Most expectant mothers take their labour bag somewhere around 36 weeks, although if you are at risk of going into labour early you may want labour bag pre packed at 32 weeks.
You may prefer to pack 2 bags; one for during labour and one for later. You can depart the second bag in the car to prevent you from dropping behind all your suitcases close to the infirmary. Most hospitals take in open evenings where expectant parents can get a tour of the labour ward, and then take advantage of the chance to find out what equipment they have to hand and if there any restrictions on what you can bring in with you.
You will need items in Hospital labour bag for yourself as well as a few items for your child. For yourself, you will need your birth plan and policy data. Load down a robe nice enough to have pictures taken in and a pair of shower shoes. While you are in the hospital you can use two hospital gowns for nursing so there is no need to get a nursing nightgown. It is also nice to receive some easy reading material, a nail file, lip balm, and perhaps some shower gel and lotion from home.
For your return home, you will need a brassiere, a maternity dress and some comfy shoes. Avoid anything that has a waistband for the time being.
Avoid carrying a bunch of extras in the Labour bag beyond these things. Special clothing or pillows may get smashed at the hospital so don't bring your favourites from home. Once you bear all these things packed you should be well prepared to proceed to the hospital at a moment's notice.
You may prefer to pack 2 bags; one for during labour and one for later. You can depart the second bag in the car to prevent you from dropping behind all your suitcases close to the infirmary. Most hospitals take in open evenings where expectant parents can get a tour of the labour ward, and then take advantage of the chance to find out what equipment they have to hand and if there any restrictions on what you can bring in with you.
You will need items in Hospital labour bag for yourself as well as a few items for your child. For yourself, you will need your birth plan and policy data. Load down a robe nice enough to have pictures taken in and a pair of shower shoes. While you are in the hospital you can use two hospital gowns for nursing so there is no need to get a nursing nightgown. It is also nice to receive some easy reading material, a nail file, lip balm, and perhaps some shower gel and lotion from home.
For your return home, you will need a brassiere, a maternity dress and some comfy shoes. Avoid anything that has a waistband for the time being.
Avoid carrying a bunch of extras in the Labour bag beyond these things. Special clothing or pillows may get smashed at the hospital so don't bring your favourites from home. Once you bear all these things packed you should be well prepared to proceed to the hospital at a moment's notice.
