Bear in mind the NHS will usually discharge you within a day or 2 of delivery (if not same day) depending on complications as well as time of birth when packing your bag.
Birthing:
- Snacks for you & DH
- Isotonic drink or water - we packed gatorade for the 2 of us to share as its an isotonic which is great for keeping up fluid and energy levels with DD, we had plenty of water given to us by the midwives, so it wasn't such an issue
- MP3 Player for me, PSP for DH - I was induced last time around, its a nice old waiting game to start with and even at the onset of contractions
- A book or magazine to pass time great pre and post-baby depending on when or if they admit you
- Digital or Disposable camera for pictures of the newborn or if your DH feels more adventurous of the birth itself
You:
- Comfy PJs / loungewear (1-2 changes) - when you leave you won't be back to old form, nor will your maternity clothes fit you the same way - preferably with easy access to BF if that's what you intend to do. Also, BF bras if you intend to BF - I highly recommend M&S for their BF bras as they seem to have better fits than Mothercare, but maybe that's just me.
- Also, can heartily recommend getting a couple of BF Tank Tops (Vests) as they're great for using pre & post pregnancy regardless of BF for the built-in shelf bra and support - great for lounging, feeding and sleeping in
- A housecoat / bathrobe / comfy cardi if you find your hospital to be on the cooler side
- Maternity towels or extra-absorbent fem towels - your preference. Personally I went for super absorbent night-time towels, as I don't care for sitting on a high-rise and I could still use them post-baby bleeding without feeling that I've wasted money
- Disposable knickers or (old) underwear that you don't mind throwing away if needs be
- Toiletries: toothbrush, shampoo, soap, a washcloth (or 2 - the midwife on duty may use yours to clean you off post-birthing...)
- Breast Pads
- Towels**
**Check with your hospital to see if they will provide towels for patients (including washclothes) - not all hospitals will provide towels.**
For Baby:
- 2-3 Baby Vests (body suits) for layering especially now that its winter - your choice of sleeve-less, short-sleeved or long-sleeved
- 2-3 Sleepsuits (I can heartily recommend Mothercare's sleepsuits for babies up to 3 mos, as they have the little fold-over scratch mits built into them, so you don't have to worry about losing them or falling off - great for cutting down on clutter and unnecessary items)
- A snowsuit or coat for bringing baby home from hospital
- A blanket or 2 as (at least our hospital) did not provide blankets to take home with you.
- Nappies - LOADS of them, newborns go through roughly a nappy every 2-3 hours after they start feeding regularly and pass their meconium - if you're going the reusable route don't forget to bring a wetbag to put dirty ones in
- Wipes or cotton wool for cleaning baby's bottom when changing nappies
- A muslin square or burp cloth
One item I would recommend packing is Vaseline. It's great for lips as well as a simple barrier cream (if you're wanting to use from birth) as it has the least amount of ingredients: petroleum jelly, so least likely to irritate sensitive skin!
For the first 2 weeks after babies are born its usually recommended nothing but water (except Olive Oil added to the bath in cases of sensitive / overdue babies - you'll be advised by your midwife), so baby wash and lotions aren't necessary items for a hospital nappy bag, but I would recommend cotton wool for bathing baby.
Have a word with your midwife to see if there are any post-natal / newborn baby groups in your area as something to look forward to. Also, new mothers are the best to speak to about your chosen hospital and what they would recommend bringing / leaving at home, as well as your midwife herself as she should know what will or won't be provided in hospital.
Good luck babe and try not to fret too much, it'll all work out in the end!
