You never know when your baby is going to arrive so it is always
best to prepare in advance. Pack a bag for the hospital about seven
months into your pregnancy this will save you rushing around nearer
your due date, and in case your baby comes early you will have
every thing ready. You will need to pack a small bag for the labour
and another for after the birth. Below is a checklist for both. All
you have to do is print it off and start packing.
For the Labour
A small
bag (a small backpack will be ideal as they don't take up much
room)
Something comfortable and loose to wear like an old t-shirt (or
you could wear a hospital nightie to prevent your
clothes from getting covered in blood)
A
sponge or water spray to cool you down (you could take a mini
fan for your birthing partner to fan you off)
Personal stereo with all your favorite music on
Anything else that you think will make your labour more
comfortable
For After the Birth
Nighties or pyjamas (take front opening nighties if you are
breast feeding. If it is your first baby take a few in with you
as you will have to stay in for a couple of days)
Dressing gown, slippers and socks
Nursing bras or ordinary bras if you are not breast feeding
A
packet of 24 sanitary towels (use super absorbent as your blood
flow is very heavy after childbirth)
Five
or six pairs of knickers (take old ones as they will probably
get stained. Take some fragrant nappy sacks for dirty knickers
this will take away any unpleasant smells)
Toiletry bag containing toothpaste/brush, soap, sponge/flannel,
shampoo/ conditioner, hair brush/comb, scrunchies/bobbles and
makeup
Two
towels (dark ones if possible as this will hide any stains)
Breast pads, nipple cream
A
loose comfortable outfit for during the day
Book,
magazines, crossword books (this will help to pass the time away
while baby is sleeping
Change or phone card for the hospital pay phone
Loose
clothes for coming home in
For Baby
Clothes (take a few changes if you have to stay in hospital for
a few days)
Nappies, baby wipes other toiletries
Snow
suit if winter months
Shawl
for taking baby home
Other important things
Keep
a list of important numbers (hospital, midwife, doctor, your
partner or birth companion)
Your
hospital notes (this will save you filling out forms when you
get to the hospital)
Transport (arrange this in advance if possible If your partner
is not around when you go into labour ask a neighbor or phone
somebody. Phone for an ambulance if you can't get anyone else to
take you, and what ever you do don't drive yourself this could
put both you and baby as well as other drivers in danger.
Arrange transport from the hospital to take you home.)
