Our tried and tested tips on what to pack for labour and birth
Labour bag
- birth plan
- fresh facecloths and towels for compresses
- small sponge
- cooling and refreshing facial mist spray
- aromatherapy massage oil
- lip balm
- supply of ice cubes
- books, magazines, card games, radio or walkman
- energy snacks and drinks for you and your partner
- tissues
- icecubes
- fresh facecloths
- your choice of Australian Bush Flower
- emergency Essence
- your choice of Bach Flower Remedy
- candles
- your choice of relaxing music
- coins/phone cards and numbers for your partner to call – most wards ban mobile phones
- a symbolic photograph or picture of your choice
- large hand mirror if you want to see your baby actually being born
- camera or video camera (check with hospital about recording the birth)
Personal bag
- 2 cotton night dresses or t-shirts in which to give birth
- slippers
- warm socks as your body temperature may fluctuate during and after labour
- cosy dressing gown
- hairbrush
- toiletries/make-up bag
- soft towel
- 2 -3 nursing bras
- breast pads
- 6 pairs disposable cotton or paper pants
- at least two packs of large maternity sanitary pads (buy more for home too – you will need them)
- earplugs
- day clothes
Baby’s bag
- 2-4 stretch suits
- 2-4 singlets
- 4 pairs of socks/booties
- 4 cardigans
- 1 cellular blanket
- scratch mittens
- disposable nappies
- cotton wool
- clothes to take the baby home – shawl or all in one
- correctly fitted car seat
- Boab Bush Flower Essences
Father’s labour bag
- layers of clothing as temperature can change
- bathroom items to freshen up including a toothbrush and toothpaste, facecloth, deodorant.
- plenty of snacks as it is unlikely that you will be catered for and you may spend hours waiting.
- money for parking or to buy something for you or your partner to drink or eat
- small change for phone calls as most hospitals do not allow mobile phones
- a book or magazine to read
- a diary to record the birth
- a camera or camcorder to record the birth (check hospital or birthing centre policy first to avoid disappointment)
- games to occupy you both during idle periods
- a list of prioritised phone numbers of friends and relatives
- Australian Bush Flower Emergency Essence
- copy of the birthplan