What to pack?

This is a list of everything that you could possibly think of - it's a starting point from which you can reduce or add to a list of what you personally need.

 LABOUR BAG
  • Lip balm - cracked and sore lips are a pain!
  • Birth Plan - if you have one
  • Rescue Remedy - great for calming emotions
  • Wheat pack - I sell extra long bags, perfect for wrapping under your belly or across your lower back - includes dried lavender 
  • Massage lotion
  • Various music
  • Comfy pillow
  • Earth Friendly Cocoons Placenta Cocoon - return your placenta to our Earth
  • Warm socks
  • Water bottle
  • Any medications and/or personal items
  • From Bellies to Babies tip: Comforts from home - maybe a photo, favorite pillow. Something that will help you create a comforting, calm, familiar atmosphere for you - this is important, so spend some time gathering bits and pieces to take with you
  • Diffuser and essential oils - check with your LMC what oils can be used
  • Big t-shirt - for comfort
  • Hair ties or hair band
  • Snacks / muesli bars / lollipops / mints
  • Magazine / puzzle book - something for distraction
  • Nursing singlet and comfy pants - don't take pre pregnancy clothes, they won't fit just yet
  • Cell phone and charger
  • List of people to call / address book

 FOR MUM AFTER BIRTH
  • Breast pads - wool or cotton are ideal, disposable available too 
  • Maternity pads - a couple of packets
  • Simple body wash with no colours or fragrances - won't mask the smell of mum for breastfeeding baby nor sting if you have stitches 
  • Maternity bras - the most comfortable bra you will ever wear!
  • Pyjamas / nighties
  • From Bellies to Babies Tip: Full brief knickers (6-9 pack) - great for comfort and able to throw away later if they have stains, you probably don't want to ruin your ''good'' knickers!
  • Slippers
  • Dressing gown
  • Loose comfortable day clothing - you won't be able to fit pre-pregnancy clothing for a wee while
  • Toiletries, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, make up, deodorant, moisturizer, face cloth
  • Jandals - for the shower
  • Bag for dirty clothes
  • Pen and notepad / journal - something to jot down notes
  • Glasses / contacts
  • Ipod
  • Snacks
  • Wallet/eftpos card
  • Bag of change for vending machines / parking / phone

FOR BABY IN HOSPITAL
  • Merino or Cotton Onesies
  • Merino or Cotton nightie
  • Socks / booties
  • Cotton singlets
  • Nappies - the hospital will supply some
  • Baby Wraps - only natural fibres, no polar fleece!
  • Blanket - as above, only natural fibres - cotton/wool/merino/bamboo
  • Car seat
  • Going home outfit
  • From Bellies to Babies tip: install the carseat before you are in labour so you can take your time and follow the instructions.  Hospitals won't let you leave without a carseat so this is really important.   

FOR PARTNERS AND SUPPORT PEOPLE
It's really important that partners and support people packs a bag to bring too. The last thing you want is them nipping off to get food and drink right when you need them the most!

  • Togs & Towel (if your partner is planning a water birth or laboring in water and/or using the shower)
  • Drinks and a snacks - easy to prep foods, there is a microwave available to heat food if required
  • Magazine / book
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Know mum's birth plan - (if she has one) so you can remind her and advocate for her if needed
  • Change for vending machine/parking - download the parking app beforehand
  • Change of comfortable clothes 
  • Tooth brush, tooth paste and deodorant - you want to keep fresh
  • Your own bedding (and mattress if you are in Ata-Rangi) if you are planning on staying over-night once baby is born
  • From Bellies to Babies tip: comfortable shoes, no jandals (these are ok for the shower) as your feet will get tired and sore and you will be no good to help and support Mum!!
 
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