What to Put in Your Hospital Bag

So, you are pregnant and are all ready for your new baby to arrive, did you pack your bag yet? Here are some things you may and may not have thought about putting in your bag for the hospital.

• Your insurance card, your birth plan if you have one, and any maternity note
• Socks …. I know, but mums often have cold feet, its to do with blood supply and pushing apparently.
• Your own nighties, a good idea to have this on your birth plan if you have one, otherwise you might find its ‘policy’ to have you in a ‘sterile’ gown.. which in fact is not sterile, but clean of course, but often can be a little starched and scratchy.
• Dressing gown. This will be useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour and you'll need one on the postnatal ward. Hospitals can be very warm, so a lightweight one may be better.
• Slippers
• Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labour.
• Lip balm.
• Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as books, magazines, games and so on.
• A hairband or scrunchie for your hair you might want it tied up.
• Toiletries
• Music to listen to ipod or ihome/speakers
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Maternity pads..nightime ones with ‘wings’ are good, hospital issue ones can often be like ‘hammocks’
• Nightshirt with opening in front for feeding
• Front-opening shirts are useful in the early days of breastfeeding.
• Old or cheap knickers, or disposable knickers. , that you can throw away (that way dad does not have to cope with ‘the laundry’)
• Put in a plastic bag for putting your laundry in

For dad

• Comfortable clothes, and something comfy on your feet, You may be pacing the corridors!
• Dad, you can be in charge of the ‘chargers’ for phones, ipod, camera.. etc
• A change of clothes
• Watch with a second hand, or a wee timer. if you want to time contractions.
• Swimwear, if you want to join the mum in the shower.
• Digital camera or camcorder
• Address book or a list of phone numbers.
• Snacks and drinks. You don't want to be a dehydrated, hungry birth partner

For your baby

• Nappies
• Cream
• Wipes
• Cotton wool pads
• Cotton wool balls
• Baby powder (if you are going to use it)
• Outfit for the trip home. (carseat also)
• All in ones or sleepsuits and vests for baby to wear while you are in hospital.
• Baby blanket or something soft to wrap him in, newborn babies often like to be swaddled
• Socks or booties.
• Hat