What to pack in your hospital bag.. For a Natural birth: Paperwork: Antenatal Card Hospital Information Several copies of your birth plan Private Health Insurance details (if applicable) Cheque for Excess (if applicable) Medicare Card/Details GPs details For Mum during the birth: Lip balm as your lips can become dry and chafed during labour from heavy breathing. This may offer some relief. Massage/Aromatherapy oils for during labour. Soothing music of your choice for during labour, and CD player (or Ipod and speakers) if the hospital does not supply. Something comfortable to wear such as a loose tee shirt or nightie. Extra pillows. Beanbag if preferred (check with your birthing hospital). Lollies or lollipops to suck on. Watch with a second hand to time contractions. Hand mirror if you want to watch the head crowning and baby being born. A bedside clock as after birth youll frequently be asked about your babies feeding and dirty/wet nappies. Sports drink/squeeze bottle. For Mum after birth: Two to three nightie/pyjamas if you are staying at the hospital Slippers/socks Bathrobe as you may be in a shared ward Two to three nursing bras/tops Two boxes of disposable breast pads Underwear: it pays to have some old ones in the bag that can be thrown away in case of staining in the days after birth. Maternity Pads - at least two packets - your partner can always bring more if needed. Some women prefer incontinence Pants - not good post-Caesar. Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hair bands, make up, deodorant, liquid soap, moisturiser, Lanisoh (nipple cream), hair dryer (wonderful for drying yourself completely and gently for stitches/soreness). Glasses/Contact lenses ( if you wear glasses or need them) Face washers Hand cream/gel Towel Day clothes: bear in mind that you will be sore so loose fitting clothes are suggested A roll or two of your own soft toilet paper. You are bound to be tender and dont want to be using something hard and scratchy! Some women prefer flushable wipes. Breast Pump: in case there is a need to express. The hospital should have these, but some women prefer certain brands and may prefer to use their own. Plastic bags for dirty clothes Tissues Baby wipes or sanitary wipes to help you feel fresh Nappy sacks (to make it easier to dispose your pads) Metamucil & Ural Multi-Vitamins (Elevit etc) if you plan on continuing to take them if breastfeeding. Digital camera and charger Snacks For your birth partner Snacks for during and after labour. It can be a long time between meals for your partner so pack some snacks that he can nibble on whilst you are in labour. You may be there for a long time and sourcing food will be the last thing on his list. Panadol: some partners suffer from stress and tension headaches when watching their partners in pain and often hospitals wont give medication to fathers so it can be handy to have some in your bag. Money for pay phone or a charged mobile phone to make birth announcement calls. Pen Magazine Own pillow Watch or small clock for feeding, nappy change records Extras! Address book Video camera Normal camera with film and extra batteries Snacks for when you are back on the ward iPod Journal/Notepad to keep notes of the things you may forget in the haste of everything. Magazines and books for reading when baby is sleeping (if you are not!) Wallet if youre wanting to purchase from snack trollies, canteens, or pay for the use of TV or telephone. Be careful about leaving money in your room when unattended, or simply make sure your partner has money with him each time he comes! Pen for filling out paperwork, and thank yous if you feel up to it. Your own pillow or doona Box of chocolates and thank you pressies for midwifes. Baby nail scissors For Baby: Four stretchsuits Four singlets Four pairs socks/booties Four cardigans (depending on season) One cellular blanket (for going home) Scratch mittens Nappies & wipes (some hospitals provide them, discuss this with your hospital before you give birth). Cotton wool Extra nappy pins (the hospital ones may be blunt) Going home outfit Bunny rugs Toiletries: baby bath lotion, shampoo (if your baby has hair!, brush and comb, massage oil. If bottle feeding, check if you need to supply your own bottles and formula. Warm hats/bonnets. -Kia 💚
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 12:10:50 +0000