Hey! I don't have any advice about what to put in because I haven't packed mine yet. I prob won't do it for another couple of weeks
. Sugarhigh posted this list the other week, couldnt figure out how to do a link to it so i just copied it in.
Here's her list:
What to pack for labour -
Your birth plan -- If you have one
Dressing gown -- useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour
Slippers
Socks -- believe it or not, your feet can get cold during labour
An old nightdress or a T shirt to wear in labour -- It might get a bit messy so don't buy anything specially to wear in hospital.
Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labour
Lip balm
Snacks and drinks for you while you are in labour, or some glucose tablets to keep you going
Watch with a second hand -- to time contractions
Digital camera or camcorder. If you want to bring a camcorder, check with the hospital beforehand -- not all of them allow them in delivery rooms.
Relaxation materials: books, magazines, games etc.
TENS pain relief machine -- if you are planning to use one
Toiletries
Water spray, or a hand-held fan to keep you cool
Music to listen to -- take a battery-operated machine as most hospitals won't let you plug things in. Some hospitals provide their own CD players -- again, check first.
Sieve for fishing out poo if planning a water birth
For your birth partner -
A change of clothes
Snacks and drinks -- you don't want a dehydrated, hungry birth partner looking after you!
For after the birth -
Going home outfit. And loose comfortable clothes to wear while you're in hospital. It will take a while for your tummy to go down so you'll be still wearing maternity clothes when you come home -- sorry!
Nursing bras -- two or three
Breast pads for when your milk comes in
Maternity pads -- a couple of packs
Nightshirt or T-shirt -- front opening shirts are useful for breastfeeding
Toiletries
Towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste
Old knickers/cheap knickers/disposable knickers -- don't bring your best ones as they will get messy. If you end up having a caesarean, the NCT does brilliant stretchy knickers that are comfortable over your scar.
Arnica tablets to help with bruising after the birth. Although there's no conclusive evidence that they work, many women report that taking arnica helps reduce bruising and helps the healing process.
Ear plugs, in case you end up on a noisy ward!
Address book, plus lots of change or a prepaid phone card for all the calls you may want to make. You may find you cannot use your mobile phone in the hospital building.
For your baby -
An infant car seat -- some hospitals won't let you leave without one
One outfit for the trip home
Two to three babygros and vests for baby to wear while you are in hospital. Some hospitals provide baby gowns for your baby to wear during his stay.
Baby blanket (a warm one if weather is cold)
Nappies
One pair of socks or booties
Hat
Jacket or snowsuit for winter babies.
Muslin squares
