Miriam: Packing your hospital bag can both be exciting and daunting. Your midwife should be able to give you a list of things that you need to take with you.
It’s a good idea to get your hospital bag packed at last two weeks before the due date. Whether you’re having the baby in hospital or at home or at a birth centre, it’s a good idea to pack a bag, should you need to transfer at any point.
You will need:
- A few personal toiletries, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, flannel, soap, deodorant, and towels.
- A dressing gown and slippers.
- Items that will help you to relax, such as books, magazines or music.
- Something loose and comfortable to wear during labour.
- Five or six pairs of underwear.
- A water bottle and snacks.
- Extra pillows for comfort.
- And check and see if you're allowed to take your mobile phone.
After labour:
- Your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen. You should therefore pack two or three comfortable regular bras, or nursing bras if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
- Front-opening nighties are also useful if you're going to breastfeed.
- After delivery, you will bleed heavily, so make sure you pack around 24 super-absorbent sanitary towels.
- And finally, you will need a looser outfit to return home.
You'll also need to pack for your new baby:
- A couple of changes of clothes, including vests and babygrows.
- A couple of hats.
- Nappies.
- Scratch mitts.
- A warm pram suit and a blanket to keep them warm.
Some women find that they might get constipated after giving birth, so taking fresh fruit and wholemeal bread can help prevent this.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to have a gift to give from the baby to your other child. It’s also a really nice idea to have a going-home outfit to put the baby in, to take the baby home to meet the whole family after this wonderful event.
