Each hospital or birthing centre varies in what equipment it provides for your comfort during birthing. It is important to find out before your birthing day, exactly what equipment your hospital provides so you can be prepared. The more prepared you are for your birthing day, the more time you have to commence relaxation and Hypnobirthing techniques once your labour starts.
Below is a packing checklist to assist with labour and post birth comfort for you, your birthing companion and your baby.
Check List
Medical details - Government Medicare card and or private health insurance card.
Administration - Hypnobirthing birth plan and any hospital paperwork.
Beauty products - Lip balm, moisturiser, facial cleansing wipes, hair bands (x 3), hair brush, face washers (x 3), shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste, any make up (remember the days after the birth and leaving the hospital) and breath mints.
Comfort - Massage oil (to assist with your light touch massage), birthing ball (if not already provided by your hospital), Ural (assists with reducing the sting in your urine post birth), ear plugs and your own pillow.
Technology - Mobile phone, phone charger, camera, camera charger. It is important to note many hospitals no longer allow video cameras (check with your hospital's own policy in advance to avoid disappointment should you intend to film your birth).
Music - IPOD or CD with Hypnobirthing recordings. Speakers or IPOD docking station if one is not available at the hospital. General relaxation music.
Hypnobirthing - All Hypnobirthing handouts required for the labour (particularly the balloon trip script, rainbow relaxation, birth companion's guide and birthing prompts handouts).
Hydration and Nutrition - Iceblocks, water bottle, sports drinks or coconut water and light nutritional snacks (muesli bars, fruit juice boxes, clear soups etc).
Hygiene - Face washers, thongs or flip flops (for the shower), maternity pads (available from the pharmacy - do bring your own as the hospital ones tend to be bulky, uncomfortable and matronly) plastic bags for dirty clothes.
Clothing - Loose singlets or night dresses, swimmers (if you are modest when showering or in the tub relaxing), socks, spare clothes for you and your birthing partner (remember a nice set for leaving the hospital and potential photo moments). Black men's underpants (these are to wear after birth with maternity pads). Loose pyjamas or night gown's for easy access for breast feeding. Maternity bra's and nursing pads, dressing gown, slippers, loose comfortable clothing (you will loose weight immediately after giving birth but you will not loose all of it -the size of clothing you should bring should be what you were wearing at approximately 6 months pregnant).
Entertainment - 3 x Books - (one stimulating light hearted book for you, one breast feeding book and one book for your birthing partner).
Money - Small change is always handy in hospitals (should you want a snack from the vending machine, make a phone call or buy a cup of coffee).
Baby Equipment and Clothing - Nappies (cloth or disposable), 3 x singlets, 3 x romper suits, (000 and 0000 depending on what size they come out) beanies, bunny rugs, muslin baby wrap, socks, large tub of baby wipes, disposable nappy bags and pacifier.
For travel after birth - Remember your baby will need to leave the hospital in a correctly installed baby capsule that passes the required safety standards for your country. It is a good idea to have this fitted a week or two before your estimated due date to avoid the last minute rush.
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