Having a baby on the way is both exciting and stressful. You might feel extremely overwhelmed near the end with so many things still left to do. The packing of your hospital bag shouldn’t be something you stress over! Between 36 weeks and 40 weeks is typically when women give birth, though some may go as long as 42 weeks. Here are a few recommendations on what to pack in the bag for both you and your little one on the way.
For You: What you pack for yourself is entirely up to what you feel comfortable with. If you are going in for a cesarean section your stay will be longer than with a vaginal delivery, so keep that in mind while packing. You should consider packing a nightgown to wear during your hospital stay and after the birth. If you plan on breastfeeding, make sure it is accessible for the baby. Choosing some underwear is essential as well. You will need regular style underwear as you will be bleeding. The hospital will provide you with some but they are often uncomfortable and feel like a diaper. Make sure you have deodorant, a toothbrush with toothpaste, and shampoo with conditioner in the bag as well. You will most definitely want to shower or at least clean up after giving birth and before going home. If you feel up to it, you can also pack a make up bag but it isn’t an “essential”. You also will want to pack your coming home outfit as well. This can be whatever you feel comfortable wearing. Something comfy like sweats or a tee shirt and pants are most often chosen. You will still be wearing your maternity clothes post partum for at least a little while, so something like that would be alright to pack as well. Also, a camera or video recorder can be packed to make sure you capture each moment of this amazing experience. You may also want to pack a list of phone numbers of family and friends you will want to call when the baby arrives.
Labor can last anywhere from minutes to hours, so packing something to keep you entertained and keep your focus off the pain is a good idea. Some ideas on this front would be a book or magazines to read, a hand held game such as a Nintendo Ds or something of the like, a deck of cards, or your favorite cds. More often than not, there will be a television in your delivery room as well. ongkir Surabaya Bandung
For Baby: Packing for your newborn is a little more specific. You probably already have a little outfit picked out for the baby to wear home. You will want to make sure the outfit includes socks, a hat, mittens for their little hands, and the basic shirt/pants deal. Depending on the season you are giving birth in, you might also need to pack a snowsuit or jacket for the baby to have on. A few other things you will need are a receiving blanket, a pacifier or binky as it is often called, and a clip to hold the pacifier attached to baby’s clothes. You will also have to have the car seat base installed in the vehicle you are leaving the hospital in. You will have to show the nurse how you buckle your baby in the actual car seat before being discharged. Packing a few extra diapers and some bottles is a good idea as well. Some hospitals will provide you with diapers and extra formula, but you can never be to prepared with a newborn!
For Your Partner: Whether it will be your boyfriend, your husband, or a friend in the delivery room with you, packing something for them is important as well. If they are planning to stay the night with you at the hospital you should pack them a change of clothes so they can shower as well. Snacks are a good thing as well, that way they won’t have to leave your side while grabbing something to eat or drink. A couple of dollars wouldn’t be a idea to pack as well. This will allow your partner to go to the vending machine if they get hungry or want something specific. Magazines and books for them to read will help keep them entertained while you rest or sleep.
This will be a life changing event, so remember to pack anything you want to remember it by! What you bring is completely up to you, but following this guide will help ensure a smooth hospital stay!