Waiting for your unborn baby can come with a mix of emotions. You are excited and cannot wait to see your bundle of joy. Are you also feeling some panic? Are you worried, especially when you think about your hospital visit?
We understand that too well, and we have got you covered. This article will help you get ready for the hospital visit. We give you an ultimate hospital bag checklist.
Here Is A List Of Both The Items You Should Pack In Your Hospital Bag:
How and When to Prepare Your Hospital Bag
It is possible to go into labor before your due date. Experts advise that your hospital bag be ready by 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy. A car seat, for instance, is a necessity. Other items will make you feel comfortable and nostalgic for home.
Here is a thorough list of everything you might need or want at the hospital.
1. What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
First, prepare your hospital bag.
- Your Medical Records and ID: You will need your ID and all your medical records. The hospital will require that. Do not leave your ID behind.
- Comfortable Attire: Postpartum, comfortable clothing is essential. Avoid wearing anything too constricting (aside from a bra that supports you). Have a few backup plans in case of a C-section.
- Nursing Bra: Pack a nursing bra for when you need to breastfeed your baby after birth. Wear your tank top with a soft, loose-fitting pair of joggers or thin pajamas. Another choice is to bring pajamas or a nightgown suitable for nursing. Leggings for new mothers can be cozy.
- Comfy Footwear: Bring slip-on footwear for the trip home. You can carry Birkenstocks, Crocs, or flip-flops. Carry shoes that are simple to slide on. Your feet could get swollen from IV fluids.
- Robe: A cozy robe is one of the most useful postpartum apparel items. It is helpful whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section.
- Socks: Your feet could get cold during labor. Carry some warm socks.
- Heavy-Duty Maternity Pads: The hospital might provide this for you but carry your pack to be better prepared.
- Toiletries: Pay attention to these! You will need a hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Carry your deodorant, lip balm, additional hair ties, and face wipes. These come in handy in case you need to take a shower. If you wear glasses or contacts, remember to carry them.
- Your Birth Plan: Print out your birth plan. Carry several copies—one for your chart, some for the labor nurse(s), and perhaps one or two more to post in your hospital room. To make them easier to remember, underline a few crucial ideas.
- An Extra-Long Phone Charging Cable: Hospital beds are frequently located far from an outlet. The cable will go a long way to keep your phone charged.
- Other Essentials For Your Comfort: Consider carrying nipple cream if you plan to breastfeed. You can take a comfortable bath towel in case you don’t like the hospital one. Your favourite snacks and some bottled water would also come in handy.
2. What to Pack in Your Baby’s Hospital Bag
Once your hospital bag is ready. Next, work on getting the baby’s hospital bag ready.
A Blanket To Receive Your Newborn: The hospital will probably have blankets available. Having one of your own on hand for skin-to-skin contact is always a good idea. You can also use it to keep your baby warm on the drive home.
Onesie: Pack a soft onesie or two for your baby. Some hospital policies dictate what you can dress your newborn in and what you cannot. Consult the hospital beforehand.
Socks and Booties: During skin-to-skin contact or after the initial bath, your newborn can wear socks and a hat. Babies can get cold as their bodies adjust to being out of the womb, so prepare in advance.
A Car Seat: The hospital will not allow you to bring your child home without a car seat. It needs to be pre-installed, so if you are driving, this is a must-have.
An Outfit To Take Your Baby Home: You never know how large or tiny your baby will be. Pack two different garments in different sizes. An outfit in newborn size and another for size 0–3 months are ideal. Don’t forget some hats and socks if the weather calls for them.
Pediatrician’s Phone Number: You will be asked for this information multiple times by the physicians and nurses. It is a good idea to have it on hand. Include the pediatrician’s office’s email or fax number. It will help to send your baby’s medical records quickly.
Bottles: Pack at least two bottles for the hospital if you intend to start bottle-feeding immediately. Pack some of your chosen formula brands if you want to use formula. However, the hospital almost certainly will have samples available for you.
Diapers and Wet Wipes: Most hospitals will have more than enough diapers and wet wipes. If you use such a hospital, you might need a bag to carry the freebies away! If unsure, take yours in your hospital bags for labor and delivery.
3. What to Pack for C-Section
Most of what we have listed on the maternity hospital bag checklist will apply for vaginal or C Section birth. Does a C Section mum need anything extra in their hospital bags for labor and delivery? Let’s check
Belly Binder: Some hospitals may provide this, others do not. You might need a higher-quality one too. Have yours ready and packed. The belly binder helps lower swelling, support lower back muscles, and hasten healing. It hastens the return of your muscles and organs to their pre-pregnancy placements.
Pillow For Feeding Support: Remember to carry this as well. It will enable you to find more comfortable positions. It helps form an excellent, cozy barrier between your infant and your incision, so you don’t groan in agony while cradling your baby.
High-Waisted Underwear: You might have thought your postpartum undergarments couldn’t be worse! We advise you to get high-waisted granny pants! Find underwear that sits over your incision so you are not causing unneeded friction. Any soft, high-waisted underwear will suffice. However, you can try some underwear designed expressly for post-Cesarean healing!
Congratulations on your now-ready hospital bag! Well done for a perfect maternity hospital bag checklist!