What to take to Hospital

1. Your ante-natal notes and birth plan.
2. Coins for the car park and vending machines (most maternity units provide a parking permit for labour).
3. List of people to call with your news!
4. Slippers, or thick socks, and a dressing gown.
5. Knee length cotton nighties (2 or 3). For labour and after. Not white (!) and preferably with buttons down the front for breastfeeding.
6. Old undies, or disposable knickers, and maternity pads (2 or 3 packs) and some feeding bras (2).
7. Basic toiletry kit, toothbrush, paste & mouthwash. Hairbrush & hairbands. Face wipes, lip salve & moisturiser.
8. Patterned towel and pillowcase – with pillow! (Patterned pillowcase so it doesn’t get put in hospital laundry - as many hospitals don’t have enough pillowcases!)
9. Nipple cream, breast pads, breastfeeding information to use when staff busy.
10. Ear plugs-post natal wards can be noisy. These will help you sleep if someone is watching baby.
11. A little make up, tissues, glasses, contact lenses.
12. Baby Feeding Diary (or notepad) and pen.
13. A stash of snacks, drinks and small amount of money.
14. Some clothes to go home in – you probably won’t need any more.
15. Optional extras – such as an Ipod & speakers (check that’s OK with the unit), massage lotion, Swiss Ball, Tens machine, supply of fruit squash, energy sweets, items to help pass the time like a magazine or book.

And for your Baby

1. Nappies – one pack – plus some cotton wool pads.
2. Vests and babygros (6 of each), socks and scratch mitts, 2 thin cotton hats.
3. Coloured muslins (so you don’t lose them).
   
4. Blankets and warm outfit for going home (including a hat). Hospitals have swaddling sheets, cellular blankets and baby nighties.

This is a very basic list - it’s easy to take much more! You will probably use all these items. I’ve kept quantities down as your partner should be able to bring in replacements i.e. if you go through babygros quickly or have to stay in more than a night or two.