Here are the important items that mums had, wished they had and birth partners wished they hadn't forgotten...
Try to have your hospital bag packed by the time you are 36 weeks pregnant, in case your little one makes an early appearance. Tip: Pack the bag yourself then get your birth partner to repack it so s/he knows exactly where everything is as s/he will be the one rummaging through when you are in labour, and post birth when you are cuddling your new baby 👶🏻.
For the Birth:
Hospital notes 📝
Birth Plan
Nightdress, pyjamas or large old T-shirt for birth
Slippers
Dressing gown
Socks 🧦
Snacks for that marathon effort 🍭🍫🍪🍌 e.g. bananas, cereal bars, yogurts covered raisins, chocolate, cookies, sweets. Pack some for the hubby too!
All your favourite snacks for after the big event. Hospital food just doesn’t cut it! Salt and Vinegar crisps anyone?
Bottle of water/sippy cup 💦
Drinks 🥤 e.g. Coconut water, Powerade, Lucozade isotonic drinks, fruit juice cartons
Bendy drinking straws
Tablet, phone and charger 🔌
Battery pack
A magazine or book 📖
Tissues
Water face mist to keep cool 😎
Essential oils - lavender, rose or chamomile
Room Spray – Mio Liquid Yoga is a personal favourite
5 Flower Remedy or Rescue Remedy
Arnica pills
Birth ball (check with hospital if they have them)
Headphones for noisy wards 🎧
Sunglasses for the car/taxi journey to stay in the ‘zone’ 🕶
Your pillow(s)
A handheld fan if hot 🥵
Your favourite music 🎶 e.g. Hypnobirthing tracks and music if you have been practising those
Portable speaker 🔊
Hair ties
Electrical candles
Lip balm
Hot water bottle for your lower back
Photos / trinkets of happy memories to get the oxytocin flowing
For after the Birth:
2 or 3 nursing bras (I liked Bravissimo or good old M&S)
Breast pads
Nipple cream (Lansinoh)
Maternity pads (2 packs)
Comfy and stretchy nightie with boob access 👘
Nice toiletries for one of the best shower ever afterwards 🧼
Towels
Hairbrush
Plenty of big pants. My husband got me XXL adult nappy-like disposable knickers (Tena pants). I laughed in his face at the time but I was honestly so happy to have them post birth!
Comfy clothes for going home 👖
Bubbly or other celebratory drink of choice 🍾
Flip flops for those shared showers 🚿
Ear plugs. Postnatal wards can be noisy!
For your Baby 👶🏻
Nappies (allow 12 a day)
2 or 3 sleepsuits including some tiny baby ones
2 or 3 vests
Muslin squares
1 pair socks or booties
A suit for going home
Blanket or shawl
Jacket or warm suit for winter babies ❄️
Hat
Car seat
What item could you not do without?
