What To Pack For The Hospital
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The countdown’s nearly over! You may be experiencing that mysterious thing known as the ‘nesting instinct’ and you’re busy preparing the nursery, tidying cabinets and sewing baby clothes. You’re going to meet your new son or daughter very soon and every time you drive past the hospital, you experience a twinge of nervousness and excitement. Speaking of the hospital, you have to pack!
You’ll need to pack two separate bags; one for the delivery room and one for your hospital room. The latter you can leave in the car when you arrive to give birth as it will only be superfluous in delivery room. The first one should contain everything you’ll need to ensure your experience is comfortable and hopefully even enjoyable.
If you’re booked in for a C-section, then some of the following items may be unnecessary, but if you expect to deliver vaginally, you’ll appreciate having some comfort items as well as necessities.
- Music you enjoy listening to, to help relax and divert your attention. An MP3 player is great if the music is just for your benefit, otherwise a portable CD player would be good. Check if the hospital has one you can use.
- Massage items such as oils and lotions plus any equipment you like to use. Hospitals will have items like heat pads and ice packs.
- Hair band and elastics to keep your hair out of your face, if you’d rather not use a hospital cap.
- Warm socks and even a sweater just in case you feel chilly.
- Food – your partner or birthing coach may appreciate having something to snack on during a long labor. For you, gum to keep your mouth refreshed, or small candy to boost your energy when you need it.
- Camera and video camera – capture those beautiful moments, even if they are for your eyes only.
- Nightgown – after delivery, you may like to change into something familiar and comfortable before being taken to the ward.
- Slippers – during your labor, you may pace the corridors to manage the pain of contractions. Slippers will protect your feet from the cold floor and from falling on damp surfaces.
The bag for your hospital room needs to contain items for yourself and for your baby.
- Nightdresses – you’ll probably feel much more comfortable in a nightdress than pyjamas. Be sure to pack ones that open at the front for breastfeeding.
- Sanitary napkins – these are a must as you will experience blood loss following childbirth. Don’t be shy to buy the super-dooper ones that will keep you clean and protected.
- Nursing pads and maternity bras – At least two or three maternity bras are a good idea because once your milk comes in, you will likely experience wetness from your breasts. Nursing pads will help to contain leaking milk.
- Toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, soap, shampoo and conditioner are the absolute must-brings. Other than that, some talcum powder, deodorant and maybe even a lipstick can help you feel bright and fresh for yourself and for visitors.
- Magazines or a good book – hopefully you’ll be able to catch up on some rest while you’re in hospital. Some reading material, cards or craft will help pass the time.
- Baby clothes – while in hospital, your baby can wear the gowns and diapers provided but for the big day when you take him or her home, you’ll need something in a newborn size, as well as some disposable diapers for the trip.
- Clothes for yourself – your tummy will still be oversized when you go home so pack something to wear that will be comfortable.
- Food – whether you love or hate hospital food, there may be times when you’d enjoy a familiar snack food. A couple of packets should be fine as you’ll probably receive chocolates and other candies from visitors.
Most importantly for the trip home, don’t forget baby’s car seat. It should be fitted securely and properly to the back of the car weeks before the due date, in preparation for bringing that new person home, even if he or she arrives early.
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