Bag at the ready

We all have different birth wishes, but feel free to use this list of everything you’ll need in the maternity ward as a guide to your own personal hospital list. Just remember to pack that bag in time!

FOR BABY

• A nail clipper

• Disposable nappies

• Vaseline or bum cream

• Wipes

• Baby soap and cream

• Cotton wool

• In general, hospitals no longer provide baby clothes and blankets. Over and above the first hospital bag, your baby needs a few sets of clothes that could include vests, comfy onesies and beanies, as well as thick baby socks in winter.

• Three baby blankets, including at least one swaddling blanket

• Car seat

FOR THE BIRTH ITSELF

Are you planning to go natural? Then your list of essentials might be longer. A few hours of labour might await, and it’s worth making them as comfortable and pleasant as possible for yourself. Ask what your maternity ward allows. Birthing clinics and some private hospitals encourage a homely kind of atmosphere and are not fussed if you’d like to bring along a few personal items to make the birthing process easier. See the following as a list of suggestions. Choose the things with which you feel comfortable.

• Birthing plan: very important.

• Lots of fluids. Water remains king, supplemented with energy drinks or “jungle juice”, as some lactation consultants refer to the potion (2 litres of water, 1 litre apple juice, 1 sachet Rehidrat, 60ml Schlehen blackthorn berry elixir and a couple of drops of Rescue Remedy) you should take for the necessary relaxation. It will give you stamina, keep you hydrated, and it does not taste too bad either. Some say it also helps to increase milk production. Keep a big jug of the stuff in the fridge once you’re home with baby too.

• Two or more facecloths with which your birthing partner can wipe your face every now and then – can also be used as a warm compress on your lower back.

• Something to keep your locks out of

your face, like clips, elastics or a hair band.

• A few snacks that give energy and are easily digested, although you might find yourself anything but hungry. Choose raisins, energy bars and nuts. Keep in mind that you might be ravishing shortly after the birth. The hospital will provide food, but you might feel like something special. Indulge, you worked hard!

• Comfy clothes for the first phases of your labour.

• Bikini or crop top if you’re planning a water birth.

• Towel – more than one for a water birth (and not your finest ones).

• Your own pillow for personal comfort.

• Lip balm.

• A water mister/spritzing bottle to keep you cool.

• Music – CDs and a player if you’re not going to be using your phone, to create atmosphere.

• Candles.

• Cards with positive birth affirmations that you can stick up around the room to keep you focused. (A birth affirmation is any positive statement that can help you during labour: I know my body has been created to give life; I’m going to birth easily and comfortably; the birth will be quick and without incident.)

• Oil or powder for massage. Light aromatherapy oils can contribute to a more comfortable labour. Neroli, rose, lavender and ylang-ylang are aromas that can be applied for pain relief during the various stages. You can also consider bringing a can with these aromas as a room mister – it works equally well.

• Hot-water bottles for your lower back, shoulders and belly while you’re giving birth.

• Birthing ball.

• Massage rollers.

• Photograph or picture with personal meaning for visualisation and motivation.

• Toiletry bag with your personal cleansers, creams and toothbrush.

• Pyjamas and clean clothes for after the birth.

• Camera.

• Cell phone and charger or power bank.