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Four friends of different ages walking arm in arm along a stone street at dusk, one carrying flowers

Together · 30 min

The bag by the door

A bag packed in good time for the birth, with a list on top, so nobody has to think about it when the moment comes.

30 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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When labour starts, or when you need to go in suddenly, nobody wants to be hunting for a phone charger. Packing a bag in good time, with a list of the last few things on top, takes one job off the day.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. Ask your midwife or maternity team what to bring and when to have the bag ready. Places differ, so ask what applies to you.

  2. Pack in stages over a week or two: your notes, comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks and drinks, a long phone charger, and things for the baby your team suggests.

  3. Write a list of last-minute items, such as your phone and glasses, and tape it to the top of the bag.

  4. Put the bag by the door or in the car, and tell everyone in the house where it is.

The reason

Why it helps

Packing early takes a job off the day you are least likely to want it. Packing in stages makes it feel smaller. A list on the bag means someone else can finish it for you if needed.

A gentle variation

If you are planning to give birth at home, ask your midwife what to have ready in one place instead. If you have other children or someone you care for, pack a small bag for them too, for whoever will look after them.

One hand resting over another on a wooden table

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

Pack the bag with your birth partner, so they know what is in it and where to find things when you ask.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

This week, ask your maternity team what to bring, and put the first three things in a bag.

Add it to your day

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