important, in particular for the surrogate. These are some tried-and-tested recommendations for surrogates:
• Coconut water (delicious and packed with electrolytes to help stay hydrated)
• Isotonic drinks (not sugar and caffeine loaded)
• Lots and lots of water!

Fuel for your support team

Send them out in shifts to get some food. It’s important that the support team is equally fed and watered to help support you as you labour, especially if it is a long labour. They can check what facilities there are at the hospital as well as opening and closing hours so that they can plan ahead. You need them well fuelled so they can give you the best support that you need.

Our downloadable hospital bag checklists