Pack your Bag!! Here's the List!!
Are you completely lost when it comes to being pregnant for the next 40 / 42 weeks of your life? Don't worry one bit, we've got you covered! Every question to each and every one of your pregnancy problems can be solved by just reading this simple FAQ! Ready...... GO!
Pack what you think you'll need for an extended stay. The following list contains some essential items:
|
| Helpful Tips ** |
- Don't worry too much if you have to go to the hospital or birth center without your bag. It happens all the time, and these facilities will be able to accomodate you.
- Nighties – Large sizes in all three so at least one will fit over your bump when you’re in labour but more importantly so it is easy to pull down if you decide to breastfeed.
- Knickers – Don’t bother to pack any white/light coloured knickers as you’ll ruin them.
- Towels – You really only need one nice big fluffy bath towel and a small dark coloured towel when you get out of the shower. Also pack another towel so you can have a quick wash if you want to.
- Breast pads – The best by far are the Lansinoh ones. They are larger which make them less visible through your clothes, thinner and are made from the same stuff as nappies so just get thicker rather than harder like some do.
- Gel pads – You might not use them in hospital as they would be warm by the time you’ve had your baby, but you might well want one afterwards at home when you might feel a bit bruised.
- Toothbrushes - one for you and one for your birth partner.
- Hairdryer - check with the hospital you will deliver, they may have them in each patient room
- Coming home clothes and shoes – bear in mind that you will probably still have a nice round baby bump, so pack maternity clothes. Sorry, you won't fit non-maternity for a while yet.
- Nappy bags – Not only will you use these for the nappies in hospital but you might also use them for when you change your knickers and pad after birth.
- Cotton wool (Cotton pads)– Don’t bother with baby wipes as they are usually too harsh on a newborn’s skin.
- Bras – Bear in mind that you might be wearing these all the time – night and day - and therefore it would be useful to have different types of bra to stop your skin from rubbing in the same place. Also you can bring a nursing bra if you are planning to breastfeed.
- Sanitary pads – take at least 2 packets in and have more for when you get home. Bear in mind that you might use these during your labour as well as afterwards so you need plenty.
- Waters breaking – to protect my car in case my waters broke while I was driving I used to sit on a towel with a bin liner beneath it. Also use a waterproof mattress pad to protect your bed--it's very likely to happen when you're in bed. Incontinance pads (available at drug stores and retail stores) are also useful, and great for use for babies.
- Water – having a bottle of water during labour is essential. Take in a big bottle to fill a smaller bottle.
- Food – something high calorie as you will need energy afterwards (choccie biscuits/bananas!) although the midwives might bring you tea and toast. afterwards. Bear in mind that if you have an epidural you can’t eat during it so eat before hand.
- Something warm to wear – your temperature might go funny while you are in labour.
- Car seat – 'Fit it before you go into labour as they can be really tricky to fit correctly, and they are not protective unless fitted properly. If you aren’t sure, go back to the shop and ask them to show you how to do it. Some municipal agencies (like state police) may offer car seat fittings.
