When I was pregnant with Lauren, just like most first-time mother, I had no idea where to start. Thanks to the Internet, one can easily google and find the answer. So I found this printable list from Babycentre.co.uk and followed it to a tee. There are 40 items on the list, I ended up using 10 items.

Here are what I packed and if I would pack them again:

1. Your picture ID, medical card or any hospital paperwork you may need.
2. Birth Plan: I didn’t even glance at it. Not once. But I’ll still bring it next time because it is just a piece of paper and it doesn’t take much space. Besides, I found that by writing down my birth plan, I was actually going through the delivery in my head and was ready for any emergency that may arise. Highly recommended for one.
3. Spectacles/Glasses, if you need them: I wasn’t sure how long I was going to be in labour, and I didn’t want to deal with contact lenses and solutions in the hospital.
4. Dressing gown / Old T-shirt to wear in labour: Don’t bother. The hospital will provide this.
5. Flip flops: I walked a lot prior to labour and it is easier to slip on and off after labour than having to fuss with shoes. If you are going to take a shower, you wouldn’t want to go bare feet in the hospital bathroom. So bring!
6. Socks: In case the hospital gets chilly. But I didn’t use mine.
7. Snacks and drinks: My hospital, Thomson Medical Centre provides a massive dinner before I went into labour. During the 2 nights stay, I was fed every 2 hours, so no chance for me to snack.
8. Book and magazine: Are you kidding? I doubt anyone could actually read right before labour.
9. A hairband: Yes, need to get those hairs out of the face when I was throwing up from the effect of epidural.
10. Toiletries: Just the basics. Toothbrush, toothpaste, facial cleanser, moisturizer and lip balm.
11. Music: Hubby played some music from his iPhone. There is a DVD/CD Player and TV in the room, but we never turned it on.
12. Going home outfit: Bring one of your maternity dresses, because your tummy is still gonna be big. Make sure it is comfy and easy to put on.
13. Nursing bra: You may need one if you want to contain the post birth boobs. But I was breastfeeding every 2 hours, so I didn’t bother putting it on. I did put on a strapless bra whenever there were visitors.
14. Nursing pads: Brought these but my milk didn’t come in until the 3rd day. So no use for these in the hospital
15. Mobile phone and charger: For informing family and friends. To play music. Play games. It is smaller than an iPad; so it is easier to tuck it away in between contractions. I was busy messaging my sister on Whatsapp all night.

For baby

Nice to have but not important:

Contact lenses and solutions
Makeup: If you want to look good in photos, but I was too tired to care at that point.

Here are what you don’t need:

Massage oils and lotions
Camera and dvd recorder: Just use your smartphone
A watch to time contractions: My hospital hooked me up with the ECG machine throughout the labour
Lap top: I brought mine, thinking I can get some work done during the hospital stay. Who was I kidding? My time was split between sleeping, nursing baby and having visitors.

Hope this is helpful to you. Is there anything I might have forgotten, please let me know by commenting below.

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