Preparing your hospital bag

The items listed below are suggestions of what might be helpful for you to pack:

Your birth preferences plan and hospital notes
Your phone, charger and camera
3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes
2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed – remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual
Breast pads
2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones. If you are having a caesarean birth, high-waisted cotton knickers can often be better, and look for knickers without nylon or lacy fabric, as these can catch on or irritate your wound.
Your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries like lip salve as the ward is quite warm and face wipes as you might not be able to move from your bed very easily straight after the birth.
Towels
Things to help you pass the time and relax – for example, books, magazines, music or podcasts
A fan or water spray to cool you down
Front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you're going to breastfeed – short leaves are usually better ion the hospital as it is warm
Dressing gown and slippers
Snacks and drinks
Extra pillows
Bendy straws as sometimes it is difficult to sit up to drink
Any medicines you're taking
Loose change or bank card for parking
A list of important phone numbers in case your phone runs out of battery

Change of clothes
Mobile phone and charger — useful for timing contractions as well as for letting people know the baby has arrived
Camera — fully charged so none of those special moments are missed
Snacks and drinks
Prescribed medication if they take any
Deodorant and toothbrush
Change or bank card for parking and vending machines

Baby clothes — vests, sleep suits, cardigans (at least three of each) and a hat and mittens, plus an all-in-one snow suit if it's cold
Muslins or bibs — useful for mopping up
Nappies and wipes or cotton wool
Baby blanket or shawl — for when you go home
Baby car seat — essential if you are driving home after the birth. Practise putting a teddy into the seat and fitting it in the car before you have your baby.
If you have made an informed decision to formula feed your baby, you will need to bring into hospital ready-made first infant milk in sealed bottles with teats like in the starter packs