Planning & Pregnancy

Checklist For Maternity Hospital Bag

Maternity hospital bag checklist

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

 

Are all of you ready for the big day? Your child may come sooner than expected, so it’s worth getting your baby hospital bag packed in the third trimester–just in case at about week 36.

This checklist will assist you to pack your pregnancy bag so that your pregnancy and your new baby and your spouse will have everything you need for yourself. Check what your hospital has on hand or provides if you have a minute so you don’t have to bring those products. Then keep it handy, either in the car or by the door, once your maternity bag is packed, so you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

 

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag?

 

A good time to pack a hospital bag is about your pregnancy’s 34th and 35th week. If you’re a high-risk pregnancy, a few weeks earlier you can pack a bag. You must not delay the packing of your bag beyond the 38th week. The baby won’t wait for anyone, especially an unpacked bag!

 

What to Pack for Labour?

 

Moms who deliver vaginally will have to stay at the hospital for one to two days after delivery, while moms who have had a C-section will stay longer, up to a period of 3 to 4 days. When packing your bag, you must keep in mind the length of your hospital stay. You must also ask your hospital what mothers are provided with, and you can maintain those products off your list of stuff to carry. Make a checklist for mom and baby in the hospital bag, as this will help you keep track of what you got and what you still need to find.

 

Mum’s Hospital Bag: Labor and Delivery

 

  1. Hospital file, ID and insurance papers: 

    Make it easy for your physicians to see your health history. Your hospital may need some form of ID, medical cards and insurance documents in advance, so make sure that you have a copy readily available.

  2. Dresses: 

    Be sure to carry loose garments from maternity sores that have buttons on the front to be prepared to rapidly remove them for breastfeeding. When you’re heading to the hospital carry loose garments that are ancient as it might get stained by various fluids.

  3. Socks: 

    If their legs get cold during labor, many mums pull on some warm socks

  4. Flip-flops or slippers:

    As you wander around the hospital room, you’ll want slippers that are convenient and simple to slide in and out of. To use in the bath, pack some flip-flops.

  5. Snacks and beverages:

    Labor can sometimes go on for hours. This is the moment you’re happy you’ve been carrying some tiny sweets to assist you through the discomfort. Candies that are sugar-free are a wonderful treat.

  6. Pillows:

    Pillows can aid relieve contraction pains. Also, for use shortly after birth, remember to grab a breastfeeding pillow.

  7. Underwear and sanitary napkins:

    During your stay at the hospital after delivery, you will need additional sets of bra and sanitary napkins.

  8. Lip balm: 

    During labor, your lips may be chapped. It will assist to hydrate your lips with some lip balm on the side.

  9. Body Lotion or massage oil:

    Some moms-to-be find relaxing a little massage during labor. If that could be you, put some lotion or oil in your hospital bag.

  10. Water Spray and sponge:

    You may feel a little warm during labor. It could assist spray some water on your face and neck or sponge some water on your forehead.

  11. Eye mask and earplugs: 

    In order to assist you to sleep in a crowded and noisy maternity unit, an eye mask or earplugs may be just what you need in pregnancy downtime or after delivery for your well-deserved rest.

 

Mum’s Hospital Bag: After Delivery

 

  1. Nightdresses.

    During your hospital stay, you will need something cozy to sleep in. Pack a soft nightdress at least. If you intend to breastfeed, select a front-opening one.

  2. Heavy duty maternity pads:

    Although the hospital may provide some, pack a lot of maternity-pads that are heavy-duty, just in case Bleeding much after birth is normal, and pads for nursing are lighter and more absorbent than standard ones. You may need to change pads every one to two hours in the beginning, but the flow will begin to decline within a few days.

  3. Toiletries: 

    Do not overlook tissues, towels,  hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, hair pins, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to put dirty clothes in.

  4. Cosmetics and Skincare Products:

    Do not forget your cosmetics, if makeup is part of your normal routine. As your skin may feel drier than normal, make sure you carry some moisturizers.

  5. Glasses and contact lenses(if needed):

    It may seem apparent, but sometimes when carrying your hospital bag, these little items can escape your attention. If you are using contacts, don’t overlook the contact lens solution.

  6. Clothes:

    In addition to your nightwear, you may choose to wear some comfortable clothes during your hospital stay. Pack an extra outfit to wear at home. Choose something loose-fitting, with a drawstring or an elastic waist.

  7. Soothing products for vagina and tummy: 

    Always follow your medical team’s recommendation, but you may consider packing an ice bag for your vagina (if you’re having a vaginal birth) ; haemorrhoid cream (again, for future use after a vaginal birth) ; a peri bag that you can use to rub hot water over your perineum, vaginal opening, and anus instead of wiping when you go to the bathroom that may become uncomfortable after a birth, belly wrap (this can be useful after both vaginal and Caesarean births); Epsom salts (if your hospital has bathroom equipment accessible); and ointments that can assist reduce vaginal inflammation and bruising. Throughout your visit, medical staff will treat the injury after a Caesarean delivery and will inform you how to take care of it.

 

Hospital Bag Essentials for Your Birth Partner

Hospital packing is a two-way road; while you may need your basics, it’s essential to interact with your spouse and prepare them for what they might need in the hospital and what you might need from them during your child’s delivery here are a few points to remember:

  1. Snacks and water.
  2. Phone, camera and/or video camera, plus chargers and batteries.
  3. Clothes.
  4. Toiletries and towel.
  5. Spare glasses or spare contact lenses.
  6. Small pillow.

What to Pack for Newborn Baby?

 

  1. Bodysuits:

    Hospital policies can vary in what newborns can be dressed in so consult with your doctor in advance about what to pack. You may need to add accessories and layers to what the hospital provides. Recall, it is a good idea for bodysuits to select the ones that attach to the front.

  2. Socks and booties

    Newborns can get cold easily and you may want to add accessories and layers to what the hospital has available. Your newborn can wear a hat and socks even during skin-to-skin contact.

  3. Blanket.

    Although the hospital will probably have blankets, your own blankets are always good for skin-to-skin contact. It can be used to warm your baby on your way home in the car seat.

  4. Diapers.

    About 20 to 30 diapers made especially for newborns Your baby may pass 10-12 diapers every day, so you can start storing up.

  5. Wipes.

    The skin of Newborns is particularly sensitive, so in the first weeks, it is best to only use cotton wool balls and water or clean wipes.

  6. Muslin Square.

    They can be draped or placed on your shoulder below the baby so dribbles do not get on your clothes. For this purpose, you could also pack bibs.

  7. Going home outfit.

    Consider the conditions of weather: in warmer months, bodysuits, booties, and hats may be fine, but in winter, mitts with a jacket or snowsuit as well.

  8. Car seat.

    This is obviously not for the hospital bag, but you should install the right car seat in your car around the same time you pack your baby bag so it’s ready for the hospital.

The size of a large gym bag should be your hospital bag. You may need to take more than one bag if you’re expecting twins or multiples. If you like, you can bring distinct packs with one for mom, one for the birth partner and one packed with baby supplies so you can find everything a little easier.

Get your bag ready for your ninth month of pregnancy a few weeks before it starts. Do not stress what to pack for baby and mom in the hospital bag as some family member can always bring you one or two items in the hospital. You can also run a couple of drills in preparation with your partner when you rush to the labor room.

Also Read: 5 undisputed hobbies to take up during pregnancy

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