What to pack for labour - ultimate list of what you'll need to pack for the birth

This is a holy-moly-thats-a-big-list, of everything that you could possibly think of - it's a starting point from which you can reduce to a list of what you personally need.

Download a copy of the list here

 

PAPER WORK

• Pregnancy information
• Hospital information
• Birth plan
• Community services card
• GP / Specialist / Midwives details
• Medical insurance details

LABOUR BAG

• Lip balm
• Facial spray
• Birth aid spray
• Single use undies, like the Belly Beyond Wonder Undies
• Wheat pack / hot water bottle
• Massage lotion
• Soothing music
• Comfy pillow
• Birth To Earth Placenta Kit
• Warm socks
• Big t-shirt or Birthing Wrap
• Hair ties
• Snacks / muesli bars / barley sugars / mints
• Magazine / puzzle book
• Nursing singlet and comfy pants - check out the HOTmilk range for amazing singlets and PJ's
• Camera / video
• Cell phone and charger
• List of people to call / address book

FOR MUM

• Purelan Nipple Cream
• Breast pads 
• Maternity pads
• Belly Beyond Wonder Undies
• HOTmilk Maternity bras
• Pyjamas / nighties
• Vespa Belly Wrap

  • Belly Beyond tip: dark colours are best for hospital wear and something soft & silky, like the Womama Birthing Wrap, helps you slide on and off the bed easily

• Slippers
• Dressing gown
• Loose comfortable day clothing
• Toiletries, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, make up, deodorant, moisturizer, face cloth, towel, soft toilet paper
• Jandals for the shower
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask
• Breast pump
• Plastic bags for dirty clothes
• Pen and notepad / journal
• Glasses / contacts
• Ipod
• Snacks
• Wallet
• Bag of change for vending machines / parking / phone
• Gift for midwife / support people

 

FOR BABY

• Barrier Cream
• Baby wipes
• Merino Onesies
• Merino nightie
• Socks / booties
• Scratch mittens
• Beanie
• Nappies
• Baby Wraps
• Baby bath soap and shampoo
• Blanket
• Car seat

  • Belly Beyond tip: install the carseat before you are in labour so you can take your time and follow the instructions.  Hospitals won't let you leave without a carseat so this is really important.   

• Going home outfit

FOR DAD

It's really important that Dad packs a bag to bring too. The last thing you want is Dad nipping off to get food and drink right when you need him most!
 

• Togs & Towel (if you are planning a water birth or laboring in water)
• Drink and a snack
• Magazine / book
• Cell phone and charger
• Change of clothes if you’ve come straight from work as labor might be long
• Tooth brush and tooth paste

FOR BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER

It's a great idea to have a gift ready, which can be something for each of the older siblings "from baby"

• Skip Hop Toddler Back Packs