Packing your hospital bag for a longer stay

For you

• Your maternity notes
• A washbag with your washing essentials and a hairbrush or comb
• You may not have something as formal as a birth plan, but do take notes of any special wishes you have, for example, being able to see the operation, breastfeeding soon after birth etc.
• A dressing gown you’ll feel comfortable walking around the halls in
• Comfortable house shoes or slippers for when you want to go wandering the corridors
• A couple of towels
• Plenty of pairs of old or disposable knickers and a couple of nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed
• Several comfortable nightgowns - if you're breastfeeding then take ones that won’t interfere with feeding after the birth i.e. open-fronted
• Loose and comfortable clothing if you prefer to dress during the day rather than stay in a nightgown
• Plenty of breast pads
• Numerous muslin cloths to keep your clothes clean when feeding and winding (you'll probably go through at least two a day)
• Suitable clothes to go home in, and remember, you’re likely to look about five months pregnant after the birth, however disappointing that may be, so the pre-pregnancy clothes can stay in the wardrobe

And you may like to have:

• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Earplugs if you’re going to be on a ward or in a shared room
• Distractions – Whether it’s a deck of cards or a travel board game, a trashy novel or magazines, something that will help distract you from any pains and help you both pass the time
• Sweets to suck on. Sugary or glucose sweets may be good for an energy buzz but they'll also make you more thirsty, so you might want to try a sugar-free variety
• Herbal teas, fruit juices and mineral water if you prefer not to drink tap water
• Camera or anything else you want to record the birth or the time afterwards with that is allowed by the hospital
• Important numbers - e.g. check that either your or your partner's mobile has all the numbers for people you'll want to contact immediately after the birth

Premature labour
If you go into premature labour suddenly then you may only have time to get together your maternity notes and washbag and need to send someone to pick up everything else, in which case it'll be useful to have a copy of this list accessible to guide them. Depending on how early your baby is, your birth experience may be not all that much different from a full-term delivery, in which case you'll want to add to the above list:

• Your birth plan, if you have one
• Any props you plan to use in labour, whether that’s aromatherapy candles, oils, a pillow, massage instruments, rescue remedy, calming music and player etc.
• High energy snacks for yourself and birthing partner
• A pair of warm socks for during labour

For baby

• A rear-facing car seat for a newborn - If you’re bringing your baby home by car don’t forget to fit the baby seat in advance
• A couple of babygros and baby vests
• Scratch mitts
• Nappies – Your hospital might provide these, but check in advance and bring a couple of spares, just in case
• A going-home outfit suitable for the season and weather

What the hospital will provide
What hospitals provide for you varies in quality as well as in scope so it's worth checking ahead wherever possible by asking at the hospital, and if you know anyone who's given birth at your hospital then ask them also. Most hospitals will provide the bare basics for baby such as wipes, nappies, dummies and bottles / sterilising equipment. Some hospitals provide items of personal hygiene, like disposable knickers, disposable breast pads, towels etc. Others may even provide music players and nursing pillows. However, most mums find that their hospital doesn't supply all that much: If something is important to you then don't assume it will be provided.