Hospital bag lists have been all over the place lately - each one claiming to be the ultimate or definitive guide to packing for the birth of your baby. Most of them ignore the daddies though - so here's my guide for him: what to throw into a bag and have ready for when your other half goes into labour. Keep it in a handy spot so that you can just grab it on the way out the door, or better yet, in the boot of your car.
*Pack a spare change of clothes - socks, jocks, the works. You could get puked on. Or leaked on. Or you could be a sweaty wreck from all that pushing. Or pacing. Seriously. You'll want something fresh to change into when it's all over - and for that all-important first family pic.
*Bring basic toiletries - deodorant, a toothbrush, comb and towel.You might not have access to a shower but if you have a private room with an en-suite, it'd be nice to be able to freshen up. Labour can take a while so you could be sleeping in a chair (like my other half did at one point) or pacing the room trying to keep yourself awake. See point number one - you could need a good scrubbing at some point.
*Swimming trunks. Yes, really. Your partner might want to get into the shower, or if she's lucky enough to have access to one, a birthing pool. She also might want you in there with her rubbing her back or just leaning on you for support. It's best to be suitably dressed for the occasion.
*Bring snacks for yourself and herself. Whatever tickles your fancy. Your other half could go into labour in the middle of the night when there are no shops open. Make sure you've got things in your bag to munch on. The vending machine could be broken - don't rely on it. So whether it's a Mars bar or a protein bar, a bag of nuts, bottles of water or cans of soft drink - just make sure you have something in there. Lucozade Sport is good for energy and if you're really struggling you could have a Red Bull. Grab some fruit from the bowl on your way out the door for some healthy snacks too.
*Your phone charger. You'll need to make sure your batteries are powered up so that you can send out all those birth announcement texts and take those precious and priceless first photos. And if things are moving slowly, you'll probably be eating into the battery from surfing the net or streaming music.
* Change. Plenty of coins. You'll need them for the aforementioned vending machines are for parking. The last thing you need to be worrying about in the labour ward are the clampers.
*Some areas have text parking services available so you can top up your parking meter without having to leave the ward. Check out your local area. We did this when I was having my first two babies in Holles Street and it was brilliant.
*If your partner is using a Tens machine, check out what kind of batteries it needs and have a spare set in your bag just in case.
And your best tools are your eyes and your ears. Listen to your partner to see what she needs. Chances are she won't know until she's in the throes of labour whether or not she's the type of person who likes being touched or rubbed or massaged, or if she's the type to want everyone to stay the hell away from her.
Have a copy of her birth plan and know what she wants. Discuss everything with her in advance so that you can be her voice and her advocate in hospital.
And enjoy! You'll be meeting your baby soon - it doesn't get much more exciting than that!
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