One of the world’s greatest pleasures is having a baby, an occasion that should be marked with too much enthusiasm. A new born is an everlasting joy to the parents and should be received with so much love beyond anticipation. It’s a long journey to delivery, and this awesome moment shouldn’t find any mother unprepared. After a religious walk through the pregnancy journey, all a mother should think of is having a safe delivery and holding her bundle of joy. Last minute scrambling during labor is not anything a mother should go through hence should have a hospital checklist to avoid such trauma. Forget the frantic departures we see in movies, leaving for the hospital shouldn’t be an agonizing scene, at least not to a well-prepared mother. Pre-packing, should be done at least a month before delivery. This may save the moment suppose you get exhausted last minute or in cases of early delivery. Besides you, packing early also saves your birth partner from panic. Before you begin packing, be in cognizant of the fact that you need to pack at least 3 bags. This is yours, your birth partner and the baby’s bag. Find a good hospital checklist, so you don’t leave out anything.
A sneak peek into your personal bag:
- Essential documents
Checking into a hospital requires your credentials such as Identification card, Hospital forms, medical insurance card and antenatal chart card. Pack printed copies of your documents to hand over to the nurses for reference. Contact book Among other contacts, this should have both your personal gynecologist and pediatricians contact numbers. If need be, they will be easily contacted by your care givers. The book should also have your next of kin and taxi drivers’ numbers for emergency contact.
- A sleepwear and bathrobe
Most health facilities offer good gowns and robes for their inpatients but that is not reason enough for not carrying yours. Have with you a comfortable pair of cotton gown and soft robe for your postpartum flexibility and comfort. A bathrobe may also come in handy during labor, the up and down pacing surely needs flexibility.
- Discharge and Breastfeeding friendly Clothes
Breastfeeding can either be easy or tricky depending on your gown. A long flowing gown may bring comfort, but also disappoint when it comes to breast feeding. Choose comfortable clothes like easy cotton t-shirts paired with a loose postpartum legging and a nursing bra. Giving birth doesn’t mean you lose your sense of fashion. Pack a nice but comfortable gown to slip into when being discharged. Remember to pair this up with low but open footwear to avoid blisters or swollen feet. Together with your clothes have at least a pair of heavy socks to keep your feet warm.
- Personal effects
You are pregnant and not sick so observing a little self-care and hygiene won’t hurt despite the exhaustion. You may not need them before, but will surely do after delivery. Besides, self-care is a necessity for both you and your baby, in the self-care bag throw in a:
- Deodorant
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Body lotion and massage oil
- Nipple cream
- Pillow and towel
- Facial wipes and tissue
- Toothbrush and paste
- Nursing pads and bra
- Underwear
- Sanitary towels
- Phone charger
- Drinks and snacks
Consider having some supporting under wares, loose clothing and compression wraps just in case you end up in a cesarean delivery. Also choose highly fiber snacks to help with your bowel movements as it never comes easy after delivery. Depending on with your health facility of choice, your new born may or may not be fully catered for. Some hospitals offer the baby’s necessities while other don’t, do not be caught off-guard be ready with the needful. All a new born needs is warmth, comfort and care. How you dress, handle feed the baby matters.
Despite the gender, a baby’s essential bag should have:
- Soft cotton body suits
- Heavy socks and booties
- Warm knit hat and mittens
- Baby shawl and Swaddle blankets
- New born diapers
- Non-alcohol baby wipes
- Baby soap and oil
- Pacifier
- Baby friendly Formula (in case of no immediate milk flow)
Your birth partner’s bag is the most important part of your packing, and you shouldn’t forget that. Unlike you and the baby, the hospital hardly offers anything for them which means they will completely depend on the bag. Try get it right to avoid more in and out movements of going after forgotten things.
In the birth partners bag pack:
Comfortable clothes:
Have in mind that they will be running errands within and outside the hospital and later on sleep in an uncomfortable couch. In this case comfortable clothes and pajamas should be readily available.
Easy and light footwear:
With much running up and down the slippery floors, a comfortable slip on shoe with good grip will save the situation. Also throw in a few heavy socks for warmth in the night should make part of your hospital checklist.
Toiletries:
While the hospital equips you with the basics, the same may not be extended to your partner. Sort them out with the basics like Toothbrush and paste, soap, deodorant, lotion, tissue, wipes and sanitizers.
Pillow and blanket:
A night may lack comfort, but it surely shouldn’t lack warmth. Remember to dress your pillows in colorful cases to avoid mix up with the hospital pillows.
Camera:
Only have this if you care about documenting your journey. Memories are good when you reminisce on them.
Other things to consider include:
- Reading Materials
- Snacks and drinks
- Pain killers
- Phone charge
- Camera charger
- Water bottle
In addition to this, for the not-so-important part of the hospital checklist, you may consider a car seat for the baby and either an iPod or headphones for your entertainment. In the long run, what you pack will depend on with your personal needs; some may arrive heavy while others light. Just make sure you stick to the essentials. On the side note, try and leave your valuables like wedding ring and expensive jewel at home to avoid misplace. Besides, you won’t need them anyway.