Bringing Home Your Baby
March 23, 2009
The day has arrived. As your labor contractions grow closer together you and your partner time them to see when you need to head off to the hospital for your baby’s delivery. To pass the time and not focus on the pain and discomfort, take this time to pack yourself a bag full of necessities for your hospital stay. You will also need to pack a bag for your new baby.
The two bags should be packed as follows : one for labor and delivery and one for postpartum. That is, the things you will need while you are in the hospital waiting to give birth and the items you will need to bring the baby home with.
Following is a list of items that should be included in both bags.
Your labor and delivery bag should consist of items that will make you comfortable before and during the labor process. It should also contain convenience items. Keep a cellular phone handy so that you can make phone calls to friends and family members from the hospital. Bring a small fan to cool you off as your sweat from delivery. Don’t forget the toiletries.
Bring whatever you use at home to keep up with your hygiene and appearance. You’ll need your toothbrush, toothpaste and a hair brush. Bring some lip balm because your lips may become chapped while delivering. Also, bring a few sanitary napkins and some comfortable underwear. You will more than likely bleed for a few days after giving birth.
Get yourself some warm, soft socks to wear when you walk around the hospital to try and ease the pain of the contractions. Don’t forget the digital camera. You and your partner are going to want to document the process. Bring some things that remind you of home so that you will be comfortable in your hospital room. You may have a favorite blanket, or bathrobe, or a photo. Bring something to keep you entertained like a radio, a puzzle book or a book to read. Keep some cash on hand for the vending machines.
In the postpartum bag, keep items that you will need for you and the baby after the birth. Make sure that you have comfortable clothes. Your stomach will still be a bit swollen so you’ll probably still need to wear some maternity clothes. You’ll also need some nursing bras and pads to stock the milk from leaking through to your clothing. Bring some comfortable nightgowns and slippers. You’re newborn baby will also need some clothing. Bring a few outfits and blankets to wrap your baby in and also for your baby to be photographed in.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!