What will I need for labour? and what to pack in your labor bag

Hospital Bag Options

This is a comprehensive list of a lot of things you may want to think about packing into your labour bag - it's a starting point from which you can reduce to a list of what you personally need.

PAPER WORK

• Antenatal information
• Hospital information
• Birth plan
• Community services card
• GP / Specialist / Midwives details
• Private health insurance details (if applicable)
  

LABOUR BAG

• Lip balm
• Facial spray
• Birth aid spray
• Single use undies

  • Belly Beyond Tip: the products above all feature in our Birth Gift Pack

• Wheat pack / hot water bottle
• Massage lotion
• Soothing music
• Extra pillows
• Beanbag
• Warm socks
• Big t-shirt
• Hair ties
• Snacks / muesli bars / barley sugars / mints
• Magazine / puzzle book
• Nursing singlet and comfy pants
• Maternity pads
• Camera / video
• Cell phone and charger
• List of people to call / address book

FOR MUM

• Mother minders bracelet: helps remind when the last fed was and which breast for the next feed
• Nipple Cream
• Breast pads
• Hypercal Gel to promote natural healing after injury and trauma

  • Belly Beyond Tip: the products above all feature in our Mum and Baby Gift Pack

• Maternity pads
• Black knickers or single use undies
• Maternity bras
• Pyjamas / nighties

  • Belly Beyond tip: dark colours are best and something silky helps you slide on and off the bed easily

• Slippers
• Dressing gown
• Loose comfortable day clothing
• Toiletries, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, make up, deodorant, moisturizer, face cloth, towel, soft toilet paper
• Jandals for the shower
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask
• Breast pump - see the great range of Medela Breast pumps here
• Plastic bags for dirty clothes
• Pen and notepad / journal
• Glasses / contacts
• Ipod
• Snacks
• Wallet
• Bag of change for vending machines / parking / phone
• Gift for midwife / support people

FOR BABY

• Barrier Cream
• Baby wipes
• Stretch suits
• Singlets
• Cardigan
• Socks / booties
• Scratch mittens
• Beanie
• Nappies
• Baby Wraps
• Baby bath soap and shampoo
• Blanket
• Car seat

  • Belly Beyond tip: install the carseat before you are in labour so you can take your time and follow the instructions. Hospitals won't let you leave without a carseat so this is really important.

• Going home outfit

FOR DAD

It's imperative that Dad should pack a bag to bring too. The last thing you want is Dad nipping off to get food and drink right when you need him most.

This would be great to pack in our Daddy Matters bag

• Togs & Towel (if you are planning a water birth or laboring in water)
• Drink and a snack
• Magazine / book
• Cell phone and charger
• Change of clothes if you’ve come straight from work as labor might be long
• Tooth brush and tooth paste