What to pack in your Hospital Bag?

As your due date approaches your mind may turn to what you should pack in your hospital bag. Along with other comments such as "Do you know what you're having?" I'm sure you've been asked "Have you packed your bags yet?" While this may just be a well intentioned comment, it may strike the fear into you if you haven't done this yet. Yes, its good to get this organised as early as possible (by 37 weeks is ideal) however, please don't panic if you haven't.

When I had my first child, I was overly organised. I packed three different very large bags for mum, dad and baby. I think the midwives thought I was moving in! So for my second, having gone through the birthing process once before, I realised that there were many items which I didn't need to bring or other items which I could buy afterwards. Its still however, a really good idea to pack a bag for each of you.

WHAT TO PACK IN HOSPITAL BAG FOR MUM:

Birth plan and notes: A must so midwives and consultants can see your medical history.

TENs Machine: I kid you not this helped me enormously with my second child. I didn't have one for my first and I wish I had. When my daughter was born I borrowed one from a friend and bought my own pads from Amazon. But you can hire either online or from places like Boots.

Energy sweets and drinks: If you're in for a long labour, you may want to bring some of these. You may not feel like eating anything too big, so these are perfect for giving you some much needed energy.

Maternity/Sanitary Pads: You'll certainly need these, especially after the baby has arrived as you will continue to bleed for sometime.

Big pants: An absolute must and make sure you pack lots.

Loose fitting clothes: Depending on what your birthing experience is you'll want to wear loose fitting clothes to help you feel more comfortable. If you have a C-section, you'll want to be sure any trousers or pants do not rub on the area of the incision.

Headphones and phone/Mp3 Player This isn't something I took personally but I've known lots of mamas who chose to either listen to music or use hynobirthing.

Dressing gown, Pyjamas and slippers: In case you have to stay in for longer.

Toiletries: Tooth brush and paste, make up, deodorant, water mist, hair bands. Anything you personally think you will need.

If you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding: If you choose to breastfeeding then make sure you have a loose fitting shirt or top, a nursing bra and nursing pads to help you get started.

Water: You'll want to make sure you keep hydrated throughout labour as this may cause it to slow down.

Phone Charger: Just in case you want to text friends and relatives about your new arrival.

WHAT TO PACK IN HOSPITAL BAG FOR BIRTHING PARTNER:

Change of clothes and underwear

Snacks and water

Entertainment - Magazine, crosswords, music, tablet - you might be in there for a while

Make sure the car has plenty of fuel

Small change for parking machines at hospital

Make sure the car seat is fitted in car properly

Swimwear if you're opting for a water birth

Phone charger

WHAT TO PACK IN HOSPITAL BAG FOR BABY:

Nappies - newborns tend to go through about 12 nappies a day!

Cotton Wool - for bathing and nappy changing

Nappy Bags

Hats and socks

Sleep suits x 3/Vests x 3 - you can always ask your birthing partner or visitors to bring more after the birth.

Blanket (preferably a cellular blanket)

Muslin's for feeding

Car seat

Going home outfit

Sterilised bottles and formula (if bottle feeding)

Its best to pack as light as possible, as you may be moved around a bit once you are there and you don't want to be carting lots of bags around. Ultimately you only need enough items to get you started. You will always be able to send your birth partner out to get more things, if possible.

This is such an exciting time for parents. Wishing you all lots of luck in your new adventures!