Your hospital bag

General tip:
Pack two bags; one with all your goodies and anther one for baby, this will make it easier for the nursing staff to find all they need for baby after the birth when neither you nor your husband would be able to assist.

You need the following:
For YOU:

• 2 nighties, these should be front-opening as it is easier for breastfeeding.
• Dressing gown and slippers
• Disposable panties
• Maternity bra's
• Breast pads
• Maternity sanitary pads
• Toiletries and make-up
• Plastic bag to send home dirty laundry
• Extra Face cloths

Tips:

• Disposable panties can either be bought – Carefix is comfortable, but you can also use cut off pantihose.
• The breast pads should be without plastic backing
• Maternity sanitary pads – you will need these for a while, so make sure that you try and stay with the most natural and comfortable type you can lay your hands on.
• Take extra batteries for the camera, if you plan to take a camera.

Optional:

• Warm socks – when in labour your feet might get cold.
• T-shirt and leggings to wear as an alternative to your nightgowns
• Camera
• Notepad and pen
• Magazine
• CD Player and CDs
• Watch
• Fruit Juice or other drink with flexible straw
• Glucose sweets
• Telephone list of family and friends
• Lip balm
• Photo or other focal point to take your mind of the contractions.

Tips:

• Stay away from yellow as going home clothes, your baby might still have jaundice and the yellow will make it look worse.
• Most pharmacies at the bigger hospitals provide you with a pre-packed baby bag for purchase, you only need to add the clothes and blanket.

Optional:

• Hat – especially babies that needed help by means of suction  would still have swelling on the head.
• Facecloth
• Dummy