You may have your newborn kit all ready for when your baby arrives, but there’s still a pretty important stage to go through first – your labour. There are plenty of products that can help organise, calm and kit you out when you go into hospital – and it’s recommended you have them sorted in your hospital bag by the time you’re 36 weeks pregnant. Not sure where to start? Welcome to your packing inspiration.
Rusty The Fox Snack Pot, £5.50
Keep yourself going during labour with a small snack every hour if you can – crackers or cereal bars work, and blueberries are a surprisingly great energy food.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
Instant Boost Skin Tonic, £13.25, Liz Earle
A face spritz will help refresh and revitalise you during labour. This one smells amazing, is incredibly hydrating and a personal fave of M&B’s beauty editor.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
Citrus Zinger, £14.99
Staying hydrated will keep you going through labour, so have regular sips. This bottle comes with a mini juicer so you can add a touch of lemon to flavour your water.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
MamaTENS my time, £79.99, MamaTENS
Delivering small electric pulses through pads attached to your back, a TENS machine can really help distract from the discomfort of contractions. This one includes a timer and pre-set programmes.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
Elizabeth nursing bra, £12,
As well as clothes for your baby and you (during and post labour), bring a good nursing bra to help you ease into nursing – this is a Mother&Baby gold award winner. Remember breast pads, too.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
Havaiana sandals, £23.99
Not a must, but they can be nice for the hospital shower. Plus, these are still cute enough for your first with-baby summer break.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
Fair Isle Thermal Socks, £8 for two
It’s not unusual to feel cold or a bit shivery during and after labour, so bring some snuggly socks to make you more comfortable.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
All Set For Labour Kit, £7.95,
Don’t want to pack your entire bathroom cabinet? All the basics – including lip balm, a toothbrush, tooth paste and shower gel – are included in this compact pack.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
Nikon Coolpix S6400, £149.95, John Lewis
Whether you’re up for capturing every flushed, tired, delirious part of your birth or not, those magical first moments with your newborn are definitely ones to document – this offers HD video and clear pics in any light. Don’t forget the charger.ADD to your Amazon Wishlist
