WHAT TO PACK FOR HOSPITAL

Here's what mothers and midwives recommend

Pack the things you’ll need for the first 24 hours to take with you when you go into hospital. Have a second stash of things you might need later and either leave them in the car until you’re settled after the birth or arrange someone to bring them to you in the hospital as and when you need them. Nelson childbirth educator Ruth Brodbeck recommends that you pack your own bag. “One mother told me her husband packed hers in a rush. She had eight pairs of socks, one nigh tie and only two pairs of knickers!”

The basics

Nigh ties or PJs that open at the front for feeding, and comfortable day clothes. A dressing gown and slippers or socks. Maternity bras and several changes of knickers. Ruth Brodbeck suggests packing some old, big underwear for the first couple of days when blood loss is heavier. (If you’re having a caesarean, knickers that come up to your waist will be better as they won’t sit on the stitches). Many hospitals provide sanitary pads, but you may want to take proper maternity pads – like Libra Maternity Pads Toiletries: hairbrush, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste and sandals to wear in the shower. Tissues are essential – someone’s bound to shed a few tears. Most hospitals provide nappies, blankets and basic singlet and gowns for your baby, although you can take your own if you prefer. Check with your LMC about what your local unit provides. A list of people to phone, mobile phone and charger or phone cards and coins. A camera. Take spare batteries and plenty of film. Keep these with your must-haves so you don’t forget to take them with you at the last minute. Supplies for your support person – drinks, snack foods, money for vending machines and togs in case he ends up in the birthing pool with you. Some mothers take soothing music or massage oil to relax them during the birth process. A hair tie to keep your hair off your face during labor is also a good idea.

Optional extras

Some mothers say make-up and perfume will help make you feel normal again: “Take some talc and bit of make-up, perfume and lip gloss so that you don’t feel so grotesquely awful when people come to visit,” suggests Natalie Dennis. Maria Sheridan said breastfeeding made her very thirsty: “I absolutely swore by sipper bottles of water and little cartons of juice to save me from having to walk down to the water cooler all the time.” Other mothers suggest thank you cards, pen, chap stick and something to read. For a little luxury you could take a nice flannel and towel from home and a decent pillow – hospital pillows are often hard, plastic and in short supply.

Going home

Your baby will need nappies, cotton and/or a woolen singlet depending on the season, a jumpsuit or gown, a cardigan and a hat and bootees. You’ll also need a baby blanket. An absolute must is a car seat. You can either buy your own or your LMC can tell you where to hire one. Avoid a panic at the hospital door by making sure you have worked out how to use your car seat before the big day.