If you’re a first-time mum, chances are you have already spent some time thinking about your ‘birth bag’ – or ‘hospital bag’ as it’s more commonly referred to. You might have done some research and read some of the endless lists available online and wondered how everything was supposed to fit in one single bag (spoiler: it doesn’t!). If you’re a second, third, fourth or even fifth-time mum, it could be that packing the birth bag is a bit of a last-minute afterthought. Either way, I do believe that the physical packing of the bag and the mental preparation involved in doing so is an important process to go through in advance of birth.
I call it a birth bag because of course not everyone is going to hospital, and, even if you are, it’s a bag full of items for you to use in birth, not items specific for a hospital! Also, more significantly, considering the power of language, referring to the birth bag as a ‘hospital bag’ conjures up images of hospital stays and illness. A hospital bag is normally packed if you are going to stay in hospital after a medical procedure and so carries these associations. If you’re planning for a positive and magical birth experience you’d benefit from having a different mindset.
I also recommend packing a birth bag, even if you don’t plan on going anywhere! If you’re planning a home birth, I believe it’s 100 per cent still worth packing a bag. There are a few reasons for this.
1. You could end up transferring into the hospital for some reason, either in labour or afterwards. The risk of transfer because of an emergency is very low, but the transfer rate for first-time mums from home or birth centres into hospital is actually quite high – around 50 per cent. The most common reasons for transfer are requiring stronger pain relief (epidural), slow progress and meconium in the waters. Given that this could happen, it’s worth having the bag packed and ready to go.
2. If you birth at home and remain at home, you’re still going to want to have everything you need to hand. Packing everything into a birth bag means your birth partner can easily locate the items you need, rather than having to leave your side every so often to go and hunt around the house for them. Having everything in one place, in one bag, is helpful for everyone.
3. I believe the act of packing the bag offers some psychological benefits. You’re taking time out of your day to do a mindful activity that is about preparing for birth and meeting your baby. You are taking the opportunity to think carefully about how things are going to pan out (positive visualisation) and packing the items you think you’ll need at the various points. By doing this you will start to feel more prepared, ready and excited for what lies ahead.
When you come to pack the bag, I like to think of it as packing for a spa break or luxury weekend away! This might seem bizarre, and you’re probably wondering how those huge absorbent maternity pads that you need to pack fit with the image of a regular spa break, but bear with me . . . breast pads and maternity pads aside, you should be packing items that will make you feel good and help you to relax. Little treats for example! Your comfiest clothes! You should feel excited when labour begins, excited to meet your baby, but also a little bit excited to crack open your bag of goodies and dig in! Giving birth is such a special, magical time – treat it as such when packing your bag. You are going to be doing something monumental, so if there was ever the time for a little self-indulgence, it is now.
Also, remember the environment and the five senses checklist. So, your room spray or essential oils (smell), music, headphones, portable speaker (sound), battery-operated tea lights or fairy lights, an eye mask (sight), decent tea bags (NHS ones are not the best if you’re a fan of a strong cuppa), snacks (taste), massage oil, fluffy socks, slippers, bikini, cosy dressing gown, oversized comfy tee, your own pillow, blanket (touch). Never underestimate the environment, set the scene for the birth you want!
You’ll notice in the packing list opposite, I’ve put all of the stuff you might need to transform the environment under the birth partner’s checklist – this is because it’s your birth partner who will likely be setting up the room when you’re in established labour. Hence, it makes sense for them to have all the bits to do this in their bag, so they can take charge and easily lay their hands on everything they need.
So without further ado here’s my packing list for ‘the ultimate birth bag’:
MUM |
BIRTH PARTNER |
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 Maternity notes
Copies of Birth Preferences
Large T-shirt to wear in labour
Eye mask
iPhone and charger
Bikini top
Slippers
Dressing gown
Fluffy socks
Snacks (non-perishable)
Drinks (coconut water is great)
Flannels
Facial spray/spritzer
Lip balm
Water bottle with straw
Thick headband and hair bands
Your pillow |
Hypnobirthing book
Relaxation MP3s and music
Wireless speaker and charger
iPhone, charger and headphones
Camera and charger
Battery-operated tea lights
Fairy lights
Room fragrance/pillow spray
Massage oil
Essential oils, e.g. lavender
Trunks if joining Mum in pool
Snacks and drinks for yourself
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
Change for parking (if needed)
Mini bottle of champagne! |
TENS machine (if using)
Hot water bottle or wheat bag
Positive affirmation cards
Birth ball (if needed)
Two nursing bras
Breast pads
Nipple cream (lansinoh is good)
Maternity pads (two packs)
Plenty of big cotton pants
Front-opening nightie or PJs
Toiletries and make-up
Towel
Hairbrush
Comfy outfit for going home |
BABY
Nappies (allow ten a day)
Cotton wool balls (use with water – avoid using wipes at first)
Olive oil in small bottle (apply to baby’s bum before nappy – it will make cleaning much easier!)
Three cotton sleepsuits with feet
Three cotton vests
Two hats
Muslin squares
Baby blanket
Jacket or snowsuit if winter
Infant car seat
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