Pack once, birth anywhere
The mistake most families make is packing for the birth they hope for. Pack instead for every birth — the bag lives in the car from 37 weeks, and whatever door you walk through, you're ready. Three small bags beat one enormous one: one for labour, one for after, one for the baby.
The labour bag
- Your birth-preferences sheet (three copies) and maternity notes
- A dark towel and a sarong or old nightie for the pool
- Lip balm, hair ties, a water spray and isotonic drinks with straws
- Honey sticks or dates for quick energy, plus snacks for your partner
- A playlist, a dim fairy light and your hypnobirthing tracks
- Phone chargers with a very long cable — sockets are never near the bed
After birth & for the baby
Front-opening nightshirts for skin-to-skin, heavy-duty pads, high-waisted dark pants, nursing bra, nipple balm, a going-home outfit that fits a 30-week bump, and your own pillow in a coloured case. For the baby: three vests, three sleepsuits, a hat, a cardigan regardless of season, nappies and one packed formula kit even if you plan to breastfeed — options are kindness.
“Pack for every birth and you'll use the bag with joy instead of rummaging through it with worry.”