By Jane Palmer

Often I receive emails from people asking what they should pack to to go to the hospital, so I thought it would be helpful to provide a suggested list here on my website. Your hospital should provide you with further information. Ideally start gathering items together from about 34 weeks of pregnancy. It makes your trip to hospital when you are in labour much more relaxing if you are prepared ahead of time.

For Labour and Birth

• Large T-Shirt – something personal to wear
• Swimmers (men’s) – to support partner under the shower
• Food  – Important to keep up energy level
• Food and drinks – for support people
• Lollies – i.e. barley sugar. For extra energy
• Massage oil (alternatives: olive or vegetable oil)
• Face cloth – ideal for hot faces and necks
• Warm socks – for cold feet during labour
• Lip moisturiser – for dry lips
• CD Player if not supplied and music – to help with relaxation (may need to take batteries)
• Camera, film and batteries
• Camcorder
• Hot pack/hot water bottle – in case these are not supplied
• Extra pillows – sometimes there may be a shortage of these

After the Birth

• Clothes to wear during the day
• Underpants
• Nightdresses
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• Nursing bras (if desired)
• Toiletries, requisites such as washers, toothbrush, moisturiser, baby soap or baby bath lotion (ie. QV bathoil) etc.
• Sanitary napkins (super, thick adhesive are okay)
•  “Kool Pops” to be used as ice packs after the birth
• Breast pads (2 packets) may be required
• Large box tissues
• Plastic sauce bottle for washing after passing urine
• Pen
• Coins for public telephone or a phonecard
• Address Book
• Arnica (to help with post birth recovery)

For your Baby:

• Cotton buds (packet 50)
• Nappies
• Baby Car Seat
• Clothes to take baby home
• Blanket