What to pack for the birth
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What to pack for the birth

Packing for your birth

We have a printable checklist especially for you

Once you have reached your 34th week of pregnancy, (or sooner if you wish), you will need to pack your bag so that you are ready for your stay at your place of birth, whether it is the Protea Birth Unit or the hospital. Packing your birth bag, or labour bag, is a lovely thing to do! Once your bag is packed, you can enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy until your baby arrives. 

Some moms find it helpful to bring a few special objects from home, perhaps a photograph, candles, inspiring birth affirmations or even a favourite blanket or cushion. This can help you to feel comfortable and at home and will give you something to focus on during labour.

Pack your bag

Birth Unit & Hospital Checklist

Download and Print Checklist Here

For Mom:

Clothing: Pack enough for 4 days in case of an emergency C-section, so that you have enough for the duration of your hospital stay.

 A comfortable bra or tank top for labouring in water

 Stretch/disposable maternity panties

 Dark underwear or disposable hospital panties

 Comfy bras/breastfeeding bras

 Comfy PJs that are easy to unbutton/breastfeed

 Non-slip socks (whilst labouring)

 Flip flops/sandals/slippers

 Bathrobe/gown

Toiletries:

 Maternity pads (bring extra)

 Maternity bras

 PJ’s with a top suitable for breastfeeding

 Toiletries and personal items

 Lip balm, (your lips can dry out quickly in labour)

 Body wash (preferably not perfumed)

 Shampoo/Conditioner

 Deodorant (preferably non perfumed)

 Body lotion

 Hairbands or a clip, if you have long hair

Miscellaneous:

 Your birth plan

 Squeeze bottle for a salt spritz bath

 Four to five dark or old towels, if you are planning a water birth

 Massage oil for your labour (ask your Doula)

 Music for your labour and birth

 Radio/laptop/music player for music

 Candles (optional, or battery operated ones)

 Water spray or a hand-held fan

 Bendy straws for water/juice bottles

 Extra pillow(s) from home

 Healthy energising snacks & juices

 2-Point adapter

 Cellphone & charger

 

For Dad:

Clothing: Pack enough for 4 days if you intend on staying with

 Comfortable clothes

 Swimming trunks (if you would like to get into the birth tub)

 Flip flops/slippers

 Button down shirt (for skin-to-skin)

Toiletries:

 Toiletries and personal items

Miscellaneous:

 Healthy energising snacks & juices

 Cellphone and charger with adapters

 Your camera, batteries and charger

 

For Baby:

Clothing: Always pack extra. Size of clothes: Newborn or 0-3 months.

 Clothes for your new born (3 sets of onesies, long & short sleeved)

 Newborn hat (2-3)

 Three blankets and a towel for baby

 Swaddle blankets x 2

 Fleece blanket x2

 Baby towel x2

 Baby socks

Toiletries:

 2 x Packs of nappies/newborn Size 0 to 1

 Unscented baby wash

 Baby bum cream

 Cotton wool balls

 Unscented wet wipes

 Unscented aqueous cream

 Wecesin powder (Wound and Graze Powder) or surgical spirits

 

 IMPORTANT: Baby car seat for when you go home (it is a legal requirement)