Hi Kim, how are you getting on? I found the BBC website useful for ideas for hospital bag. See below their list:
It's in the bag
Ideally, you should get your hospital bag ready with all your essentials about two weeks before your due date. If you're having a home birth, put all those things you think you'll need in one place.
It can be useful to have two bags: one for labour and one for your hospital stay afterwards.
Labour bag
Include:
a clean T-shirt or front-opening nightie, dressing gown and slippers - plus bed socks if you have a tendency to get cold feet
drinks and snacks for you and whoever's going to be with you
a small facial sponge, for dabbing and sucking on
body oil, fine talcum powder or lotion for back rubs
music tapes/CDs and a battery-operated player
a hairband and brush, soap, towel and flannel, toothbrush and paste, other toiletries as desired
maternity pads (night-time sanitary pads will do) and knickers
Keep a water spray in the fridge until you leave for hospital. It's great for gentle cool-downs during labour.
You might also want to take a camera or camcorder. Check with the hospital first, as some units don't allow filming.
Hospital bag
Include:
a front-opening nightie (easier for breastfeeding)
comfy clothes (such as a tracksuit and T-shirts)
sandals or easy-fitting footwear
knickers and maternity pads for heavy bleeding after birth
nursing bras (at least two, as you can get sweaty in hospital and if your milk comes early your bra may get wet)
towels (take one or two - your partner can bring in extras if you're required to stay longer)
toiletries and cosmetics
breast pads (to absorb leaks of colostrum and milk)
phone card/coins (you can't use mobile phones in hospital)
magazines and books
writing materials
personal music player/radio
biscuits and snacks
favourite breakfast cereal
favourite tea bags
fruit juice/mineral water
nightie and nappies for the baby
Remember, you'll need clothing for you and your baby to travel home in, although someone can bring that in once you've had your baby.
