Pelvic Instability Network Support (PINS)
Supporting women online since 2005
  
 
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 To do some time before going into labour
  Keep hospital bags  in the car, especially when going to see your Midwife or Obstetrician
  Install the baby car seat properly.
  Have pillows with garbage bags over the pillow like a pillowcase, possibly with pillowcases over the garbage bags.
  This pillow setup is useful because you can sit on them even if your water breaks.
  Keep gas tanks full.
  A container or waterproof bag; women in labour may throw up.
 For Labour
  Pack your bag in layers, try to put things used first, the later and so on.
  All medication your are currently taking, list brand names, amount you are taking.
  Recent x-rays.
 Clothing
  A pair of socks to wear during delivery.
  Labour and Delivery short sleeve T-Shirt; lightweight and comfortable; also one that can be thrown away if necessary.
  Taking an extra t-shirt to wear in the birthing pool plus one for outside it.
  Loose underwear.
  Nightgown, especially ones which have a big enough opening in the front for easy access to breastfeed.
  Something for you to wear home or maybe you can wear the same clothes that you wore to hospital.
  Slippers with hard soles or Runners
  Thick comfortable socks, ones with added padding in sole.
  Nursing bra.
  Breast pads.
  Comfortable clothes you could nurse in.
  2 or 3 pairs of underwear (more if you stay longer than 48 hours)
 Toiletries
  Hair band / Hair Ties.
  Lip moisturizer.
  Moisturising body lotion.
  Brush and comb.
  Toothbrush and toothpaste.
  Nail clippers.
  Plenty of maternity pads.
  Extra breastfeeding pads.
  You might want to bring your own soap, shampoo and toilet freshener spray.
  Deodorant.
  Towel / Facecloth (hospital issue are usually stiff).
  Blow Dryer/Curling Iron.
  Makeup, nail polish, or whatever you normally use that makes you feel good about yourself.
 Other Items
  Extra pillows/cushions to help you relax; take extra pillow covers. A lightweight blanket that you find relaxing.
  All necessary aids you have at home- example; elbow crutches, wheelchair. (Make sure your name is attached.)
 For Birthing Partner(s)
  Watch with a second hand to time contractions.
  Toiletries and razor.
  Your birthing partner should have clothes to change into if you need help in a birthing bath or shower.
  Next day's clothes.
  Pillow and blanket.
 For Baby
  Something for the baby to wear after delivery.
  Newborn Diapers.
  Clothing for the baby to wear whilst in hospital.
  A hat for baby.
  Baby outfit for the trip home.
  Baby blanket's, socks or booties and mittens.
  Baby Wipes, lotions, powder nail clippers etc.
  You may want to pack an extra cute outfit for photographs.
 Food
  Food for your support team to eat; fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, bottled water, breath mints, gum etc.
 Activities
  Tennis balls or rolling pin (for back labour massage).
  Massage oils or lotions.
  Relaxation materials: books, magazines, games, music, candles.
  Book for partner to read aloud.
  Pictures of someone or something you love (the inspiration you may need to see you through to the end.
 Children
  Snacks and simple activities for the kids when they come to visit.
 Information
  Birth books (so you can leaf through and find the diagrams which tell us what to do!).
  Birth plan.
  Hospital paperwork.
  Paediatrician information.
  Medical / Health Insurance card.
  Phone numbers of family and friends.
  Phone number for services to cancel depending on date (e.g. milk delivery).
  Paper and pen.
  Extra bags for visitor's presents.
  Baby name book.