So the time has come for your bump to put in an appearance in the outside world. But when you head to the labour ward, what should you take? Kitchen sink, some magazines an old t-shirt, what will help you get through the next few hours to finally see your baby (or babies!) come into the world?

This handy list might well help you to decide what will be useful.

It is a good idea to pack 2 separate bags, one for labour and one for afterwards on the ward. Your partner can take the labour bag home out of the way afterwards.

Labour Bag

For Mum:

• Magazines for early labour
• Baggy T-shirt or old nightshirt for labour
• Warm socks (feet can feel very cold in labour)
• Lip salve
• Water spritzer/flannel to cool you down
• Massage oils
• Hair band to tie back long hair
• Music to relax you during labour
• High energy snacks for your partner
• Camera and film
• Dark coloured towel
• Toiletries
• Change for the telephone (mobiles are not allowed in hospital) and the hospital car park
• Nursing bra
• Maternity pads
• Comfortable pants and/or disposable pants

For Baby/Babies:

• Nappies
• Vests
• Babygrows
• Hats
• Cardigans
• Mitts/scratch mitts

Ward Bag

For Mum:

• Front-opening nightdresses
• Breastfeeding bras
• Breast pads
• Maternity sanitary towels
• Comfortable pants/disposable pants
• Dressing gown
• Slippers
• Towel
• Toiletries
• Make-up
• Address book (for phoning friends with the happy news!)
• Notepad and pen
• Birth announcements
• Magazines/book to read
• Money for telephone and snacks etc
• Outfit for going home

For Baby/Babies:

• Nappies
• Vaseline for first nappy changes (makes it easier to remove first bowel movements!)
• Bowls for top and tailing (margarine tubs are ideal)
• Cotton wool
• Vests
• Babygrows
• Cardigans
• Hats
• Mitts/scratch mitts
• Dummies (if you plan to use them)

You will need to have enough for the first couple of days in hospital, but if you end up staying longer you can ask your partner or other visitors to bring extra items in for you and the babies.

If your babies are in the Special Care Baby Unit for anytime, your hospital should provide the items that they require, but it is always worth asking as this may vary from hospital to hospital.

For the journey home you will need coats, hats and blankets or snowsuits for the babies. You will also need first stage car seats. They will not need to be kept in the hospital, your partner can bring them in when he comes to collect you.

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24 May 2008