This is what we’d recommend:
For māmā
- Your birth plan, and anything you need for it (e.g. music, rongoā, TENS machine, massage oil – kawakawa oil is great for mirimiri for both mum and baby)
- Your normal medication, if you take any
- Toiletries (body wash, deodorant etc), and maternity sanitary pads
- A water bottle, hair ties, chap stick and snacks
- Comfy clothes and pyjamas, and some spare cotton knickers
- Easy-open tops for breastfeeding, along with a maternity bra and breast pads
- Items from home that will make you feel more at ease (for example, your pillow or a favourite hot drink)
For baby
- Have your capsule car seat installed and ready to go
- A few different layers and changes of clothes (e.g. body suit, warm jumper or cardigan, bottoms, singlets, cotton hat, socks)
- Newborn sized nappies, and baby wipes
- A couple of light blankets or muslin wraps
For your birth partner
- Snacks and a water bottle
- A change of clothes
- Pyjamas and a blanket
- Toiletries and any medication needed
And remember to grab your phone and charger on the way out the door.
Even if you’re planning a homebirth, it’s a good idea to have a bag ready just in case you need to go to the hospital unexpectedly.
What’s supplied at the hospital or birthing centre?
These will likely all be different, so it’s best to check with your lead maternity carer (LMC) or the hospital/birthing centre you’re booked in for.