for labour
hospital paperwork - registration card/health record or similar
medicare card and/or private health insurance company card
birth plan
cardboard/plastic folder to keep all your paperwork in (you'll get given more when the baby is born)
comfortable, old, t-shirt
nightgown
warm socks - feet can get cold during labour
flat slip-on shoes or slippers
lollies to suck on
snacks for you and your birthing partner
drinks for you and your birthing partner - sipper bottles are best
books/magazines - for your partner too
iPod or stereo
massage oil
face cloth / face spray
hair band to keep your hair out of your face
lip balm - lips can get dry during labour
camera and/or video camera - with spare film & batteries/charger!
extra clothes for partner - they may get wet helping you in shower or bath
phone card for public phones - mobile phones must often be switched off in hospital wards and there will often be a public phone by your bed
list of important phone numbers - family, friends, older children's carers/school
change for parking, snacks, phones anything you've forgotten to pack!
plastic bag for dirty clothes
for mum post-birth
(some of the items from your labour bag can be re-used)
day-time clothes - pjs, nighties or casual clothes with front opening tops for breastfeedings (don't expect to get into your 'pre-pregnancy' clothes straightaway, take loose fitting or maternity clothes)
flat slip-on shoes and/or slippers
night-time clothes - front opening tops for breastfeeding
dressing gown
maternity sanitary pads - plenty
undies - plenty of pairs (use disposables if you prefer)
breastfeeding bras
absorbent breastpads
toiletries
- hairbrush
- hairdryer (good for drying stitches too)
- body wash
- shampoo
- conditioner
- make-up (you might feel more comfortable having make-up on for those special keep-forever photos)
- face wash
- moisturiser
- tissues
- deodorant
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
change to pay for newspapers, tv connection, phone calls, snacks, etc
pen, paper/notebook
clock
leave valuables - including jewellery - AT HOME
gifts for siblings from new baby
if you have other children, you might like to have a small gift for each that is 'from the new baby' and which is given to the children when they arrive to visit you in hospital
going home outfit
plastic bag for dirty laundry
mobile phone and charger
for baby
nappies
singlets
jumpsuits
socks / booties
scratch mittens
hat
going home outfit x 2 (just in case the one gets dirtied)
wipes or cotton wool balls
baby bath solution / baby wash
face washers
baby towel
wraps / blankets