You have been pregnant for what feels like an age but now your due date is drawing near. If you have decided to have your baby in hospital or a birthing centre then its time to think about the things you may need to take with you.
Your Midwife
or hospital may be able to provide you with a list of things you will need to take.
When to pack: As soon as you 34 - 36 weeks, start to put together your hospital bag. I would suggest packing two bags, one for yourself and a changing bag for baby as this will make life easier when it comes to the numerous nappy changes in hospital and for that one on the way home.
I would also suggest trying to keep things that you may need in labour (warm socks, lip balm) at the top of your bag or in an easy to reach side pocket.
For Baby:
Nappies - In hospital disposables are best.
Cotton wool - to be used with tepid water for cleaning up after that delightful first nappy.
Hat - to help baby keep warm although baby should not sleep in it.
Scratch Mittens - those tiny fingers can have sharp little nails and babies love to scratch their face just in time for the first photo.
Socks - to keep tiny toes warm.
Vests - short or long sleeved depending on the season.
Babygros - they are easy to put on and off once you get to grip with the poppers and make nappy changing easier. Take 2 sizes - First size and Newborn (Thank you for the suggstion Kathryn)
Muslim Squares - for that delightful baby sick.
Coat - for baby to come home in, again depending on the season. Remember that babies can't regulate their own temperature so if traveling home in the car try not to put the heating/ air con on with out checking if baby is appropriately dressed.
Baby blanket
Going home outfit - if your stay in hospital is going to be for a few days (common place with C-section and assisted deliveries) it may be a nice idea to leave the choosing and buying of the outfit to an older sibling especially if you decided to not find out the sex of the baby during pregnancy, that way the sibling will feel involved and the baby will go home in a gender appropriate colour.
Mum:
Your maternity notes
Your birth plan
Nightdresses - an old one for labour and a new one for when visitors arrive, also try to have front opening ones as this will make breastfeeding easier.
Dressing Gown
Slippers
Warm Socks - Great for during labour, even if they are the only things you are wearing.
Maxi sanitary towels/ maternity pads
Breast pads
Disposable knickers - trust me they are a god send!
Nursing bra - cotton is best.
Comfy clothes - to go home in such as tracksuit bottoms and a loose T-shirt, flat shoes.
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, flannel,shower gel/soap, shampoo - try to use unscented.
Hair bands - if you have long hair it will get in the way during labour.
Lip balm - you will find your mouth might get dry during labour.
Snacks - for both you and your birth partner. Some hospitals prefer you not to eat during labour so ask before eating but your birthing partner will be grateful for them and so will you when labour is over as the hospital canteen may not be open at 3am.
Take any regular prescription drugs that you have as you may have a few days in hospital, make sure you declare these to your midwife.
Tens Machine - if you are using one for pain relief. There are companies that hire these out for periods or 4-6 weeks if you decide not to buy one but make sure you book it in advance and for a few weeks before and after your due date.
Book or magazines - for those long hours ahead.
Camera - a disposable one is the best idea as expensive ones could get damaged or "lost". If you do decide to take an expensive digital camera or camcorder check with your household insurer to see if it would be covered by them.
MP3 player, (again check with your insurers concerning loss or damage) V pillow, massage oil or something to focus on like a photo of your other children basically anything that you feel may make labour a little easier but try not to take anything too bulky. If you wish to use a birthing ball then check whether the hospital has them rather then trying to struggle with your own. (One large bump to carry is enough)
Birthing Partner:
Snacks and drinks - a packed lunch is good.
Money - for telephone calls and car park.
List of telephone numbers - to aid in the contact of loved ones to let them know the good news, it is also advisable to write on the list babies details such as sex, birth weight and time as I remember getting a call from my brother telling me they had a baby all other details had been lost in his state of bewilderment.
A change of clothes
Watch - with a second hand to time contractions ( it may be a good idea to explain to your birthing partner how this is done)
Book / Magazine/ Paper
I hope some of this advice helps you to prepare for the arrival of your baby and makes you stay in hospital a little more comfortable and most of all remember your body was designed for birth.
(September 1st) (
