Hospital bag

For Labour

Try to have your bag's packed by around 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will make you feel more relaxed knowing you have got everything you need for your baby's birth. If you take something out before you leave for the hospital stick a note to the top of your bag to remind you or your partner that it is missing. Check with your hospital or birthing centre to see what they have available for your use while in labour, you may be able to take in your favourite CD's if they have a music system.

Here are a few ideas of things you may need:

• A comfortable, loose fitting nightie or T-shirt that you can wear through labour and give birth in. You should expect that this may get covered in the fluids from delivery.
• A water bottle/sweets/glucose tablets.
• Any snacks or drinks you would like to have on hand.
• Your HuggiesBirth plan
• Lip balm
• Warm socks (your feet may get very cold during labour). You should be prepared to throw these away after the delivery.
• Massage equipment - oils, creams.
• Heat pack
• Camera and video camera (ask before you start taking video footage)
• CD's to play during the birth of your baby.
• Your Birth announcements
• Phone cards and coins for making calls. Check with the hospital staff before using a mobile phone.
• Make-up and hair brush for immediately after the birth if you would like to touch up for the initial photos.

For Hospital

Most women stay in hospital for around 3-4 days after a vaginal delivery and 5-6 days after a caesarean section. Some hospitals and birth centres allow you a night out with your partner (usually to their on site restaurant or cafeteria) before you leave, so you may wish to pack something for this event. Some hospitals and Birth Centres supply all of baby's needs while you are there. Check if they have any requirements before you arrive.

• 3 easy to open night clothes (for breastfeeding), Dressing gown or robe, Slippers
• 3 nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Toiletries and make-up kit.
• Plenty of underwear, perhaps even some disposable paper pants.
• 2-3 packs of Kotex maternity sanitary pads
• A copy of your Huggies Your hospital stay
• Print outs of your Birth announcements, envelopes and stamps.
• Day clothes and an outfit for leaving the hospital.
• You will also need to have an outfit for your baby to leave hospital. This should include a singlet, socks or bootees, outer garment, cardigan (dependent on the weather) and a blanket for in the car.