At least four weeks before your due date, you should pack your bags. It’s a good idea to pack three separate bags and keep them handy.

1. Bag for labour

• Cell phone with phone numbers for when labour starts: partner, doctor, relatives
• Money for parking, snacks, etc.
• Camera
• Magazines or a book
• Snacks for you and your birth partner (check with your doctor what you can have)
• Watch with a timer for timing contractions (or cell phone)
• Lotion for massage
• Cold and warm packs for back relief – a hot water bottle works well
• Slippers and socks for cold feet
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush and hair bands
• A comfortable nightie

2. Bag for after birth

• Dressing gown, pyjamas and underwear
• Maternity pads
• Nursing bra and CHERUBS Super Absorbent Nursing Pads
• Nappies, nappy rash cream, CHERUBS Newborn Wipes and CHERUBS Nappy Sacks
• A few sets of baby clothes
• Toiletries

3. Bag for going home

• Loose outfit and comfortable shoes
• Bag for gifts and hospital supplies
• Baby car seat
• Clothes for baby to go home in
• Nappies and CHERUBS wipes

Make sure you have planned for how you are going to get to the hospital and have a back-up plan just in case. Make sure you know the quickest and easiest route and test it. Make plans for childcare if you already have children.