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To do some time before going into labour |
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| 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. | ||||
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For Labour |
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| 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. | ||||
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Clothing |
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| 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) | ||||
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Toiletries |
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| 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. | ||||
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Other Items |
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| 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. | ||||
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For Baby |
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| 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. | ||||
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Food |
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| Food for your support team to eat; fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, bottled water, breath mints, gum etc. | ||||
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Activities |
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| 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. | ||||
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Children |
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| Snacks and simple activities for the kids when they come to visit. | ||||
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Information |
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| 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. | ||||