Barkri12

You've probably realised by now that doing as much preparation as possible prior to giving birth can help you feel more relaxed. Packing a hospital bag in preparation for your birth is a necessary part of this pre-birth preparation. I have included as much detail as possible and there are items that you may wish to discard or add to the list. For obvious reasons it would be better to select darker rather than light clothing. Here's the 20 essentials. 1. Wash bag Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, moisturiser, cleaning wipes, lip balm and some make up. Some amount of make up may help you feel more comfortable when visitors arrive. 2. 2 x Sponges One small sponge for sips of water and sponging your face and a larger one for sponging you down. Some women prefer to take a water spray for cooling down during labor. 3. Towels x 2 Fairly obvious what these are for! 4. Two or three clean nightdresses Pick a dark colour and select a front opening style. 5. Underwear Plenty of pairs of dark knickers, socks and your nursing bras. (See the end of this article for a free breastfeeding guide) 6. Dressing Gown and slippers 7. Something to wear during labor Most opt for a large comfortable t-shirt (better than a hospital gown) and a hair bobble. 8. Ear plugs May enable you to get some sleep while other babies are crying. 9. Mobile/Money/Phone Card Obviously, so you can make some calls. 10. Anti-constipation tablets Constipation is uncomfortable but it will be painful if you have had stitches. 11. Books/Music Things to keep you occupied in hospital 12. A warm loose fitting cardigan or similar In case you get cold while in hospital. 13. Camera and film To take pictures of course! 14. Clothes to wear home Unfortunately normally still your maternity clothes. 15. Maternity pads Very thick sanitary towels. 16. Breast pads You'll soon discover that breast milk doesn't just flow at feeding time, especially early on. 17. Rubber ring Child's inflatable swimming ring aid. May be more comfortable to sit on if you have stitches. 18. Glucose tablets For that extra energy 19. A tennis ball in a sock Can help with alleviating back pain during labor 20. Clothes/Nappies For Your Baby Sleep suits, vests, scratch mittens, nappies/diapers, nappy/diaper cream, cotton wool and blankets. Make sure your partner has the car seat ready to bring you from his car. It's unlikely that you'll need anything else if use this list. The only other thing to remember to bring with you is your birth plan, which you may wish to also pack in this bag. Good luck and happy parenting! *** boxyourstuff.com ***:thumbup:

When to pack your hospital bag? Hospital bags are often left to the last minute, as there are so many other preparations required for a new baby. At the end of 36 weeks your baby is full-term so could arrive at any time, this is when you should have your hospital bag packed, if you have not already done so. Where to start? Do not panic. We have compiled a list of essential items for your birth bag; this list is a culmination of midwives' suggestions and mothers' feedback over the last 2 years. Do not forget that partners love to be involved. You could delegate some, or all, of the task of putting your hospital bag together while you relax in preparation for the big day. What to pack in your hospital bag? Some people pack a whole suitcase for their hospital births and a few are unprepared and just manage to bring themselves. This list covers the essential items you should take to support your hospital birth and why. There is also list of suggested luxury items afterwards which mothers have found comforting and relaxing to have with them in hospital: Essential Hospital Birth Bag Items During Labour Sponge For cooling mother during labour Lip Balm Thirsty work can leave you with dry lips Bendy straws Makes it easier to drink from glasses or cups if you are focussed on labor hair band To keep hair out of your face Tissues There won't be a dry eye when your baby arrives T-shirt/Spare top Useful for either the mum or the birth partner if their top gets soiled or wet during the birth. After Labour Nursing Pads Useful whether you choose to breastfeed or not Flannel Soaked in warm Water and placed on your perineum after the birth to relieve soreness Pants Either cotton or disposable pants which you are willing to throw away after use Maternity Towels Absorbent Mat (you can also buy disposable changing mats instead) Great for protecting the bed, chairs, car seat. Useful for when waters have broken and also to use in the first 48 hours after childbirth. Wash Bag Toothbrush Toothpaste Shampoo / Conditioner Body wash Hairbrush Deodorant Baby Bag Baby grow Newborn nappies Baby hat and mittens Hooded baby towel For wrapping up your baby when it's first born Cotton buds or wet wipes Luxury Hospital Birth Bag Items Home from Home Night dress Which does up at the front so you can breast feed your baby easily Dressing gown Slippers Relaxation Massage oil and massager Lavender oil Lavender promotes relaxation and is a popular choice of oil for use in labor. It can be added to massage oil, or to water and sprayed around the room Music and music player To create a calm ambiance for you to labor and give birth in And finally... Don't forget to put your baby seat in the car so that you can take your new baby home safely and start enjoying the new addition to your family.:cursing: