For you
-Food (for everyone actually, stock up!)
-Bendy straws
-Hot water bottle or wheat pack
-TENS machine
-Oil for massage
-Face clothes or sponges
-At least a couple of nighties
-Nursing bras
-Paper nickers (c£2/box of 5, well worth a couple of boxes)
-Maternity towels (In the first day after birth, baby nappies can be very helpful for heavy lochia)
-homeopathy, ie arnica for bruising post birth, rescue remedy to help give you a "lift"
-music
-camera and film

For baby:
-Nappies etc (if you are planning on using cloth nappies, an initial packet of disposables can make life easier in the first week)
-Muslins
-Clothes such as singlets, nighties or baby grows, season dependent
-Baby towel (soft)
-Warm blankets etc

Optional:
Champagne in fridge
Chocolate

All midwives are different and may have different needs. Chat to your midwifery team to tailor this list to best suit your needs.

Women planning a hospital birth usually pack a hospital bag in advance. An additional item to buy for a hospital birth would be a packet of disinfectant wipes for using public amenities in a hospital. The idea of packing a hospital bag can be a bit disheartening when you are planning a homebirth. However if you put all your birth needs in one bag or basket they are ready in the unlikely event that you transfer. All going well and you are at home after birth, it is really convenient having everything all in one place!

I feel much happier planning my home birth now - I finally feel I can pack that bag!

The disinfectant wipes is a brilliant idea and one that I will definately use.

Right I'm off to start! Love and thanks Millie x