Packing for Labour -  It is probably best to pack your bags byabout 36-37 weeks.

Postnatal Stay Bag

• Cotton nighties and dressing gown/slippers
• Lots of big knickers - not your best ones! May prefer disposable, for ease
• Plenty of large size/maternity sanitary towels
• Toiletries
• Flip-flops for the shower
• Bras, especially for breastfeeding
• Breast pads
• Telephone (and charger) to spread the good news
• Magazines
• Towels
• Snacks and drinks for post natal stay
• Tissues
• Going home clothes - something loose and comfortable (you won’t be back in your pre-pregnancy clothes yet!)

Labour Bag

• T-shirt or loose shirt                                                                                                         
• Lots of big knickers and maternity sanitary towels
• Warm socks (you can get very chilly in transition!)                                               
• Hairbands/hair slide to keep hair off face
• Loose, comfortable clothes for partner - labour wards are often very hot.      
• Natural sponge (for face or for sucking water from)
• Massage oils and Lip salve
• Water sprayer                                                               
• Tissues
• Arnica (Homeopathic remedy to help prevent bruising)
• Special picture/photo to focus on/add familiarity                                                                                                             
• Soft towel or throw to lean onto that smells of home
• Music - having a few play lists on your phone of different styles of music can be good, in case you fancy different things at different times (and something to play it on if nothing is available at hospital)
• A game or playing cards or an ipad for early labour, if you are being induced              
• TENS machine (if not already wearing it)
• Food for you and your partner. Glucose tablets/jelly babies/banana/chopped fruit - for bursts of energy. Oatcakes/muesli bars for slow release energy.
• Drinks, not acidic, and bendy straws so mum can drink easily
• Thermos of ice cubes (either made of water or apple juice) to suck
• Mirror to watch the birth in
• Hot water bottle and ice packs for relieving back ache
• Camera!

For baby you will need:

• Baby grows
• Vests
• Hat
• Cardi (if winter time)
• Muslins
• Nappies
• Cotton wool
• Nappy cream (if using)
• Water container for nappy changing (empty margarine tub will do fine)
• Towel
• Going home clothes
• Shawl or blanket
• If you are going home in the car don’t forget you must have a car seat for your baby. The midwives will not let you out until they see the baby safely strapped into the car seat!