Hospital Survival Kit

Your partner will probably have read a variety of magazines and books with supposedly definitive lists of what to take to hospital to see her through the marathon that is the labour and childbirth. In addition to the long list she may already have there are a few things which sometimes fall off the radar. As a man you have another consideration too – what to take with you to make the waiting more bearable. Believe us – there will be quite a lot of waiting.

This list should help you work out what to take - and win you a few brownie points too.

• An eye mask to block out any unwanted light on the hospital ward – this will help her sleep
  
• Her own pillow from home – a simple creature comfort that will also help her rest
  
• Pile cream (see below)
  
• Snacks that don’t constipate (see above!)
  
• Flip flops for communal washrooms and toilets – the floors may be a bit grim on bare feet
  
• Anti-bacterial wipes/lotion
  
• Arnica Tablets – a popular herbal remedy for reducing bruises. It’s especially recommended if she is having an elective caesarean section
  
• Extra bags for dirty or soiled clothes

• Wear comfortable, cool clothing – Labour wards are like infernos!
• A change of clothes, as stress + heat = sweat, and you may be there for some time
• Deodorant
• Entertainment – No matter how excited you are, you WILL get bored. Take a book or magazines. Be wary of taking hi-tech gadgets though, as you may have to dash off and theft in hospitals is not unheard of.
• Food and drink for you – most hospitals only have vending machines with a limited choice. Fine if you are happy living on crisps and Lucozade for 36 hours, but a few nice sarnies are always welcome.
• Lots of change – for phones, parking and vending machines

• Food you know she’ll love after the birth (although bear in mind she might not be in the mood to stuff down a full-size black forest gateaux right after the delivery).
• A present – it doesn’t have to be big, just something to acknowledge how proud you are of her.

Being well prepared for the hospital won’t necessarily make things less painful for your partner, but if nothing else, it’ll show her you care and that you’re taking things seriously. Now all you have to do is wait…

Dads Space contributor Simon Payne loves going to rock gigs, adding to his collection of Aztec tattoos, good wine, football and his PlayStation. He's also the co-founder of Mind Adrenaline, a team building and events company that specialises in organising creative days out for organisations around the globe.

He readily admits he is a bit of a late starter.