Hiya, this is my list, which is now all packed and waiting at the end of my bed in a case!!
Your birth plan and maternity notes.
Dressing gown. This will be useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour and you'll need one on the postnatal ward. Hospitals can be very warm, so a lightweight one may be better.
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 will probably 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. Isotonic sports drinks are good or bring some glucose tablets to keep you going.
Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as books, magazines, games and so on.
A hairband. If you have long hair, you might want it tied up.
Pillows. The hospital might not have enough to make you really comfortable.
TENS pain relief machine, if you are planning to use one.
Toiletries, take a weekend bag of toiletries incase you have to stay in for more than a day
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 or radios - again, check first.
A going-home outfit. You'll need loose comfortable clothes to wear while you're in hospital and for the journey home. It will take a while for your tummy to go down, so you'll be still wearing maternity clothes when you come home - sorry! You might want to pack something loose across your stomach in case you have had a c'section.
Nursing bras. Take two or three.
Breast pads
Maternity pads. Bring a couple of packs, the hospital ones are HUGE so bring your own!
Nightshirt or T-shirt. Front-opening shirts are useful in the early days of breastfeeding.
If you are breastfeeding, some nipple cream (Camilosan) in case your nipples get sore
Old or cheap knickers, or disposable knickers
Towel and flannel
For baby, One outfit for the trip home (all-in-one stretchy outfits are easiest).
Two or three sleepsuits, vests, hats and bootees/socks for baby to wear while you are in hospital.
Baby blanket.
Nappies, cotton wool and sudocrem (the hospital dont like you using wetwipes but pack some anyway, alcohol and fragrance free, meconium is like tar to get off your babies bum!)
Warm jacket or snowsuit if your due in the cold weather
It all seems a bit long winded but its better to have it all with you when you arrive!!
Good luck with everything!!
Lou, James 8 and 35+4 wk bump x
