Labour bag for home birth

[Misty9]

Hi all

I'm planning a waterbirth at home (38wks tomorrow) but know I also need to pack a labour bag in case of transfer...but I'm a bit stuck as to what to put in it. Transfer could end up as c-section, so should I pack for that eventuality? We live 5mins from hospital so DH could easily pop back for things...
So far I've packed 3xnewborn sleepsuits and body vests, a hat, 4-5 nappies and cotton wool for poppyseed. For me I've got: nipple pads, nursing brasx2, one button-down nightshirt, toiletries, giant knickers , lansinoh. I will def add snacks and water...

What am I missing? Do I need a blanket and cardigan for the baby too? I thought this would be so straightforward! :)

For the baby:

A few vests and babygros, perhaps in a couple of sizes
Nappy cream
Cardigan
Blanket
Hat
Nappies
Cotton wool

For you:

Couple of button down nightshirts or pyjamas
Big knickers
Maternity pads (about a million)
Breast pads
Nipple creams
Light dressing gown perhaps
Flip flops
Warm socks
Going home clothes
Camera
Change
Phone
Toiletries
Snacks/cordial or juice to add to water
Pad and pen

Thanks saul - I'm almost there then, and I forgot to say I've packed 20 maternity pads already :)

labour bag for homebirth is a brilliant idea cos it makes everything so easy for hubby/midwife to find after the birth while you snuggle up with baby on the bed
if you're only a few minutes from hospital, don't over-pack. remember to stick some painkillers, food and a few good books/magazines in, otherwise you and saulgood have got it covered there!

If you do end up transferring they have gooooooood painkillers at the hospital.

I transferred in during a planned homebirth and while most things you can fudge and/or send dh home for, it's sometimes a good idea to make sure he knows where things are and what you mean by certain phrases. And pack your own going home clothes. Because 'can you bring me a top, this one's drenched in milk and I need to travel home' sounds to some dhs remarkably like 'go to a drawer I never open, find a lacy vest I haven't worn since I was a size 8 in 1997 and bring that in, clutching it aloft like some kind of trophy you bloody numpty'.

I've packed for a day and a night in hospital misty - I'm having a hb as well (when this bloody baby decides she's making an appearance :)) But it means that if we don't have to go to hospital everything is all in one place for the first day and night.
I've got: 5 sleepsuits and vests, 12 nappies, a Cardigan, a blanket, some muslins, a hat - that's for baby. For me: two pairs of pyjamas, a bath and hand towel, breast pads, maternity pads, 2 nursing bras, two pairs of maternity trousers and 4 vests (for coming home in/being dressed in so it feels like normal, but I hate ligging round in pyjamas), some snacks for me and DH, my washbag (bought mini stuff from boots for all my cream/shower gel etc), lanisoh, and a note stuck to the top of my suitcase for things I use every day that DH mustn't forget, like the car seat and my make up bag (I'm very very vain ).
HTH and good luck