No matter where you plan to give birth it's a good idea to have a packed birthing bag. I always suggest having one for birth, one for your baby and one for birth partners/birth supporters.
The Birth Bag
Your notes - I know trusts are becoming more and more paperless, so it might also be good to have passwords for any apps or websites you use written down.
Your birth plans - Have copies! If you have a doula ask if she has a copy (I normally have a few)
Your phone or camera whatever you wanna take pics on
Your relaxation MP3s where your birth partner can find them- you might want to practice the tech a few times before birth
Headphones/speakers for staying in your bubble
Relaxing or uplifting music on a playlist
Affirmations to put around the room - Free printables are available here
TENS machine - It needs to be a maternity one
Some battery operated fairy lights and candles
Relaxing scents that you’ve used to anchor during relaxation
Flannel and fan for keeping cool - hospitals are normally warmer than you think!
Whatever snacks and drinks you might fancy
Home comforts - A blanket, a mug, pictures, anything that will make you feel at home
A nice pillow
Hairclips and bands to keep your hair out of your face
A birth ball- just in case all the ones there are in use or not what you are used to
Straw so that you can drink comfortably - paper or reusable work well
Something funny to watch or listen to Card games
An eye mask to get in a little private bubble
Noise-cancelling headphones/earplugs
Comfy clothes for during and after birth
Slippers or flats to be comfy in
Cosy socks to keep your feet warm if not in a pool
Lots of underwear in case they get messy after birth, big comfy ones!
Maternity pads - not normal sanitary or period pants
Lip balm
Breast pads
Toiletries
Clothes
Phone charger - long stretch ones work really well
For baby:
See my favourite baby care bag hack here
Bodysuits
Sleepsuits - some local trusts require footless onesies
Outfit for going home in
a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties
plenty of nappies
cotton wool for nappy changes
Blanket
muslin squares
a car seat for the trip home
Birth partner bag
Snacks and drink - you might want to make sure nothing smells too strong while in labour the senses can go into overdrive
Change of clothes/underwear/socks
Change for parking/vending machines
Toiletries for you
Charger/battery pack
Distractions for you to do together
Hoody/ warm clothes- your partner might want the room cooler
Any medication you normally take