You may think that visiting the hospital to deliver would be straightforward but it can be a little more complicated, especially if you have other children to think about, in addition to your husband and other family members. Ideally, by 36/38 weeks, you should be relaxing and trying to conserve your energy for labour, and not rushing around for last minute items you may need - a little preparation beforehand can be very beneficial.

Of course, there are actually two events for which to prepare – going into hospital and then returning home. The obvious difference between the two is that on your return, you will certainly have your hands full with your new baby and have less time to think about things. So, better to prepare for both events prior to the delivery.

You will already know about the hospital arrangements beforehand – whether to phone ahead and who to call, and your plan to manage pain relief during labour, so this is a guide on getting you and the family ready.

Going in

Your hospital should advise you on what to bring with you for the labour and subsequent stay and will no doubt provide some basic items but consider your own needs and think about your own nightgown and comfortable clothes (and clothes to leave in), slippers, personal toiletries, breast pads, nursing bra and breast feeding cushion. To make labour more comfortable, you might want to bring a favourite pillow and socks (the two most popular personal items, in our experience), plus music, camera (+ film/batteries), spray bottle, oils (and an electric burner – no candles, please), address book, note book and pens.

Try to help the other members of the family prepare for the big event, too. Make a list for dad – important phone numbers and your other children’s school schedules (pick up times, extra curricula activities, etc.). Make sure dad also keeps the hospital bag ready in the car, the petrol tank full and knows the best route/s to the hospital.

Children are not allowed in labour wards so you need to make arrangements for them - and pets, if you have them. In fact, dad may also want to bring a change of clothes and toiletries, in case labour turns into an overnight stay for him, as well.

For the formalities, bring copies of your passports, to speed up the process of registering your new baby, your insurance and hospital patient card, and a little cash for any personal purchases.

Coming out

You will probably go home early in the day and you will want to allow baby to get used to his/her new surroundings. Make sure the house is stocked with groceries, including essential baby items, so that there is no dash to the supermarket. If you are planning to formula feed, then you will need all the equipment ready and even if you plan to breast feed, you may still want to have this equipment at home – many mothers feel more confident by doing this.

Importantly, before you go into hospital, try to get a little rest and spend some quality time together with your husband – you both deserve it and it may be a while before you have another opportunity.