You never know when your baby is going to arrive so it is always best
to prepare inadvance. 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.)