Preparing for childbirth

Packing your bags

For labour

Try to have your bags packed by around 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will help you feel more reassured 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 music playlist which you can link up to their speaker 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 to give birth in. Expect that this may get covered in the fluids from delivery.
• A water bottle.
• Any sweets, snacks or drinks you would like to have on hand.
• Your Huggies Birth Plan
• Lip balm
• Warm socks (your feet may get very cold during labour). Be prepared to throw these away after the delivery.
• Massage equipment – oils, creams.
• Heat pack
• Camera, phone to take photos or video(ask before you start taking video footage)
• Music to play during your labour and baby's birth.
• Drinks and snacks for your partner.
• Your baby announcement contact list.
• Your mobile phone for making calls or posting your birth announcement
• Make-up and hair brush for if you would like to touch up for your photos
• Any of your usual medications.
• And a bottle of champagne!!

For hospital

Many women are discharged home on the same day after a normal vaginal delivery and 3-5 days after a caesarean section. Some hospitals and birth centres allow a night out with partners (usually to their on site restaurant or cafeteria) before being discharged, so you may wish to pack something for this event. Some hospitals and Birth Centres supply all of baby’s needs while an inpatient but others don t supply very much. Check if they have any requirements before you arrive.

Other ideas for your stay in hospital:

• 3 easy to open night clothes (for breastfeeding)
• 3 nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Dressing gown or robe
• Slippers
• Toiletries
• Plenty of underwear, perhaps even some disposable paper pants.
• 2-3 packs of U by Kotex Maternity pads
• A copy of your Huggies Hospital Stay Plan
• 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, nappies, outer garment, cardigan (dependent on the weather) and a blanket for in the car.
• Your phone.

For more information see Childbirth.