What Do I Need to Bring With Me?

It is a good idea to prepare your bags from about 35 weeks onwards- just in case baby arrives earlier than you are expecting!

Because there is not a lot of space, we advise that you pack essentials in two bags:

1 bag for the labour and birth

1 bag for after the birth

Bag 1: Your labour and birth

Your green handheld antenatal records

A birth plan if you have made one

• Clothing: loose & comfortable for labour-a couple of old long T shirts are great
• A face cloth/sponge/hair tie/lip salve – water spray can help to cool you down
• Isotonic sports drinks are good for energy as are pieces of fresh fruit
• A pair of socks
• MP3 player or anything else that will make labour more pleasant for you
• Wash bag - toothbrush, shower gel, deodorant & comb
• Towel
• Bathrobe, nightgown & slippers
• Sanitary pads and knickers (old knickers are ideal as they may well get blood stained)

Feeding your baby in Hospital using Formula Milk

From 1st July 2011 Birmingham Women’s Hospital will no longer routinely provide artificial milk for new mothers who choose not to breastfeed.You will need to provide your own cartons of ready to feed milk for your newborn as well as bottles and teats.
For more information, please click on this link

Optional Extras:

• Camera / video
• Something to read
• Telephone numbers / mobile phone
• Money for snacks
• An extra pillow orwhatever you need to help you relax  

Bag 2: After your birth

For You:

• Two or three nursing bras - ordinary bras will be fine if you’re not breastfeeding (remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual).
• About 24 sanitary towels (super absorbent) - not tampons!
• Five or six pairs of pantsas you’ll probably want to change them often Change or a phone card for the hospital payphone.
• A book, magazines, MP3 player orother thingsto help you pass the time and relax.
• A loose comfortable outfit to wear during the day.

For Baby:

• Nappies
• Clothes for hospital -  vests, baby grows, a hat, nappies
• Cotton wool

Going home

When you are ready to go home ask that the following are brought in for you:

For you: something comfortable to go home in, shoes and coat/jacket

For baby: Baby grow, vest, hat & a couple of blankets - extra clothing if it's cold

Car seat - you can't drive your baby home without one!

Please don’t bring the seat with you until you are ready to leave with your baby!

Safe journey home

How Can I Prepare in Advance for Labour?

Early Labour Support

This page was last modified on Thu Jun 16 2011