Here are your must-haves and some nice-to-haves to pack for the hospital or birth centre. This list is a good starting point, but every hospital and birth centre does things differently. So ask ahead of time what they will supply and what you will need to bring from home.
What to pack for hospital for mum
- Copy of your insurance documents
- A birth plan that describes to your doctor and midwife how you would like your labour to proceed (epidural, natural, episiotomy and so on)
- List of phone numbers of people to call, notebook and pen
- Gym bag packed with a change of clothes, deodorant and toothbrush, also for Dad
- Phone and chargers
- Towel to sit on in the car (just in case your waters break)
- Cash and change for vending machines
For mum to wear
- 3 vest tops (you can wear them in the bath)
- Yoga trousers
- Comfortable socks
- Cotton dressing gown
- Comfortable slippers
- Nursing sleep bras, bra pads
- Underwear, underwear and more underwear
- Belly bands/tube tops
- Make-up bag, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair clips and hair bands
- Brush
- Hairdryer
What to pack for hospital for your baby
- Babygro
- Sleep suit
- Socks and cap
- Blanket
- Going-home outfit
- Baby car seat
