When should you pack in your birth bag?

If you're nearing your given due date, I wonder how many times have you been asked... "Ooo, have you packed your hospital bag yet?"

My honest honest answer to the 'when should I' question, is whenever feels right for you, as every birth and every person is different. 

Personally, I was a nervous nelly so I wrote my list and packed my lovely bag when I was just over 7 months pregnant. My reasons - I had a long commute to work and I was afraid that I may go into labour 2 hours from home, so I had it in the boot of my car every day for over a month, even though I was planning a home birth. Also, I wanted to visualise my birth as part of my preparation, so knowing what I would have /wanted with me allowed me to do this and feel prepared. Doing this helped me relax, controlling what I could and let go of what I couldn't. But that is just me... 

I also know people who've had planned c-sections and inductions so have packed their bags the week before their babies births. Some people pack as thought they are going on trip, or going to stay overnight at a spa... What works for one and all that...

On a Hypnobirthing course with me, we talk about your birth bag in loads more detail. Looking at your birthing ideals, personal circumstances. logistics and your pregnancy to date to help you decide what you need and want with you for the birth of your baby... To help you plan your pack! 

What do you put in your birth bag?

So, you may or may not have your own birthing ideals, but here are some things that may help you start writing your list either way.

Your bag will contain the things you will find useful whilst you are giving birth and after the birth of your baby(s). The people you need to prepare for are: 

• You 
• Your birth partner(s)
• Your new arrival(s) 
• Your health care professionals

Things to think about:  

• Do you want to communicate anything to your health care professionals, i.e. 'I am hypnobirthing, and these are my ideals... Talk quietly... Dim the lights...!' If so, a list or note detailing these things can be really useful.
• Maybe you want a bag for each person to keep things separate, or maybe you just want one bag for everyone.
• Keeping your energy up with high energy foods (yes, you can eat and drink when you're in labour!) Oh, and your birth partner needs to eat too... 
• Maybe you're planning a home birth, but want to plan for choosing a transfer also? So popping your partner a list of things to pack whilst you are otherwise engaged could help you both. 
• Do your ideals include a water birth? So, swimmers for you and your birth partner.
• For any birth scenario - what environmental changes would you like to make in the room? Lights, blindfold, music, anchors...
• Your journey to hospital and how you could make this more comfortable (eye mask, playlist...)
• Connectivity and technology... phone /camera chargers.
• What would you like your new arrival(s) first outfit to be? 
• Also, maybe you're thinking of preparing for a stay time in NICU. So more clothes for you and partner? This may seem like a daunting prospect, especially for those expecting multiples as this will be something you speak about a lot with your health care professionals. So, preparing for this possibility, could reduce your stress, and allow you to control what you can. If you need things you have them, if you don't you unpack just them. 
• After care for you... mama! Comfy things to wear, face wipes and maternity pads... more snacks! 

Here are some useful lists you can take inspiration from: 

• NHS - Pack a bag for labour 
• Tommy's Hospital bag list
• Emma's Diary (also worth signing up to Emma's Diary btw)

These lists include the items you may find useful and comfortable. In our sessions, we will talk about your environment, your personal items and what helps you relax, what helps you feel love all the things you can pack that promote the production of hormones to aid you in labour... 

Happy packing... and repacking mama!  

I hope this is useful... Let me know!

Mel x