Your hospital bag

Congratulations!! You have landed at the right place. This is where you can get all your questions answered.

 

Are you in your third trimester?

Are you anxious almost about everything?

Are you worried that you may forget to pack something essential for your hospital bag?

 

Do Not Worry!!

 

In this post I will share my experience with you and help you to pack your Hospital Bag. This is the most comprehensive list you’ll ever need. At the end of this post I have something for you. To help you save time I have also highlighted the links of items. Your items are just a click away.  So let’s get started

 

But before we start the most important thing, you need to inquire with your hospital:

·      The list of documents required at the time of admission.

·      The items those are included in your hospital package so that you can skip them and don’t pack.

 

time to start packing

When to start packing?

Ideally, your bag should be packed by 36^th week. But I would suggest that you start collecting and sorting items at one place by 34^th week. So that by 36^th week you can arrange things in your bag and are good to go anytime. This is because in the last trimester you have a lot to deal with already. The bump grows big in size and makes you slow and less flexible. So in order to do things calmly and to avoid last minute stress, start packing and organizing beforehand.

 

Where to start from?

Since we are packing our hospital bag so let’s begin with the bag itself. What all bags do you have, their condition and capacity and which one would you like to take to hospital? Keep everything in mind.

                 

which bag to pick?

I preferred suitcase like this over duffel bags because it’s more organized and if someone else opens your bag it’s easy for them to find things. Most likely you won’t be opening your bag for yourself in the hospital so it’s better that you involve your spouse in packing and keep things as organized as possible.

 

What to pack for yourself

·      Begin with the paperwork. Inquire with your hospital the list of documents required. Keep all those documents in a file or a folder. Also keep your photo ID and your insurance documents. It’s always a good idea to carry a copy of your medical records.

 

·      Toiletries (a bag that you can hang like this)

1.  your toothbrush and toothpaste

2.  comb

3.  Lip balm: this is a very important item before and after delivery.

4.  Normally hospitals provide shampoo, conditioner and soap. But if you plan to use your own then do carry it in small packaging.

5.  A headband or hair-ties. It is very common to have tangled hair after delivery. Do tie your hair properly before you go to the hospital, in case of planned induction or C-section. If you have long hair you can make pigtails or braid it. But in other times carry a headband like this so you can just slide it over. Thankfully due to this my hair didn’t get tangle. Save your time and energy by this small measure.

 

·      Eyeglasses or lenses: If you wear glasses or lenses, pack them too. I preferred to carry my glasses over lenses. But if you choose to wear contact lens in hospital then do keep the lens case and solution as well as you'll need them.

 

·      Pack 2 or 3 nightgowns and bathrobe.In case of normal delivery you will be in hospital for 2-3 days and in c-section 3-4 days, so pack keep change of clothes according to that. Hospitals do provide gowns but some prefer to wear their own. If you choose to wear your own then check in advance with the hospital. Some hospitals don't allow. So stay informed and refrain from unnecessary packing. I didn't carry my own and wore the hospital gown. Keep in mind that your clothes can get stained with blood and other fluids. So choose wisely. 

 

·      Some comfortable slippers and anti-skid socks in case you feel like walking in the lobby before or after delivery and to go to washroom.

 

·      Your mobile phone and charger. Often we forget to pack the charger. So make special note of it.

 

·      If you're opting for stem cell preservation then inform the hospital and inquire if you need to bring cord blood collection kit or will they provide to avoid last minute stress.

 

·      Some dry snacks and drinks. Some hospitals don't permit outside food for patients. So again inquire beforehand that what all is included in your package.

 

What to pack in case of planned c- section

·      Loose fitting and comfortable clothes.

·      Easy to wear and front open.

·      Nothing that scrubs on your stitches.

·      Especially, eyeglasses because you will not be wearing lenses under anesthesia.

·      High waist underwear that's not too tight and doesn't press your stitches.

 

What to pack for after delivery

Post-delivery whether it is normal or C-section, many women experience shivering or shaking (if you want me to share my experience about this and how to bypass it then do comment below and I will write an article about it). It is very important to keep yourself warm during that time. 

 

·      Keep a shawl or stole or a sweater so that you stay warm. The hospitals normally provide blankets so you don’t need to carry that.

·      Some cap or scarf to cover your head.

·      A flask for warm water. It’s a good practice to drink warm water post-delivery. (I’ll talk more about this in next posts).

·      Few Nursing bras if you opt to breastfeed and breast pads in case of milk leak.

·      Nursing pillow comes in very handy especially for C-section. I had a normal delivery and used this nursing pillow. Having a nursing pillow enhances the entire experience of breastfeeding. It maintains proper level and helps in correct positioning of the baby. You will realize that this can do wonders because incorrect latching can give you sore nipples. Remember that both you and your baby are learning. It’s new for both of you.

·      Maternity pads. Hospitals do provide but I found them to be too uncomfortable. Even adult diapers are good option for use in hospital.

·      Some comfortable clothes for going home. Make sure they are front open so you can easily feed.

·      Easy slip on shoes so you don't have to bend especially in C-section.

·      Nipple cream or coconut oil, if you get sore nipples but remember to clean it with water before feeding.

 

What to pack for your spouse or attendant

·      Comfortable clothes considering both day and night

·      Comfortable shoes

·      Toiletries

·      Mobile phone and charger

·      Keep some cash and ATM card

·      Any prescription medicine they take and for headache

·      Some dry snacks and juice for them

·      A single bed sheet and blanket, if you don’t want to use the one provided by hospital

·      Watch with seconds hand or you can use timer in your mobile phone to time the contractions

 

What to pack for baby

 

·      Cotton sheets

·      Warm blanket

·      Swaddles

·      Clothes few changes (onesies,jhablas etc.)

·      Wet wipes (alcohol free)

·      Cap

·      Booties or socks

·      Mittens

·      Nail clippers ( some babies are born with big nails and end up scratching themselves badly)

·      Soft towel

·      Burp cloth (few)

·      Waterproof sheet or rubber sheet

·      Newborn diapers (normally hospital provides so check with them)

    If you want to know what all essential items to buy for your newborn then mention in the comments below. 

    As I promised find below the checklist. Take a copy of it and start organizing. 

       Happy Packing!