Before going in to have your baby, you should have a bag packed with essential items you'll want to have with you at the hospital. It's best to pack this bag ahead of time and make a list of other items you want to take with you. Packing ahead of time and making a list will help ensure you will have everything you want. Packing it yourself beforehand will save your partner from trying to pack up the items for you while you are in the hospital. See below for a list of essentials you'll want to have packed in your bag.
Toiletries
Pack a small bag of travel size bath essentials. When you finally get to take a shower, you'll want to have your own shower items with you. You may or may not want to have makeup with you, as there will be a lot of photographs taken at the hospital, so be sure to pack up your makeup as well.
Change Of Clothing
Bring an extra change of clothing with you, unless you like to wear the unflattering open-back hospital gown that's given to you. Bring something that's lightweight and comfortable like stretch pants and an over-sized (or maternity) top. Bring socks and slippers for yourself, as hospitals can get a little cold. Your hormones will be all over the place as well, so you may be hot one minute and cold the next. You'll also want a change of clothing for your new little bundle of joy. Your baby's take home outfit should be packed ahead of time as well. Pack a hat and gloves and a soft, heavy blanket for your baby as well if it's cold outside.
Nursing Essentials
If you are planning on nursing, be sure to bring a few nursing bras, nursing pads and lanolin cream with you.
Paper And Pen (Or A Notebook)
A lot of information is given to you at the hospital. You'll see plenty of different doctors and hospital professionals over the two to three days you are in the hospital and there is quite a bit of information thrown your way. Your mind may be a little fuzzy after giving birth and the stress of being a new mom could be clouding your ability to remember, so writing down the information is probably the best way to go. Put any important paperwork given to you in a folder or in your notebook so it all stays together.
Boppy Pillow
If you don't already have one, there are great to have. It's a u-shaped pillow with a washable case. They help you hold your baby, as well as others when holding onto your bundle of joy. It also helps when beginning to nurse your baby.
Phone, Chargers, Camera, Laptop And Music
It sounds like a lot, but you'll want to take pictures, you'll want to call everyone in your family, you may want have extra time at the hospital before your little one comes into the world and you may want to listen to music to help soothe you when pushing. You may not use any of these items, but you'll be happy to have them on hand if you want them.
Your bag might get a little heavy, but you'll be at the hospital for two to three days. Be sure you have all of your essentials with you. Click here for more information on obstetrics.
Share11 August 2015
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
