Why packing your birth bag doesn't need to be complicated + FREE checklist

Somewhere in the third trimester, your midwife inevitably mentions packing your birth bag.

Cool, that's alright, you can do that.

Then it hits you. What on earth do you pack for giving birth?!

Then you do what most people do. Google it.

But what you come across are 15 different checklists and 15 different combinations of what to pack.

One tells you to pack 6 newborn outfits, another just a couple will do. One will tell you to pack the fairy lights and cold packs. One 'expert' on social media tells you to pack 4 days worth of fancy snacks that are designed to fuel you. But in actuality, tastes like cardboard.

Suddenly, what felt like a simple task has become something equivalent to packing for an Antarctic expedition.

But here's something they don't tell you.

It doesn't have to be that complicated.

Packing your bag isn't a test. It's a way to make you, and your partner feel comfortable and confident.

You don't need a new bag.

You don't need the biggest bag. (Genuinely saw a woman take a huge suitcase when she went home before me).

It's so easy to get caught up in the packing more gives you more control and comfort talk.

In reality, once you've covered the essentials, the rest is personal preference.

I created this checklist with my clients in mind. Their minds already running a hundred tabs on birth preferences, dealing with whatever their appointments throw at them, on top of dealing with the daily pregnancy troubles of how to get their socks on in a morning.

I wanted to create something that helps settle their minds, makes them confident about being one step closer to welcoming birth. It isn't about having everything, but simply having enough.

Helpful tips before you begin

• Get your partner to pack the bag and you sit back and not watch. It has to be logical for them, not you, since they'll be the ones pulling things out when you need them, not you.

• Packing cubes are a godsend. One for mum during birth, mum after birth, baby and birth partner stuff.

• Pack said packing cubes in birth bag in the order you'll need them. Don't put the baby stuff on top of the birth things mum will need first.

So what do you actually need to pack?

For mum, during birth:

• Lipsil- those lips are quick to dry out

• Cool/heat packs- absolutely lush on your lower back to ease tensions and aches

• Clothing- this is a very personal choice. You may choose a loose fitting nighty, bikini top, or simply nothing.

• Hair tie- because who wants hair in their face when they're sweating through a contraction

• Straw- or a drinking bottle with a straw. You don't want to be having to sit up to drink if you're laying on your side or kneeling down to rest. A straw means you can drink in any position.

• Birth tools- now this depends on what you find helpful. TENS machine, birth comb, massage oil, rebozo, affirmation cards, fairy lights, your own pillow (in a coloured pillow case- so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital ones!) Whatever you want to use to hep you through birth should be packed too. Just make sure to ask your midwife if they have essential oils on the ward- due to some women not being in labour, some oils are a no-go. Most birth centres and labour wards have at least one midwife trained in aromatherapy and have their own oils.

• Music playlist/relaxation/audio tracks you want to listen to. Make sure your partner knows how to access it and where they all are.

• Headphones/speaker and their chargers

• Snacks and drinks. Anything you enjoy, because we shouldn't have to eat these ridiculous snacks that taste of cardboard to keep you going through. Even a teaspoon of honey, some jelly babies can give you some quick energy. I would recommend anything that sits heavily in your stomach though and that's harder to digest, like meats, cheeses, bread. Though if that's exactly what you fancy, then go for it.

For mum- after giving birth

• Toiletries- you'll probably want a shower after giving birth. Get the unscented soap so your baby can learn your smell.

• Flip flops- for in the shower, because, hygiene.

• Nutritious foods. Your body is going through A LOT. Crappy white toast and milky tea provides zilch in the way of nourishing and providing what your body needs. Take some bone broth with you to drink, or as a soup. Easily digestible and very healing.

• Nursing bra and potentially breast pads. Even if you're not intending on breastfeeding, your boobs don't know that and you'll find them changing and potentially leaking.

• Spare, clean comfortable clothes- dressing gown, zip up hoody, nightie. Whatever you like lounging around in at home

• Anything that helps you sleep- eye masks, ear plugs, your own pillow (in a coloured pillow case so it doesn't get swept up with the hospital ones).

• Maternity pads- disposable or reusable pads (avoid anything that you put inside you). Take plenty, you'll be bleeding a good amount so you want to be prepared. But don't worry if you get caught out, the midwives usually have some on the ward

For the birth partner:

• Snacks and drinks that will keep you going. Isotonic drinks, filling snacks, small meals, whatever takes their fancy, they'll be busy for a good few hours supporting you!

• E-reader, puzzles, magazine, books. There may be times where you're asleep and they're not. Sometimes being read to or doing a puzzle together can be quite calming. Get that oxytocin flowing!

• Spare clothes. Because if labour takes a while, they'll probably want to change, or if they end up in the pool or holding baby before they're cleaned up.

• Toiletries, for the same reason. Freshness and smelling nicer

• Phones and chargers, speaker, whatever will be used, needs charging, whether that's yours or theirs. I'm putting these under birth partner's responsibilities because this isn't something you need to be thinking of.

For baby:

• Nappies- newborn size

• Wipes or cotton wool

• Clothing- vests and sleepsuits in newborn and 0-3 size (because just because the scans say your baby will be 8lb5oz, it probably won't be). Also, take a few for each day, they make more mess than you think sometimes!

• Muslin cloths, pretty useful for wiping their faces after feeding

• Clothes that are appropriate to the climate outside for taking your baby home.

• Car seat or whatever you're taking the baby home in- though I will argue that this could be left in the car until you do actually go home, you don't want to lug another thing round when you don't actually need it.

While I agree that there's always the possibility of you and/or baby having to stay in hospital longer than you imagined, your partner or, someone else, can always bring extra things in to you.

So while you may be looking at many different lists, just remember that packing shouldn't feel overwhelming. It should be simple. And if this checklist helps you tick one thing off your list, without it feeling like another full-time job, then I guess I've done my bit to help.

Download your FREE checklist here

Amy x