HAVE YOU PACKED YOUR PREGNANCY HOSPITAL BAG YET?
A CHECKLIST OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE WITH YOU
As your due date approaches, there are many preparations that need to be made—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Whether it is your first baby or you have given birth before, it is best to prepare in advance. And if you are like most women I know, you probably have various lists going and have packed, unpacked, and repacked your hospital bag at least ten times.
To make your life a bit easier, here is a list of essentials you should have in your bag. Remember to get your bag ready at least 3 weeks before your due date to save yourself and your loved ones last minute jitters.
- Medical Records
Keep all your medical records, including your allergy information, in your bag just in case.
- Extra Underwear and Extra-Absorbent Pads
The bleeding is heavy post-birth. Make sure you have enough pads, and extra for your entire duration of stay.
- Warm Socks
You want to be as comfortable as possible. Hospital floors are cold and you will be glad to have them on hand with you.
- Nightgown and/or Shawl
Don’t forget…you are not ill. You are perfectly healthy and are about to undergo an amazing miracle! You need to feel comfortable, beautiful, and normal. Something quite impossible to do if you are wearing a hospital gown with your rear exposed. Take your own nightgown or a shawl with you so you can be comfortable and feel at ease.
- Toiletries
Include a moisturizer, lip balm, hair brush, face/body wash, towel and anything essential you think you need to look like yourself post-delivery. You do not want to neglect your skin especially when pregnancy has already taken a toll on it.
- Going-Home Outfit for Yourself
Moms often pack clothes for their babies but forget about themselves! Make sure you have a comfortable outfit—flowy skirt, maternity dress, comfortable pants etc. that you can leave the hospital in.
- Going-Home Outfit for Your Baby
Keep it simple and stick with the basics—bodysuit, blanket, cap, socks or booties—depending on the weather.
- Diapers
Your hospital will most like take care of all of baby’s needs for as long as you are there but it is always good to have on-hand a few diapers for your baby.
- Pillows and Cushions
Don’t leave your pregnancy pillows home. They will help you remain comfortable during the delivery and also help you sleep better post-delivery.
- Tube-Sock and Three Tennis Balls
What the heck?
Yep! Believe it or not, it is an amazing back-pain therapy.
Stuff the balls in the sock, tie a knot and ask your doula / labor partner to roll the sock up and down your back. You can also sit or stand against the wall, place the sock between your back and the wall and press the balls to help relieve muscle tension and back pain.
Last but not least, lots of love, prayers, positive thoughts, and a good book to keep you company.
Best Wishes!