By Katina Lewis
The end of the pregnancy should be as relaxing as possible. There are many things to plan. Planning the trip to the hospital is one of them. Be prepared ahead of time by packing a suitcase that can be grabbed in the instant you head to the hospital.
What to Pack for You
Hospital
stays vary in length after a birth. It is on average a couple days
at most depending on what type of birth you have, or any other complications
that may arise. A cesarean birth usually warrants a longer hospital
stay.
Here is a list of common items to pack for you for
your hospital stay after the birth. Make sure there aren't
any regulations in place at the hospital you are staying at that
prohibits certain items in the rooms. It is uncommon for this to
happen but in certain areas such as the intensive care unit some
items are not permitted.
|
-
Nightgown - You don't want to have to wear
that silly looking hospital gown forever do you?
-
Pillow from home - Nothing like a scent and taste of home to make
you feel comfortable
-
Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste and a hair brush. You
may not feel like these things after the birth but they are good
to have in case you want or need them. Hygiene is important even
after a long labor or birth.
-
Entertainment material such as books and other things to read.
Perhaps you are an artist. Most of your time will be spent getting
acquainted with your newborn but they do sleep and you may have
time to yourself. Just in case you do, bring something to do.
-
Nursing stuff if you plan to breastfeed. A good nursing bra and
pads and perhaps some maternity underwear.
-
An outfit for going home in. You will probably still need loose
clothing and some comfortable shoes.
|
|
What to Pack for Baby
The baby is just as important. The baby doesn't
come with clothes or other stuff like that. The hospital may provide
you with a small blanket and hat but that is about it. So bring
some stuff for your baby when it's time to check out. Here
is a list of common items that should be brought along for baby.
|
- An outfit or two.
-
An infant car seat. The hospital shouldn't allow you to
leave without one.
-
A blanket. Make sure you have a blanket heavy enough if it is cold outside.
-
Socks or booties. You may want these in case the weather is cold.
|
|
Packing for Your Mate, Spouse, Partner or
Birthing Coach
You may think about packing for yourself or the
baby but the partner or birthing coach is also involved. Make sure
they pack some stuff too. Common items can include:
|
-
Extra Clothes. Labor isn't always short.
It can be a long drawn out process. Bringing extra clothes is important
for not only baby and mother, but for the birthing coach, father
or partner too.
-
Toiletries such as deodorant, hair care and toothbrushes are important
too.
-
Some entertainment for those hours of waiting. Reading material
or other material.
-
Make sure arrangements for parking have been made. Most hospitals
have places to park but some charge for overnight parking depending
on where you are.
-
Bring some snacks. A lot of hospitals have snack vending machines.
But that can add up the money. Bringing your own snacks from home
can help fray the costs.
-
Camera or video camera. Some hospitals won't allow this
so make sure you know your hospital's policies.
|
|
What Not to Pack
There
are just some things that shouldn't be brought with you to
the hospital for birth. Here is a short list of the things that
aren't recommended on the stay.
|
-
Extra money. Only bring what is necessary. Leave
your purse at home if at all possible. This can avoid loss in the
shuffling of rooms or when checking out of the hospital.
-
Jewelry. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry. It only gets in the
way of things. Plus it's extra stuff to remember to bring
home with you when you check out of the hospital.
-
Items such as laptop computers. These will only serve as distractions
from the main issue: the baby.
|
|
 There are many things to get ready for the birth.
You will have enough to remember on that day. So be prepared ahead
of time by packing your bags a few weeks before the big day.
Article written by Katina Lewis.
All opinions expressed are that of the writer.
|
