By week 35 you should pack your hospital bag.  Use a carrier that works best for you - either a holdall, backpack or even a mini suitcase like we did. It’s a good idea to pack for you, baby and birth partner separately so you can find things easily in the moments of labour and then when your baby is born.

For you

•  Birth plan and hospital notes (you will need this for your antenatal appointments so keep them on top)
•  Mobile phone and a charger
•  
• Clothes for labour
•  It will get messy so an old nightie or long t-shirt will do
•  Dark lightweight dressing gown – in case you’re wandering the corridors
•  Slipper socks or slippers
•  Nightie for post labour – something with buttons at the front if you are planning on breastfeeding
•  Breast pads – 1 box
•  Nursing bras – 2-3
•  Nipple cream
•  Maternity sanitary pads – or long thick sanitary towels (not the thin ones)
•  Old or disposable knickers - 3
•  
• Going home clothes – loose and comfortable
•  Clothes you wore when you were around 6 months pregnant should be fine (make sure the top is accessible if you plan to breastfeed)
•  
• Toiletries
•  Toothpaste and Toothbrush, deodorant, flannel and shower stuff
•  Towel
•  Make up 
•  Lip balm
•  Hairbrush and ties/clips for long hair

• Other 
•  Snacks/sports drinks or glucose tablets/bottled water with sports top
•  Laundry bag for dirty clothes
•  Eye mask – to get as much sleep as you can post labour on the ward
•  Drink straw - so that you can easily keep yourself hydrated in all birthing positions

Optional:

•  TENS machine – if you plan to use one
•  Music/magazines/entertainment
•  Comfy pillow
•  Pen and paper/notebook – to write any questions you may want to ask
•  Mini fan
•  Massage oil – if you like to be massaged during labour
•  Birth ball and pump if your hospital doesn’t have one

For baby

•  Baby vests x 5
•  Sleep suits x 3
•  Nappies small pack unopened as they take up less space unopened
•  Baby blanket
•  hat - hospital usually provide one
•  Baby jacket/snow suit depending on weather
•  Cotton wool or baby wipes
•  Muslin cloths x 5
•  Nappy ointment

Optional:

•  Scratch mittens
•  Socks or booties
•  Car seat – if you plan to bring your baby home in a car (even by taxi)

For birth partner

•  Clothes/underwear and comfortable shoes
•  Mobile and charger
•  Camera and charger
•  Snacks/food and drinks
•  Change for parking
•  Toiletries and towel
•  List of phone numbers to call

Optional

•  Entertainment
•  Painkillers – for their headaches!
•  Pillow/blanket
•  Swimwear if they want to join you in the birth pool