All packed and ready to go

This is a biggie, so take a moment and let it sink in… you are about to pack your bag ready for when you will meet baby. Packing your hospital bag is up there as one of the milestones of pregnancy, some get carried away and start organising during the First Trimester, if that’s you mum, maybe just make a list at this stage but full marks for being organised.

Below is a suggested list for your hospital bag for you mum and baby oh and a few things for TOH as you really don’t know how long you will be in hospital for.

It is a good idea to have different bags so you can keep organised and be able to reach what you need when you need it and so we have broken this down into a labour bag, baby bag and overnight/post birth bag.

Labour Bag

It may be worth getting TOH to pack this one so they know exactly where everything is, so when you need a hair bobble or jellybean, they will know exactly where to find it.

• Maternity notes & birth plan Hair Bobbles Swimming top (if you are planning a water birth)
• Snacks – cereal bars, jelly beans, dried fruit work well, pack a few extras for TOH too - trust me you will need them
• Drinks – water and Lucozade for when your energy is flagging
• Phone charger Comfy outfit for you, you don’t know what you will be wearing when you go into labour so maybe best to pack something loose fitting and comfortable
• Book, kindle or magazines Playlist on your phone
• Tens machine if you have one or hired one
• Pillow, you may prefer your pregnancy one or a comfy one from home as the hospital pillows are unlikely to be up to standard
• Medication for you or TOH that you are currently taking
• Fan or water spray to keep you cool Aromatherapy oils for hypnobirthing or relaxation if you’ve being using them during your pregnancy

Baby Bag

• 2 x Vests or bodysuits
• 2 x Sleepsuits
• If you want a separate outfit for baby to go home in other than a sleepsuit
• Hat
• Scratch mittens
• Socks Nappies
• Cotton wool balls, pads or reusable wipes
• Blankets
• Muslin squares
• Coat or Snowsuit if cold
• You will also need a baby car seat for the journey home too

Overnight Bag / Post Birth

• Maternity pads
• Large comfy knickers or disposable
• Towel
• Washbag
• Slippers or flip flops
• Comfortable going home outfit
• Pjs or nighty with buttons for easy access if breastfeeding
• Nursing bra or maternity bra
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream if breastfeeding
• Bottles and formula if planning on bottle feeding
• Phone charger if you have a spare
• Tablet or iPad
• Lightweight dressing gown
• Hairbrush Lip balm

Home Birth

If you are planning a home birth then you will have discussed what you need with the midwife and you will already have items for baby and yourself as at home, but in addition you may need:

• Clean bed clothes and towels
• Birthing pool if planning a water birth
• Pregnancy ball
• Absorbent bed pads
• Tens machine