Prior to the birth of a child, one of the last concerns you may have is the expertise with which the hospital overnight bag is packed. Thanks to countless television enactments, parents-to-be often imagine a mad-dash to the hospital, woman screaming in agony, both fearing the child will need birthed in the car. Most energy is aimed at avoiding this scenario, and not so much is placed on the small details of the overnight bag. After a normal delivery and hospital stay, I feel I would have benefited from better instruction on what to expect and what I might have needed.
During my pregnancy I feared lack of preparation more than I ever craved ice-cream and pickles. I read various pregnancy and baby magazines that did attempt to present checklists for the overnight bag, none of which ever really served sufficient when I faced the ultimate test. With my determination to avoid the above situation, I had my duffel packed months in advance, crossing items off the checklists given. These lists all to emphasized “comfy” clothes, snacks for the birth coach, tennis balls for pain relief, and distractions like playing cards or even magazines, as well as basic toiletries–shampoo, toothpaste, soap.
Fortunately I never faced the panicked race to the emergency room, and most others never do either. You’ll likely have time for rational decision making before leaving home. Although, I do suggest having the necessities packed prior to your pregnancy reaching full term. But, if you are in a situation of rushing to the hospital, chances are tossing in those playing cards will be useless anyway.
As many pregnant women, I feared the pain of childbirth. I wondered, “How bad will the pain be?” “Will I need an epidural?” I never considered “How will I wear my hair?” Consequently I forgot to take an elastic hair band, and I was unable to pull my long hair up during and after labor, when I was warm, and my hair was quite messy from all the effort. One tip for packing: Imagine how you might feel during and after a workout.
The childbirth class I had taken, as well as many other sources recommend taking tennis balls for rolling on the back to relieve pain during labor. I’m not doubting this works, but I certainly never even had the chance to attempt this. Depending on what kind of birth plan you have, this is either possible or not. I was strapped down with baby monitors and an I.V. fairly quickly, followed by the epidural. I would only suggest the taking tennis balls if you are planning on having a more “natural” birth experience. You may want to talk to your hospital to find out what is permitted. Some hospitals keep the patient basically monitored and confined to their back the whole time. If you’re definitely taking the epidural, tennis balls will not be necessary.
Following childbirth, the hospital stay can feel quite uncomfortable and confining, so the “comfy” clothing recommended on the magazine check-list is appropriate. I was permitted to change out of my hospital gown the day after delivery. Having not gained too much weight during pregnancy, I imagined that after giving birth I would be a merely “puffier” version of my pre-pregnant self. I put on a pair of pre-pregnancy sweat pants and tank top, only to find my stomach about six-month pregnancy-sized and protruding out from under the shirt. I had to wear my maternity clothes home that I had worn to the hospital. It is essential to only pack clothing that could be worn during your pregnancy.
Of course I had packed candy for my husband, since the magazines recommended that he may get hungry while I was in labor. He was too distracted to eat, but some labors are longer than mine, and I would think having a snack available would be handy. But, the checklists never suggested food for me. Of course you can’t eat during labor, but what about the next two days? I’m not a very picky eater, and I could barely eat much of the hospital food, so I’m sure it might leave many unsatisfied. While the baby was away in the nursery, I was often hungry, and I seriously regretted not packing some snacks for myself. Granola bars, snack mix, anything portable, yet somewhat substantial would be a good idea.
Remember you will be going to the with two people and leaving with three. So don’t forget to pack for the baby. The hospital will supply clothing, food, blankets, and diapers during the stay, but many mothers want to bring the baby home in a new special blanket and outfit (don’t forget hat and socks, and warm pram suit if it’s winter). Also, consider if you will be having hospital photos taken, and if you want a special outfit for that. If your baby is being born in a temperate climate during Spring or Fall, the weather can be unpredictable, and you may need to be ready for cold or warm weather. Something that may sound ridiculous, is to consider the size of the clothing. Of course newborn-size will likely fit most newborns, my daughter was born 5lb. 6 oz. and only fit in premie-sized clothes for quite a while following birth. But, even babies with more average birth weights often only fit in the premie size at first. I recommend having some on hand.
While I hope my experiences and suggestions are helpful to first-time mothers-to-be, what is most important is personalizing what you pack, and making your own checklist in advance. Are you planning to breastfeed? Are you being induced? Are you having an epidural? Are you having a c-section? Will your birth coach or partner be permitted to stay overnight? Every experience is different, and talking with your obstetrician about what to expect and what you might need is a good idea. What is most important is that entering this new experience is of the best moments of your life, and you can feel prepared and relaxed.
