Giving birth – what to take to the hospital

Packing check list

• Bible
• Your medical records and birth plan.
• Cosmetics bag, including soap and shampoo.
• Sanitary towels.
• Underwear.
• Dressing gown and slippers.
• Change of clothes.
• Nursing bra and breast pads.
• Medication.
•  Camera for photos
• Clothes and nappies for your newborn.

What are the important things to take?

The most important item to take is your medical records – don't forget them!

Other things you will want to take are a cosmetics bag, sanitary towels (not tampons), clean underwear, slippers and a dressing gown. Even if you are not spending a long time in hospital, it can feel incredibly refreshing to take a shower and change into clean underwear.

It might be a good idea to take something to wear after giving birth – after all, it will be your first opportunity in months to put on something other than maternity clothes.

It can also be quite practical to have a nursing bra in addition to breast pads. If you're breastfeeding, you'll find this more convenient than taking a regular bra off and putting it back on every time your baby needs feeding.

Your birth plan

It's a good idea to make, and take, a birth plan outlining how you want labour to proceed. Factors to consider include.

;

• the form of pain relief.
• type of lighting/ambience.
• where the baby is to go after birth - for example most woman want their baby placed on their chest immediately after birth.
• who is to be allowed in the delivery room.

Write everything down so both the doctor and the midwife have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the plan.

When it comes to actually giving birth, you may well be too exhausted or absorbed in what is happening to remember the exact details.

Keep in mind, too, that some aspects of the plan may need to be changed if complications arise.

Comfort items

If you like listening to music, it's a good idea to take some favourite CDs or tapes to the hospital that can be easily played via a device that doesn't need to be attached to you. Studies have shown that music helps relaxation and is extremely soothing.

Time can sometimes pass slowly when in labour so books and magazines may come in handy. If you are very tired, get a companion to read to you.

Are you taking any kind of medicine?

In general, pregnant women are advised not to take any kind of medicine. But there can be exceptions and if you are on medication, this needs to be taken into hospital.

The doctor and the midwife need to know about it so they can take it into consideration.

What should I take for my baby?

You may not want to bring baby things into the maternity ward, but it's a good idea to have a packed bag ready for the journey home from hospital. This could include:

• nappies
• clean underwear
• a set of clothing for you and baby, suitable for the journey home.

If you are planning to take your baby home by car, it's a good idea to have a carrycot and blanket ready. You must be able to fasten it securely so your baby can be transported home safely.

Would you like to make a phone call?

After giving birth, parents will probably want to share the good news with others.

Mobile phones are not allowed to be used in hospitals, because they may interfere with sensitive electronic equipment there. So remember to take small change or a call card for phones.