The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Birth Plan and Packing Your Hospital Bag

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Birth Plan and Packing Your Hospital Bag

Expecting a new baby is a life changing experience, and it can feel overwhelming at times. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, from choosing a name to creating a birth plan and knowing what to pack in your hospital bag. Creating a birth plan is an important part of preparing for your baby’s arrival, and it can help you feel more in control during labour and delivery.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of outlining your birthing options and what essentials you’ll need to pack for the big day, including why stem cell storage is a vital addition to your preparations.

What is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labour, delivery, and postpartum care. It acts as a communication tool between you, your birth partner, and your healthcare provider. Having this written down ensures that your wishes are respected and that your care team is aware of your preferences even when you are focused on the pushing stage of labour.

We suggest that a birth plan should be flexible, and having one provides peace of mind. It allows you to explore your birth experience in a calm environment before the intensity of delivery day arrives.

Creating Your Birth Plan

When creating your birth plan, there are several birthing options and logistical details to consider. Many parents find that attending antenatal courses like NCT helps them decide which path to take.

Labour preferences:

• Support people: Who do you want to be present during labour? You may want one support person or a larger team.
• Pain relief: Do you have any preferences for pain management? (eg. natural methods, epidural, gas and air).
• Movement: Would you prefer to be able to move around using a birth ball or a peanut ball, or would you prefer to stay in bed?
• Environment: Would you like a water birth if this is an option at your birth center or hospital? You might also want to consider a calming mood with dimmed lights or music.
• Tools: Some people find massage oils or even tennis balls (for counter-pressure on the lower back) incredibly helpful during contractions.

Delivery preferences:

• Positions: Do you have any preferences for delivery positions? (e.g., squatting, side-lying).
• Mode of birth: While you may plan for a vaginal delivery, it is a good idea to discuss your preferences for a caesarean section just in case, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. You can also choose a C-section for personal reasons too, these birth options can be discussed with your midwife before.
• Umbilical cord: Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord? You may also want to request delayed cord clamping.
• Skin-to-skin: Would you like to hold your baby immediately after delivery?

Postpartum preferences:

• Feeding: Do you plan to breastfeed, formula feed, or combination feed?
• Visitors: Do you have any preferences for visitors during your hospital stay?
• Vitamin K: Would you like your baby to receive the Vitamin K injection or oral drops?
• Tradition: ​Are there any cultural or religious practices you would like to incorporate into your postpartum care?

Including Stem Cell Collection in Your Birth Plan

Stem cells are the building blocks of life and have the potential to treat over 80 different medical conditions, including leukaemia, sickle cell anaemia, cerebral palsy and type 1 diabetes. By collecting and storing your baby’s stem cells, you are safeguarding their future with a potentially life-saving treatment option.

By including stem cell collection in your birth plan, you ensure your care team knows to collect these precious cells immediately after birth and are ready to liaise with the phlebotomist to do so. This process is non-invasive and does not interfere with your birth experience or the safety of your new baby.

Packing Your Hospital Bag

As your due date approaches, packing your hospital bag checklist becomes a priority. It is generally a good idea to have your bags ready by week 35 or 36 of your pregnancy.

For You: Comfort and Recovery

A lot of people forget that they need just as much care as the baby. You will likely spend a lot of time in your own clothes, so choose items that make you feel relaxed.

• Comfortable clothing: Remember loose, breathable fabrics. Front-opening nightshirts are great for breastfeeding.
• Comfortable clothes for going home: Choose something that fit you when you were about six months pregnant.
• Maternity pads: You will need high-absorbency pads for the first few days.
• Breast pads and nipple cream: Essential if you plan to breastfeed.
• Basic toiletries: Include a toothbrush, hair bands, and lip balm (hospital air can be very drying). If you wear contact lenses, don’t forget a spare pair of these or a pair of glasses too as you may want to remove them during delivery.
• Comfort items: Taking your favorite pillow or even your own hospital pillows can make a huge difference in your sleep quality.
• Entertainment and Admin: Your baby book to record those first moments, and any necessary hospital paperwork that may be required such as your pregnancy notes. 

For the Baby: The Essentials

It’s easy to overpack baby clothes, but remember your hospital stay might only be a couple of days or even a few hours!

• Clothing: Take 3-4 onesies, 5-6 short sleeve vests, and a hat.
• Going-home outfit: A special outfit for the first trip home. Pack a few different sizes like newborn and 0-3 months.
• Nappies and wipes: A pack of newborn nappies and cotton wool or water-based wipes.
• Burp cloths and muslin cloths: A must-have to catch any spit-up.
• Blankets: A lightweight cellular blanket is perfect for swaddling.

For the Birth Partner

Your support person needs to stay energised too!

• Pack snacks: Granola bars, fruit, and treats. Don’t just rely on a vending machine that might not have what you want!
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is key for both of you.
• Practicalities: A change of clothes, basic toiletries, and a long phone charging cable.

Logistics and Safety

• Infant car seat: It is vital to have an infant car seat properly installed in the back seat before you leave. 
• Stem cell collection kit: If you choose to store stem cells, this kit must be in your bag. When you book with Smart Cells, we ensure the kit is delivered before your due date. It includes everything the phlebotomist needs. Just remember to call our 24/7 team when you go into labour.

Why Choose Smart Cells?

Smart Cells is a trusted provider of stem cell storage with over 20 years of experience. We offer various storage options to fit your needs, providing families with long-term peace of mind regarding their child’s future health.

In conclusion, preparing for your baby home arrival by refining your birth plan and hospital bag checklist is essential. By including stem cell collection with Smart Cells, you are making a proactive choice for your family’s future. Contact us today to learn more about our collection kits and how we support you on your big day.