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What to take with you to hospital for the birth

What to take to hospital with you for the birth? What should you take? What did you take? Have we missed something? Please email us!

For the labour -

• t-shirt or front opening nightie, dressing gown and slippers – plus bed socks if you have a tendency to get cold feet
  
• drinks and snacks for you and your partner - you don't want them running off to find a snack machine and missing anything important
  
• a small facial sponge, for dabbing and sucking on (never used this)
  
• body oil, fine talcum powder or lotion for back rubs (Didn't get chance to use this)
  
• music tapes/CDs and a battery-operated player (Or this - did watch Saturday morning tv in the lounge on the maternity ward though)
  
• a hairband and brush, soap, towel and flannel, toothbrush and paste, other toiletries as desired
  
• maternity pads – night time sanitary pads are fine – and knickers.

For the stay on the ward -

• a front opening nighties (easiest for breastfeeding)
  
• comfy clothes (like a tracksuit and t-shirts)
  
• slippers, sandals or easy fitting footwear
  
• knickers and maternity pads for heavy bleeding after birth
  
• nursing bras - you'll need to take care of your breasts even if you're not breastfeeding as they'll feel uncomfortable.
  
• towels (take one or two - your partner can bring clean towels if you are required to stay in hospital longer)
  
• toiletries and cosmetics - although you won't have much time for makeup!
  
• breast pads (absorb leaks of colostrum and milk)
  
• phone card/coins (you can't use mobiles in hospital) and PHONE NUMBERS!
  
• magazines and books
  
• writing materials
  
• personal music player/radio
  
• biscuits and snacks - all you'll probably get if you're starving at 3am is sympathy or a slice of toast.
  
• Earplugs - your baby might not cry allnight but someones will!
  
  
• Some bottled water - it'll be warm on the ward!
  
  
  

For baby -

• baby clothes
  
• nappies
  
• a blanket
  
  
• your partner can bring in outdoor clothes and car seat when you're allowed home!