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This is the most important thing you will have to do just before you go into labour. The NHS recommends you have your bag ready two weeks before your due date. However if I was you I'd get started a month before your due date, simply because you never know what could happen. Your baby could decide to come early or something goes wrong with some items you've ordered online. So being prepared is very important.
It is also recommended by the NHS to have a bag packed and ready if you are planning to have a home birth. Again, it's simply because things could happen and you might have to go into hospital.
Things to pack for yourself:
First of all you will need a bag. It's a good idea to take a bag with wheels, not only will it be easier to carry, but even though you might not think it, you will need a lot of stuff. So best to bring a big enough bag that fits all of your and your baby's needs. Here you can find a selection of bags.
On average you will be in hospital 1 and half days if you're having a natural birth. If you need to have a caesarean section then be prepared to stay in hospital for up to 4 days. Or if you're really unlucky you end up, like me, having to stay for a whole week. So make sure you pack for enough days and for any eventuality.
The first thing you should have in your bag are your notes and birth plan. Make sure they are in an easy accessible place, as that will be the first thing you have to hand over to the midwife.
What should you bring clothes wise? Well, I did pack for 4 days so had 4 nursing tops (if you plan on breast feeding, otherwise pack loose fitting tops), plenty of pants as I was told it would be very messy in the first few days and that was so true. So if I was you I'd pack pants you wouldn't mind if they end up in the bin. Also bring loose fitting bottoms, specially if you need to have a caesarean section, it's important nothing tight is on your wound.
Here are some labour essentials that I couldn't have done without and that you will most definitely need:
Lip Balm, your lips will get very dry during labour and to prevent the extra pain it will become a must need essential.
The first stages of labour can be very boring, so having something to keep you entertained will become very important. Aside from your phone, I recommend getting a kindle as it uses less space than a book and you can bring more than just one book. I would not have survived my hospital stay without my kindle.
Dressing Gown. This will be useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour. You'll also need one on the postnatal ward. Hospitals can be very warm, so a lightweight one may be better. A dark colour or a busy pattern will help to hide any stains.
SNACKS! Being in labour is a very intense workout, so having something to eat with you will be an absolute essential. Try and stay as healthy as possible, I had some nak'd bars and carrots with hummus with me.
Being hot and then cold again during labour is a common curse, something your birthing partner will be able to help you with. So I recommend getting a handheld fan and cooling spray, for when you're feeling too hot. And if you're feeling too cold then I would get some thick winter socks, as my feet did get very cold a lot of the time during labour and apparently that is very common, be prepared for that.
I would also recommend you get some very comfortable slippers as walking the labour ward while having contractions is very common, so you don't want your feet to hurt. And you will need them for your hospital stay too. I would recommend getting some slippers that you can give a rinse or even wear while you're having a shower. I bought these and I found them to be perfect. They served me well, I could clean them while in hospital and they were very comfortable.
Essentials you will need after the birth and during the rest of your hospital stay:
The rest of things you need to pack in your hospital bag are things you need after the birth to make your stay a bit more comfortable.
Being on the hospital ward can be very stressful and noisy, specially at night. I wouldn't have made it through my hospital stay without earplugs, eye mask and my own pillow. Bring some earphones too, and don't forget your phone charger either!
You will also need toiletries, it's best to pack the travel sized ones as they last roughly a week and don't take up much space. Bring your own towels as well, as most hospitals only hand them out in an emergency. I would recommend bringing two as the first shower after giving birth can be very messy.
Lastly you will need breast pads and maternity pads or disposable panties.
What to pack for your baby:
Two or three sleepsuits and vests. One pair of socks and booties. Hat, it's important to keep your baby's head warm. One outfit for the trip home. Then depending on the time of year your baby will need a jacket or snowsuit.
A blanket, hospitals are generally very warm but it might be chilly outside when you are discharged from the hospital.
Don't forget the car seat either, some hospitals won't discharge you if you don't have a car seat for your baby.
Nappies, wipes and nappy sacks. Newborns can go through up to 10 nappies a day, so be prepared for going through lots and lots of nappies.
Muslin squares, you will need them for any milk your baby will bring up, and there will be a lot trust me on that. But don't worry it's normal, it is called possetting.
I hope I've made packing your hospital bag a lot easier and less stressful. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.
Enjoy the beginning of the most rewarding time of your life!
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