Preparing for childbirth – how to pack a bag?

Birth, especially of the first child, is a big event in the life of every parent. To save yourself stress, it is worth preparing for this day properly. It is necessary to pack a bag for the hospital – it should include: documentation and things useful during childbirth and in the first days after it. What exactly is worth stocking up on for this time?

The bag with the necessary things is worth packing even a few weeks before the date set by the doctor for the delivery. After all, the baby doesn’t always come into the world as predicted. Having a bag prepared will take away the stress for parents-to-be, who are extremely vulnerable to it in the last weeks of pregnancy.

In the luggage it is essential to include medical records. It is worth checking carefully what is currently necessary. Mostly in the folder should be: the pregnancy chart, the dissected birth plan, hospital discharges (if the woman stayed there during the pregnancy), the results of blood group tests, as well as all other laboratory tests and ultrasounds. The documents should be arranged chronologically. When going to the delivery room, do not forget the ID card. If a companion is to attend the birth, he too must remember this document.

For pragmatic items, it is worth checking the list of required items prepared by the hospital in question. Some items may be provided by the facility — just get an idea of what kind of equipment such a hospital has. Other things, on the other hand, are not even included on the official list, but turn out to be useful. Here are some of the most important things recommended by hospitals and non-hospitals alike that are worth keeping in mind.

For the mom

Woman’s comfort is a priority when giving birth. The mother-to-be should prepare a freedom-providing maternity shirt. You will also need 2 or 3 shirts for the period after the birth. It is important that they are suitable for breastfeeding. It is also worth stocking up on breast pads and nipple care ointment. Soft nursing bras will also be useful.

For comfort, it is recommended to pack airy, postpartum panties. Your bag should also include postpartum sleepers and pads. It’s worth taking wet wipes and soft toilet paper – you never know what type of product will be available in the hospital, and after childbirth the intimate area requires delicate treatment.

Mom’s essential equipment includes slippers, shower slippers, bathrobe and towel. Of course, you also need to take along basic toiletries for daily care. It is also recommended to pack moisturizing lipstick, and if a woman has long hair, she should not forget to bring a brush and an elastic band to tie it up. It’s a good idea to pin up strands of hair for delivery.

From the beginning of the action to the birth, many hours may pass, so it’s a good idea to take mineral water and dry snacks to the hospital. For relaxation, you can prepare a music playlist and headphones for your phone.

With the baby in mind

The hospital layette for the baby should include some tetanus diapers – the baby’s skin is very delicate, so it is important that the quality of the product is as high as possible. An interesting solution is muslin diapers, made of bamboo viscose. These are anti-allergenic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial products, which are more absorbent compared to cotton.

It is also worth packing disposable diapers in size zero for the hospital. It is also necessary to take several sets of clothes – kaftans, shirts, sleepwear, socks and caps without tying. A hooded towel, blanket or horn will also be necessary to hold the baby safely and protect him from the cold. As with reusable diapers, it is important that the products are made of quality materials. Clothes should be washed and ironed before the first use.

You also need to take to the hospital the right toiletries for your baby, including unscented wet wipes, olive oil, gentle gel or baby wash, and a cream for flare-ups.

How to pack wisely?

Hospital bag should be packed with a head. It is not advisable to take too many things, and equip yourself only with the necessary ones. It is necessary to determine in what order they will be used and pack so that those needed last are at the bottom of the bag, and those useful first – at the top. If a loved one will be accompanying you at the birth, it’s a good idea to let them know where specifically the essential items are.

Adequate preparation for the day of delivery will allow you to experience the special period of the last weeks of pregnancy with a little more peace of mind. One of the points to tick off is packing a bag for the hospital. Preparing it in advance will allow you to think carefully about what you will need. This way you can avoid unnecessary items and take what will be necessary.

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