Congratulations to you and your family; you're nearing the end of your pregnancy journey and are ready to welcome your little angel! For some mothers, this period can be quite stressful as we prepare for significant changes in marital life. One of the things mothers often seek at this time is: "What to prepare for when giving birth at the hospital."

An essential item on your to-do list is likely preparing a bag to take to the hospital. In your third trimester, preparing this bag is crucial because you might need to go in earlier than expected if your baby decides to arrive early.

Drawing from shared experiences from experienced mothers, we have compiled a list from hospitals and seasoned moms as follows. Your bag can be divided into three parts: for the delivery room, for yourself, and for your baby. Keeping your baby's things in a separate bag can make it easier to find their items.

1. Your "birth suite" bag:

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Regardless of the type of birth you have planned, it's important to arrive at the hospital with everything you need. Your delivery room bag should include everything you need for the birth of your baby. The essentials include:

For you:

• Your birthing preferences (if any)
• Music/headphones if you desire
• Tablet/book or something else to pass the time or ease pain and tension during labor
• Snacks – whatever you like, including fruit, nuts, candy, or crackers
• Oils, affirmations, extra pillows, or other items you want around during labor
• A water bottle or sports drink with electrolytes (Straws are great for labor)
• Swimmers if you decide to labor in the shower or bath
• A loose T-shirt or dress while you're in labor, or you may be provided with hospital attire - depending on the place.
• Lip balm
• Water spray – good for cooling down after contractions
• Headband or hair clips to keep your hair out of your face

Don't forget items for your birthing partner, which could include:

• Swimmers if water immersion is an option for you during labor
• Drinks and snacks and change for the vending machine
• Comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as a spare set if needed
• A mobile phone charger

2. Your "after birth" bag:

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After the birth of your baby, you'll be staying in the hospital for 4 nights after a vaginal birth and 5 nights for a Cesarean Section, so it's best to have enough things to last you and your baby for this time and sometimes a little extra.

For baby:

• At least two sets of onesies/sleepsuits and singlets per day
• A few pairs of socks/mittens
• One or two hats
• Muslin squares or burp cloths
• Baby blanket/swaddles
• Comforter
• An outfit for the trip home from the hospital (refer to personalized romper coming home outfit)

Also, check that your infant car seat is installed correctly in your car, ready for the drive home.

For you:

• A change of clothes for after birth – loose-fitting and nursing-friendly for comfort
• Loose, comfortable clothes, underwear, and socks for the hospital
• Bathrobe
• Maternity pads
• Period underwear if you feel comfortable; it can be super helpful in the days after birth
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream/Silverettes
• Breastfeeding-friendly pajamas
• Extra snacks for those late nights feeding your baby
• A notepad and pen in case you want to write anything down during your stay
• Thongs or slippers
• Toiletries – shower gel/hairbrush/toothbrush/deodorant/shampoo and conditioner/face cleanser/tinted moisturizer, etc. (low fragrance is best)
• A plastic bag for dirty laundry
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Going-home outfit.

Most hospitals provide supplies for both mother and baby during the stay. However, to be proactive, it's a good idea to prepare well for both yourself and your baby to have peace of mind and comfort in caring for the newborn.