You never know when exactly your baby will come out. Although your OB-GYN gave you the estimated date of childbirth, anything can still happen!
This is why a pre packed hospital bag is a must-have for every expecting mom out there.
So what should go into your hospital bag and why?
Here, we take a look at the different items you need to pack in your hospital bag and important reasons why you should take them with you.
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Before You Prep Your Pre Packed Hospital Bag - Tips to Know
Whether you are planning on doing a home birth or hospital birth, it is still important that you have a bag with you. This should contain important items that would come in handy before and after the baby arrives.
We gather a few tips to guide you are you get all packed up for your little munchkin’s arrival.
1. Your hospital bag is more than a bag… It’s a nesting process.
Childbirth is an exciting event in every expecting mother’s life. Finally, the child you’ve been carrying in your tummy for months is ready to come out!
But at the same time, there are so many things that go on in a woman’s mind before this day comes. She may feel a bit nervous or even anxious about it all.
Nesting allows moms to kind of have a positive visualization of what they wish to happen. This helps them eliminate their concerns and worries and pacify their fears. When you have a clearer picture of what is to expect, you feel more self-assured and calm.
So when packing your hospital bag, think of it as a nesting necessity. As you place each item in your bag, you are being aware of the purpose they serve and how these can impact the process.
Get into the mindset of a new chapter in your life, which is motherhood. You can channel your organizing and planning instincts while getting rid of those nasty jitters. Eventually, all of these negativities will be replaced by joy, calm, and peace.
2. Ask help from your birthing partner.
Just because the baby is in your tummy, you don’t have to do it alone!
This is why you have a birthing partner, someone whom you trust and will help you get through it.
Perhaps it is your husband, partner, or whoever will be there with you to hold your hand and tell you it will be all okay.
Sign your birthing partner up to the task of packing the hospital bag. You can also have him remind you if there is anything else that needs to go in the bag or maybe let you know if you put more than you need.
Having someone to help you is a BIG thing considering there are already so many things on your plate.
3. Stay organized.
Don’t panic.
This is an important reminder to all expecting moms when getting their pre packed hospital bag ready to roll.
Remember that your doctor is going to be there, there will be specialists on stand by when more help is needed, your birthing partner is right next to you, and you are NOT alone.
Maintain a positive attitude as you pack and stick to the present moment instead of letting your head spin with fearful thoughts.
As you focus on the packing, you inevitably let go of everything else that you are not doing at that moment, worry and anxiety included.
It is also important that you prepare a checklist of things to bring, so you can easily mark off the stuff already placed in the bag. You can even put individual items on the bed or desk first, then cross-check each thing on your list to be sure you really got everything covered.
Important Things to Take with You in Your Pre Packed Hospital Bag
With all those tips in mind, let us go over our list of essential items that every hospital bag or maternity bag needs to have. These items are arranged in random order and is only a basic guide. You may have other items that matter to you, which you may want to pack. So just use this as a guide and feel free to add more from this list.
1. Birth notes and plan.
This refers to a document or information that inform the medical team about your preferences before and during childbirth. Things like managing labor pain, among a few others, should be indicated in your maternity plan.
However, you will not be able to be in full control of all the aspects involved during labor and childbirth. This is why it is best to remain flexible if something arises and there is a need to deviate from the birth plan.
2. Nightdresses or shirts.
Bring clothes that are easy to put on for the most obvious reasons. A nightshirt with buttons on the front is a suitable choice for breastfeeding your baby. We also recommend that you bring a robe to stay warm while in the hospital and for ease in putting on your clothes.
Read more: What Is The Best Breast Pump For You?
3. Entertainment
This could refer to your books, magazines, perhaps your devices such as an MP3 player, headphones, and tablet for watching movies or listening to music is also a good thing to pack.
Labor is a tedious and lengthy process for some moms-to-be while others go through it pretty quickly. Since you never know what may happen to you, it is best to be prepared and have these entertainment providers ready to keep your mind off any worry or fear.
4. Toiletries
Hygiene products like your maternity and breast pads, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, water spray, body oil, wet wipes, tissue, and the like are pretty much self-explanatory.
You want to look and feel fresh before and after the procedure, so you need your toiletry bag with you.
Get Your Pre Packed Hospital Bag Loaded Up
If you are expecting to give birth in a few days or weeks, you definitely need to have your pre packed hospital bag ready. Use this post as a guide to help you prepare and let us know how your experience goes. All the best!
