HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST WHEN YOU GO INTO LABOUR

As the big day of delivering is coming soon, preparing your hospital bag is essential to prevent inconvenience during or after delivery. It is worth it to have your hospital bag ready around month 8 or 32-36 weeks of your pregnancy as your baby might arrive earlier or unexpectedly.

Other than preparation for pregnant mommy, it is also important to have preparation for baby and partner/ supporting person.

What to pack in your hospital bag?

a. Hospital bag for Mom

1. Medical history record, hospital paperwork, identity card and insurance card

It is important to bring up every copy document you need on delivery so that your healthcare provider can help you based on your identity or medical history without any hassle or delay especially in critical situation. Therefore, make sure you have all the copies ready in your hospital bag.

2. Socks and shoes

According to opinion from experienced mommy, during labor, your feet might get really cold. Slipper socks are great for keeping cozy. Bring a slip-on shoes for the convenience of wearing as your feet might be swollen after pregnancy.

3. Toiletries

It is important to bring the toiletries of your own to make sure that it is clean and hygienic to use. Toiletries such as hair brush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, towels, lip balm, extra hair ties and face wipes. Mommy have to be more precise on this if they are used to specific brand of products. It is recommended to bring your own towel for your first post-delivery shower as hospital's towel might not be soft and smooth. Mommy can have a few maternity pads ready as hospital normally doesn't provide it for free.

4. Comfortable clothes and innerwear

Mommy should prepare some comfortable and useful clothes for themselves. You can have a tank top with a loose pants as sleeping outfit. Postpartum legging is also recommended. If you plan on breastfeeding after delivery, pack a nursing bra or tank in your bag. Dressing gown will also come in handy if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labor.

5. Entertainment

It is important to have entertainment such as books, magazines, games or maybe music, to keep mommy away from tension. Relaxation is important as it would affect the performance of mommy during delivery. It may also cause psychological effect on mommy with tension, such as post-partum depression.

Click here for more information about postpartum depression.

b. Hospital bag for baby

1. Blanket

Although hospital will normally provide baby's blankets, but it is more hygienic and good to use your own blanket as it will have skin-to-skin contact to the baby. Also, you will need a baby's blanket to keep your baby warn on the way home.

2. Outfit

As you won't know what are the exact size of your baby until he/she was born, mommy should prepare 2 different size of going-home outfit for the baby, preferably stretchy outfit. Do not forget to bring along socks, booties or hat for your baby.

3. Car seat (Not in hospital bag)

Parents should have a car seat installed in your car around the same time you pack your baby bag so it's ready for the hospital. This is also to send your baby back home safe and comfortably.

c. Hospital bag for partner/ support person

1. Clothes

As laboring might be unexpected, therefore a change of clothes is always a good idea as you wouldn't know how long would it take.

2. Toiletries

After a long labor, you might need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you can confirm this beforehand.

3. Phone or camera

These items are mainly to take some happy memories. Also, it is important to bring your phone whenever you go to keep in touch anytime. This is because there might emergency situation that might need you to be there.

4. Entertainment

Bring along some books or anything that could keep yourself entertain when you are alone. This could distract your attention away from tension during the delivering or body check process.

5. Hygienic products

It is recommended to bring along some items or equipment to stay clean and hygienic over time in the hospital. This is to prevent unseen germs spread to your loved ones. The virus can be spreaded by unclean surface, visitors and more. Therefore, as a responsible partner or support person, we have to make sure the cleanliness of the environment.