Packing your hospital bag?

| What to take …

 Medicare card, hospital paperwork and insurance  Loose, comfortable clothing, including a going-
details (if you have private insurance) home outfit
 Your birth plan and maternity notes  Nursing bras
 Dressing gown  Breast pads
 Slippers  Nipple cream
 Socks  Maternity pads
 An old nightdress or T-shirt to wear in labour  Nightdress or pyjamas
 Massage oils or lotions  Old, cheap or disposable knickers
 Lip balm  Ear plugs
 Snacks, drinks, glucose tablets or lollies  A photo of your other child/children
 Relaxation materials: books, magazines and so on  Notepad/journal and pen/pencil
 A hairband
 Pillows
 Heat packs  Infant car seat
 TENS pain relief machine, if you’re planning to use  Sleepsuits and singlets, including a going-home
 Toiletries outfit (bring several, depending on how long you’ll
be staying in hospital)
 Music
 Baby blanket (a warm one if weather is cold)
 Nappies and wipes or cotton wool
 Socks or booties, and mittens
 Water spray or hand-held fan  Hat
 Comfortable shoes  Jacket or cardigan for winter babies
 A change of clothes, toothbrush and deodorant  Muslin squares
 Watch with a second hand to time contractions  Gifts for older siblings (if you want to)
 Swimwear, if you want to join the mum-to-be in a
birth pool
 Digital camera or camcorder (check with hospital
first) 
 Address book or list of phone numbers, plus mobile
phone or coins/phone card 
 Snacks and drinks 
 Money for parking, change for vending machines  

Bag packed? Visit http://www.babycenter.com.au/labour, so you know when it’s the real thing!