Packing your hospital bag

Even if you’re planning a home birth, it’s good to have a bag packed just in case.

1. Think function   

Your hospital bag is there to hold enough kit to see you through the birth and any hospital stay afterwards (usually one night for a vaginal delivery or three following a caesarean).

2. When to pack

Aim for week 36 at the latest to make sure you’re not rushing around at the end (and in case you go into labour earlier than your due date). Check in advance what you’re allowed to take– some hospitals let you bring your own pillows for added comfort. [NOTE: won’t all hospitals allow this? If so take out]

3. For the birth

Top of the list has to be your notes and your birth plan – no amount of clean knickers can make up for them! – followed by a watch with a second hand – for timing contractions – and your TENS machine/ your birth ball, or whatever else you’ve planned to use to help you through  labour. You’re also going to need:

- a clean T-shirt or nightie to labour in

Other useful items include:

- some oil or lotion for back rubs

- an iPod and speakers

- a hairband and brush

- A cool water spray

4. Capturing the moment

Check first if you want to bring in a camcorder or camera. Remember you can always use your camera phone (though not to make calls), if the hospital won’t allow them.

5. Food and drink

Go for high-energy, easy to digest things like fruit, cereal bars and muffins. Lucozade tablets for that final push are also a good idea.  Again, check with your midwife what the policy is on eating during labour, though. Some hospitals prefer it if you don’t in case you need a Caesarean.

6. After the birth - for you

Again, you’re going to need:

- a dressing gown and slippers - plus bed socks if you tend to get cold feet

- soap, towel, flannel and toiletries, including toothbrush and paste

- a front-opening nightie (easier for breastfeeding)

- comfy clothes, like trackie bottoms and T Shirts

- knickers (disposable are a great idea, or, if you’ve had a Caesarean, check out the NCT’s extra stretchy knickers that will stretch over your scar – £4 for a pack of three, nctms.co.uk) and plenty of maternity pads

- a couple of nursing bras

- towels

- breast pads (to absorb leaks of colostrum and milk)

7. Added extras

- Lip balm – your lips can get dry in labour with all that puffing and panting!

- M – even giving birth can have its boring bits!

- Arnica – to help heal any bruising

- Peppermint tea – they didn’t tell you about the trapped wind after a cesarean did they?

8.After the birth - for your baby

As well as plenty of nappies, babygros and vests (you may have to change these several times), and something warm to come home in, the most vital piece of equipment you’ll need is an infant car seat – most hospitals won’t let you home without one. Handy extras include:

- a baby blanket

- socks or booties

- a hat (woolly or sun, depending on the season)

- muslin squares

- cotton wool for nappy changing

9. Don’t panic!

Remember, if you forget something, someone can always fetch or buy it for you.

10. Within easy reach

Make sure your packed bag is kept somewhere handy and visible in case anyone else needs to grab it for you.