The list could be never ending, everyone will give an opinion of what you should bring to the hospital. Pack in advance, during the last days it is a good idea to have it all ready to go.
You can pack as little or as much as you feel you need. It is important to think your situation through and also to know yourself. Nothing will make the birth totally painless, but you need to be comfortable, at least not worrying about things you might feel were necessary and forgot.
Your hospital list’s length will depend on a few factors:
- How far do you live from the hospital?
- If you forget something, will someone be able to get or buy it for you?
- What time of the year is it?
- How fussy are you?
- Can you survive with the minimum or do you expect the best?
Most mothers that have gone through labour will advise to pack two bags, one for the actual labour and one for the after. Make sure people know if you want visits at the hospital or not, get your partner, mother or friend to act as guards.
Labour bag
It will seem obvious once there, but a robe and slippers are essentials since you might be doing a fair bit of walking during labour. Don’t bring anything you are overly attached to since you might just like to bin it if it gets very stained.
Clothing should be of natural materials, like cotton, avoid synthetic materials since the ward can get very hot. If you have bad circulation bring warm socks and make sure all clothes are loose.
Time might drag on, so a bit of entertainment, book, music, magazine, might be handy for you and your partner.
For the baby have vests, cardigan, hat and newborn nappies.
If you are bringing a camera make sure you talk to your partner in advance on what you want photographed and when he should not photograph. The whole photo thing might be forgotten when things start moving, just make sure the get the afters, which is usually a happy mummy with a wrinkly baby.
Baby ward
Bring all your basics toiletries, and a good idea are dark towels which will take stains better than light ones. Flip flops are great when showering in hospital bathrooms and don’t forget the maternity pads. You can get the fairly uncomfortable disposable undies, or just invest in cheap oversized dark undies. Talk to your GP beforehand about how to prevent constipation after childbirth.
If you have plans on breastfeeding get a comfortable nursing bra. Regardless of how you plan on feeding your baby breast pads will come handy.
Packing for the baby might be the hardest thing, bring about eight changes of clothes. It might be excessive, but babies throw up and pee a lot. Don't forget cardigans, nappies, nappy bags, cotton wool or baby wipes, nappy cream, baby towel with cap, a blanket, and a baby car seat you already have tested to fit your car.
Have some snacks ready for yourself and your partner, your baby might not time the hospital food hours.
Before you go home
Have some non-maternity, but loose and comfortable, clothes ready for when you get home. There is no telling when you will loose the belly, but it will go down a good bit fairly immediate after birth.
Give your partner, mum or friend a chore list of things that should be done before you get home. It can be things like having a bed with clean sheets, food, fresh bread, milk, or anything that will make you comfortable at home.
Ready to go bag
A great gift for a pregnant mother and an idea for fathers looking for brownie points, a prepacked maternity bag from The Life Company. TLC Delux Maternity Bag with all the essentials a mother in labour and a new baby needs, costs €145.
www.thelifecompany.ie
Do you have any great tips to share?