It’s Almost Baby Time!
When you are pregnant, you get a due date for baby, but baby doesn’t always get the memo. Baby can come late or early, so your best bet is to be as prepared as possible ahead of time. Somewhere around 36 weeks pregnant, you should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. You know baby will be making his or her debut very soon and you don’t want to be caught unprepared with no time to pack a bag.
Comfort Is The Goal
To make your labor, delivery and hospital stay a good experience, you will want to be as comfortable as possible. For me, that was the goal I kept in mind as I packed my hospital bag. I really dislike hospitals and being away from home, so I tried to bring as much of my comfort from home as possible with me to the hospital. I also didn’t want to overlook anything important or forget something I needed to have with me. It took me days to get my bag fully packed because I kept thinking of things that I wanted to bring with me. If you aren’t sure what to pack, here are some necessities.
1. An envelope containing your insurance card, photo ID, birthing plan and any important paperwork.
2. Pajamas and a light weight robe. You will be so much more comfortable in your own clothing than in a hospital gown. Some women even bring a pillow from their bed with them because it makes them feel more at home and comfortable.
3. A few pairs of underwear, socks and nursing bras if you are going to be nursing. You will need the extra underwear and socks because you may be bleeding after giving birth and for some reason my feet were really cold while I was in labor. I also used slipper socks so I could walk in the hospital to move my labor along.
4. Menstrual pads and nursing pads. The hospital may supply these, but I was much more comfortable using my own.
5. Snacks from home or change for the vending machines. Your partner may get hungry while you are in labor and need a quick pick me up.
6. Something to read, I brought my copy of What To Expect The First Year with me but you can bring something non baby related.
7. Electronic devices, cell phone, mp3 player, headphones, camera, chargers, etc. You are going to want to take lots of pictures and video before and after the birth and call friends and family.
8. A toiletries bag with travel size products is a necessity. Pack lotion, soap, lip balm, hairbrush, ponytail holders, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste along with anything else you might need. Some women bring some makeup with so that they can freshen up for photos with the family. This is completely up to you.
9. Don’t forget a comfortable outfit to go home in. I wouldn’t choose jeans, instead sweatpants or yoga pants paired with a t-shirt and sneakers are good choices for maximum comfort for going home after giving birth.
10. Bring a notebook and pen with you. You might want to write down certain thoughts or moments to put in your baby book, keep track of baby’s feeding schedule, or you might have questions for the doctor or nurse that you don’t want to forget. A small notebook is perfect for these uses.
Did I forget anything?
If I missed anything you think are must haves, please share them with me in the comments below. If you are getting close to giving birth, do you have your bag pack and ready?
Don’t Forget Baby’s Bag!
While you are packing your hospital bag, you are going to also pack a diaper bag to bring to the hospital for baby. Check out What To Pack In The Diaper Bag Before You Head To The Hospital To Have Your Baby for some tips on what you should pack.
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