Hospital bag for mom..
What to pack and what to not pack in are the questions every pregnant lady is finding answers to…
If you are one of those then do not go any further because here is a complete guide and checklist for stuff to pack in a hospital bag for mom.
This checklist includes all the necessary stuff you should have for you and your baby in the hospital bag.
Read further and thank us later!
What is the Best Time to Pack a Hospital Bag?
Honestly when I say the best time I cannot say pack your bags from this week or that month.
I believe it depends upon the condition of the mother. For example, if you have a high-risk pregnancy then keep your bags back from 5th or sixth month.
In normal circumstances, many practitioners suggest that the thirty-fifth week is ideal for packing a hospital bag for a mom. It is because it is the closest to delivery. The nearest time afterwards is the time of labour. Therefore you should not be later than the thirty- fifth week of pregnancy.
Hospital Bag for Mom Checklist
I am part of many women’s groups and online villages where every now and then women are asking about what to keep their hospital bags. Different experiences lead to different answers. Therefore I have prepared a checklist for you based on my experience and research.
Here is a checklist on what to put in the hospital bag for mom:
- Hospital Paperwork:
In the excitement of baby you might forget to put the most important thing with you. This is the hospital paperwork. No matter in whichever part of the world you are you will have a file containing hospital documents and prescriptions. The file contains information about a lot of things such as:
- Who is your regular gynac
- What is your date of admission
- Baby and pregnancy credentials such as pregnancy weeks, Ultrasound reports and baby weight charts.
- Prescriptions of medicines you were taking during pregnancy.
- Important information about you for example if you are allergic to any antibiotics or medicines or in case you have any medical condition such as diabetes, blood pressure etc.
Based on the information listed before you should have now a better idea about the importance of hospital paperwork.
Clothing:
This includes the clothes that you will wear after delivery and the clothes you will wear while going home. Pack soft fabric and loose clothes. Try wearing dresses that have front buttons. This will help you breastfeed easily.
Baby Clothing:
This is extremely important. Make sure to include a swaddling sheet, a bassinet, blanketTry to add onesies as they will be very comfortable for the baby. Even if it is summer the baby will take some time to adjust to the external temperature. He is not used to the outside world.
I remember my third born was born in August. In Pakistan, August is warm and humid. He developed small rashes all over that appeared and disappeared on their own. The doctor told me that they were because of the temperature changes. They appear when the baby feels cold.
If your baby is arriving in winter Do Not forget to pack :
- Socks
- Beanies
- Woollen clothes
- Mittens and blankets.
Toiletries:
Toiletries for both mama and baby are essential parts of the hospital bag for mom. Of course, diapers, sanitary napkins and Baby wipes are important stuff to pack.
You can also add toothpaste, a toothbrush, a hairbrush and a bodyspray. Oh yes and Don’t forget your and your baby’s towel.
Makeup:
I had three c-sections. After the first day of all three surgeries nurses will come to my room and freshen me up. They would help me stand, go bathroom myself take my first steps and change my clothes. After I would change they would ask me to put on some make-up. I didn’t have any idea the first time. So during my second and third operations, O would take a pocket mirror, one foundation, a light lip gloss or lipstick with me.
I will admit that it did make me feel aloott better.
Baby Feeding Items:
I don’t think anybody could forget this but it is worth mentioning here. Baby feeding items such as infant feeder, sterilizer and feeder warmer.
Things to pack in Hospital bag for Mom
I have included almost all the mandatory things in the checklist of hospital bags for Mom. Other things to pack in the hospital bag for mom include some cash, headbands and ponies.
Do not forget to pack a phone charger and some headphones if you want to enjoy some me time while the baby is asleep.
Packing some snacks is also a good option. I had packed my favourite biscuits.
Another important thing is your undergarments. Pack some breastfeeding-friendly bras and panties as well.
Make sure your bag is spacious enough to accommodate all the stuff.
CONCLUSION
When I was pregnant with my firstborn I prepared my hospital bag in the fifth month. I was actually really excited. Wherever I would go I would take the bag with me. My son however arrived after 41 weeks through an emergency C-section.
During the second and third time, I wasn’t in that much hurry. For the second and third time, I prepared it during the eighth month.
Motherhood is a beautiful journey. This bag you prepare is not just a hospital bag for mom and baby. It’s a bundle of happiness, hope and joy. It contains good expectations of the times which are yet to come.
If you are on your way to this beautiful motherhood journey follow this checklist and remember