A copy of your birth plan
- give this to the midwife as soon as you arrive
TENS machine - if using Massage oil
- for soothing your backache
Slippers
- hospital floors can be cold when you're pacing up and down. Flipflops can be useful to wear in the shower.
Warm socks
- to wear if your feet get chilly
Music
- check your labour ward allows this and bring your favourite tracks
Drinks
- bottled water and juice are best. You may find it easier to sip from a straw
Snacks
- have light, energy-boosting nibbles like bananas and chocolate on hand
An old large T-shirt, shirt or nightdress to give birth in
- a front-buttoning one will enable you to breastfeed and have skin-to-skin contact more easily after the birth
Toiletries
- cleansing wipesor flannel, water spray mist, toothbrush, toothpaste and some waterproof mascara to avoid panda eyes in the post-birth pictures!
Books and games
- to keep you and your birth partner entertained
A watch
- to time contractions
More essential packing checklists just for you:
Your essential hospital stay checklist
Your essential checklist for your baby
Your essential partner’s checklist
