I have decided to pack a bag properly for the hospital. I started to do this as I progressed in pregnancy, but as with most things in my life, I lose interest quickly, so it is currently full of lots of things but I'm not sure how useful.
A quick search on Google for hospital bag returns a staggering 46,400,000 results! Wow!
Most of the pregnancy sites have a (downloadable) checklist for what to take.
Ok, at this point, I have three options:
1) Print of all the checklists and cross reference what I need, stressful & time consuming
2) Say sod it! and buy one pre-packed - expensive and probably missing something vital
3) Breathe and ask people (i.e. new mums) who know what I actually need.
The current list I have:
Before you go:
Do a supermarket shop before your due date so
you have all the essentials.
If you can, make and freeze a few meals for
when you come home.
As do not have a car, I could call a taxi. Alternatively,
arrange for an ambulance to pick you up.
Birthing Partner - A pillow, blanket, and change of
clothes for your birthing partner in case s/he’s in for an overnight stay. Ask
them to pack their own bag, one less thing for you to do.
Mum’s bag:
Labour:
- Mobile Phone (with music & portable
speakers) and charger
- Address
book (contained in mobile). Make sure you have hospital number (phone number and
reference number) somewhere accessible!
- Watch
with a second hand or digital timer to time contractions (if using mobile phone
one or app, make sure you know how to use it. Practice beforehand).
- Pen
& paper (notes in mobile if forget or it has this capability, most do)
- Contact details for your
partner/birthing partner
- Birth plan and maternity notes, Picture ID,
insurance card and any other hospital paperwork you might need.
- Money in change / coins about £10 for parking,
snacks, drinks {although check parking costs online, they’re bloody expensive!}
- Books/magazines/games
- Nightie or pyjama’s (Choose an old nightie or long t-shirt for labour you'll feel comfy walking around the delivery room or ward in)
- Cardigan or sweatshirt (you may feel chilly in strong labour)
- Dressing gown - Hospitals can be very warm, so a lightweight one is better
- Slippers
- Socks (you may feel chilly in strong labour)
- Underwear - (7-10 pairs). Either disposable or old, cheap knickers. If your waters break, no matter where you are, you'll want a change of underwear to help make you feel more comfortable.
- Hot water bottle, cool pack or Massage oil (unscented) for pain relief.
- TENS pain relief machine, if you are planning to use one.
- Your own birth ball – although your hospital may provide them
- Facial sponge, for dabbing and sucking on or water spray / fan. Keep a water spray in the fridge until you leave for hospital. It's great for gentle cool-downs during labour.
- Drinks and sandwiches or snacks in a cool-bag with (for you and birth partner) to keep you well hydrated throughout labour. Pop a flexible ice pack in the cool-bag before you leave to keep the drinks cool. It can double as a cool-pack for your forehead whilst in labour. Take bendy straws too, they will make drinking easier if you are lying down. It is a good idea to take some food in case you feel hungry; you will need to keep your energy levels up. Bananas, cereal bars, and glucose tablets.
After birth:
Baby’s
bag:
- Sleepsuits / babygrows x 2 /3 - 6
- Vests x 2/3 – 6
- Scratch
mittens
- Hat
- Socks –
that can fit over babygro’s
- Going home outfit
- Outdoor clothes suitable for the time of year
(cardigan, jacket, snowsuit)
- Baby bottles - if you are bottle-feeding. Some maternity
units may have sterilising equipment, so check with them and bring your own
formula milk and sterilising equipment if needed
- Muslin
squares
- A pack of newborn nappies, nappy bags and nappy rash cream (if you're
using terry towelling, include your own nappy pins)
- Top and
tail bowl (in case the hospital does not provide one - check with your midwife
in advance)
- Cotton wool balls / unperfumed baby wipes / baby
sponge - for bathing.
- Hooded
baby towels
- Baby
nail clippers
- Colic drops may be
useful as many newborns suffer
- Blankets
- Pushchair
or car seat - babies travelling home by car must be strapped into properly
fitted car seats
- Soft toy
suitable for newborns
How much of this is necessary? Anything I have forgotten? Or any extra nice to haves?
Please leave me a comment if there is.
I am at hospital numerous times shortly, so I will check with them.
