Essentials – labour bag

• Hospital paperwork and insurance
• Your birth plan
   
• Nightgown or pyjamas – bringing 2 or 3 changes is wise incase you are required to stay in the hospital for longer
• Robe
• Socks
• Nursing bra
• Underwear

• Lipbalm
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deoderant
• Moisturiser
• Shampoo and soap - the hospital will provide this, but you may prefer your own brands
• Contact lenses or glasses (if you wear them)
• Hairbrush and bands/clips
• Massage oils and tools that you use
• Sanitary napkins – the hospital will provide these, but you may want to use your favourite brand
   
• Camera/video camera (and spare batteries if required)
• Pillows from home for extra comfort (use a colourful case so they don’t get mixed up with the hospital’s pillows)
   

You may also want to take...

• List of people to call after the birth – you may want to buy a calling card if using the hospital line, as they are often expensive
• Music – iPod, CD player with your favourite music on
• Book – something easy and light is recommended
• Breastfeeding information
• Journal or baby book – some people like to write down the details of their baby while they are still fresh in their mind.
• Snacks – it’s wise to have something healthy for after the birth

And for your newborn

• Vests
• Sleepsuits
• Towel
  
  

• Cotton wool
• Vaseline
• Nappies
  
  

• Going home clothes
• Shawl or blanket
• Car Seat (if you are travelling home by car)