Planning for birth can feel overwhelming, which is why packing the hospital bag is a pregnancy task that divides us mums. You’re either in the camp that says, ‘I’ve had my labour outfit and newborn essentials by the door since 32 weeks,’ or in Camp Procrastination, where at 38 weeks, the only bag by the front door is your reusable Aldi shopping bag.

Plus, 67% of FTC mums report they’re unsure about what to pack in their hospital bag for their baby. Short sleeve or long sleeve babygrows? Vests or onesies? Tiny clothes can be a minefield. 

No matter which camp you belong to (no judgement), it's essential to ensure your hospital bag is fully stocked for both you and your new arrival(s). The same applies to mums planning a homebirth: according to The Birthplace Study, 45% of first-time mothers giving birth at home are transferred to a hospital at some point, compared to 12% of mothers who have previously given birth

But, don't panic and over do it. Maternity wards aren't known to be overly spacious and your birth partner can always whizz home (when baby arrives) to collect any post-birth essentials you're suddenly craving. 

There is no perfect time as pregnancy and preferences vary. For example, you might find comfort in being organised early on. Or, you might find that you don’t have the mental energy or capacity to throw things in a bag until the final stretch. That said, only 1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date so the NHS notes it’s good to be packed by full term (37 weeks) and plan for your pregnancy. These questions might help guide your decision: 

• Am I high risk and is early labour likely?
• Do I need to order any specific products ahead of time?
• Am I close enough to the hospital / shops if my birth partner needs to collect “extra supplies”? 

You can either pack one larger bag and use packing cubes or smaller bags to separate yours and the baby's items, or opt for two smaller bags—one for labour and another for post-delivery essentials for you and the baby. For instance, while your wash kit may not be necessary during intense surges, you'll appreciate having your face wash and clean underwear on hand for freshening up after delivery, especially while your partner is taking care of the baby.

Firstly, let’s start with non-negotiable essentials. Put these items in first so they're not forgotten.

• Two copies of your birth preferences (one for your partner, one for the midwife)
• Hospital notes
• Your regular medications

• A TENS machine if you plan to use one
• A spare pillow and pillow case (optional, but can be comforting)
• Loose, comfortable clothing to wear during labour
• A bikini top or lightweight bra if you plan to wear one in the birthing pool
• A dressing gown can be useful if you strip off in labour but then need to walk to the communal toilets 
• A battery powered fan and water spray to help you keep cool
• Lip balm
• Hairbands
• Body lotion or massage oil – some women may find a back massage from a partner relaxing during labour
• Phone and phone charger (an extra-long charging cable or battery pack can be useful)
• Water bottle with a straw – useful if you end up hanging over a pool edge or drinking on all fours 
• Snacks & sweets that aren’t an effort to eat
• Thirst quenching drinks
• An eye mask for moving between brightly lit areas 
• Movies, playlists or podcasts downloaded to your device for the earlier stages of labour 

Feeling slightly diva-ish for prioritising your lip balm over your sanitary pads? Rest assured, you're far from being over the top. 'Ensuring comfort during labor can lead to a calmer, more relaxed birthing experience, so don't overlook those small comforts when packing your bag,' advises Pip Davies, a seasoned NHS Midwifery Sister and the author of 'Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth.' She emphasises, 'Lip balm is essential, as lips often become very chapped during labour, particularly if you're using gas and air for pain relief.

• Soft bras, including nursing options if you plan to breastfeed
• Comfy, button through sleepwear 
• Socks to keep your feet warm
• Flip flops for in the shower
• Slippers for walking around the ward
• A wash bag containing essentials like a toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and flannel
• Fiber-rich snacks to ease digestion post-birth, such as instant porridge pots for early hunger pangs or peanut butter sachets and oatcakes
• Your favourite tea bags or instant hot drinks, with peppermint tea being a soothing option
• 5 or 6 pairs of cotton knickers
• Breast pads to manage any leakage
• 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads for post-birth bleeding
• An eye mask to block out light and facilitate sleep in a brightly lit ward
• A towel
• Spare glasses or contact lenses, if you use them
• A notebook, useful for noting down questions for doctors or nurses, or capturing the emotions and first moments of motherhood
• Nipple balm to soothe breastfeeding discomfort
• Earplugs and an additional eye mask, as postnatal wards can be noisy, to help you rest more easily

Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth. If you're planning a c-section, then think ahead about your post-surgery comfort. We suggest packing:

• Loose clothing, such as c-section trousers, that won’t sit on your scar dressing 

• Several pairs of high-waisted cotton knickers. Low rise underwear may rub your wound

• Peppermint tea bags - this herbal tea can help to soothe the pain of trapped wind, which you may have after surgery

• Plenty of nappies
• Bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits (newborn and tiny baby sizes to be prepared for all birth weights)
• An outfit for going home in (weather appropriate)
• A hat, socks or booties and scratch mittens (newborns get cold easily)
• A shawl or blanket
• Muslin squares
• A car seat for the trip home
• Some ready-made formula bottles
• Confidence - you've got this