Your Labour Bag
Tags: baby clothes, breast pads, Child Birth, labour, slippers, the essentials, what to pack, Your hospital bag
Your Hospital Bag
Make a little time to work out what you would like to pack into your hospital bag. It is important that you have everything to hand during the labour and your stay in hospital.
It is a good idea to have your bags packed before the end of your 36th week of pregnancy.
Below are suggestions of what you might need - The Essentials - and what you may find useful - Extras.
The Essentials
1. An item of clothing to give birth in
This could be a nightgown or a t-shirt, whatever makes you feel comfortable. The hospital will provide you with a gown if you don’t want to soil anything of your own
2. Nightgown or Pyjamas
It is a good idea to pack at least three pairs of pyjamas or nightgowns, as you may soil them quite easily due to bleeding (lochia) after the birth. If you are planning on breastfeeding make sure that the item opens up the front for easy access
3. Bathrobe
You will be walking about the ward, changing nappes, using the toilet, etc. It is a good idea to have a bathrobe to wear over your nightgown or pyjamas
4. Nursing bra
Make sure that you have a couple of fitted bras; they will aid breastfeeding and provide you with more comfort
5. Breast pads
Breast pads can be purchased in supermarkets or chemists. They fit into your bra and soak up excess milk, preventing it soaking your clothes
6. Slippers & socks
After you have given birth to your baby you may feel very cold, wearing socks can help you to keep warm. Slippers will stop your feet from getting dirty when you are wandering around the ward
7. Underwear
These should be good sturdy pants. Lochia can be heavy after birth and the pads can sometimes leak. Make sure that you pack at least 4 pairs
8. Sanitary pads
You can buy pads that are designed for women that have just given birth, they are highly absorbent and have good coverage to avoid leakage
9. Toiletries
This is a good bag for labour as well as for your hospital stay. Make sure you pack some shower gel, toothbrush and toothpaste, contact lenses, lense solution, glasses, flannels to dampen your face during labour, shampoo, conditioner, hair brush and moisturiser.
This is a great comfort bag to help you feel like a human again
10. Nappies & wipes or cotton wool
Pack a bag of which ever nappies you have decided to use. Also some soft baby wipes of cotton wool clean your new baby’s bottom
11. Baby clothes
Depending on the weather you will have to decide what clothes to pack for your new born. A hat and scratch mittens are a good idea. Also a couple of blankets to wrap your baby in
12. Mums clothes
Make sure you have enough clothes to travel home in. It may be an idea to pack some spare maternity clothes as you may not be able to fit straight back into your normal clothes
13. Car seat
You may be travelling your baby home in a car and if so this is a must. It may be an idea for your partner to bring this in with him when he comes to pick you up
Extras
14. Video camera and camera
Make sure the batteries are fully charged on both cameras. Decide what you want your birth partner to video or picture and check with the hospital what their policy on taking video or photos is. If your camera is not digital then make sure you pack plenty of film for those precious first few hours and days
15. Snacks & drinks
You may not want to eat or drink too much whilst in labour but your birth partner will almost certainly need something. Also about an hour after delivery you may get the munchies so pack a few bottles of water and some high energy, healthy snacks to see everyone through
16. Massage oil or a massage ball
Asking your birth partner to massage you during labour will help you to relax and help to while away the time
17. Magazines & books
Labour can last a while and it may be good for both you and your birth partner to have something good to read
18. Notepad & pen
During the labour you may find that joting down your feelings at certain times makes you feel more relaxed and helps to pass the time. A note pad is really handy for making a note of your babies weight and time of delivery. With so much going on it is easy to forget, so get your birth partner to write everything down if you are unable
19. Make Up
If you want to look good for the photos after the birth don’t forget your make up
20. Phone Card and Address Book
In general mobiles cannot be used inside the hospital. You will need a phone card if you wish to call your family and friends. Don’t forget to pack your phone book for all your family and friends numbers
21. MP3 player or CD’s
During labour you may choose to listen to music. Most delivery suites have CD players
