The last trimester of pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. It is a time of preparation, both mentally and physically, as the pregnancy winds down, and baby’s arrival is just weeks or days away. One item that is on the to-do list for many expectant mothers is to pack a hospital bag with everything they will need for their stay after delivering their baby. Some mothers have the tendency to over-pack their bags with items they will not need, while others wait until the last minute and forget to pack key items. Here is a look at what I packed for my trip to the maternity ward, and what was scrapped and left at home.
Identification and Insurance Information
First and foremost, you will need to bring your identification and insurance information for registration at the time of your admission. Keep this information in a place where it is easily accessible, since you will need to show this information when you arrive at the hospital.
Bath Robe
Babyzone.com reports “Most moms find themselves walking the halls in a nightgown and robe at some point during their stays.” I certainly agree. As a c-section patient, I was required to walk the hallways during my stay. My bath robe got a lot of use while I was staying inpatient as I recovered from the birth of my child.
If your idea of comfort does not include a hospital gown, you may want to bring along a bath robe from home. While you are in labor, some physicians and nurses recommend that you walk to help your labor progressing. Rather than walking around the halls in hospital gown, increase your comfort level by bringing your robe from home.
Labor can be a very long and grueling process. Help pass the time by bringing along reading materials such as books and magazines. Additionally, if you plan to keep a baby book, it may be wise to start recording memories now. I got to a point where I was tired of watching TV, and my son was soundly sleeping, so I opened a book as I relaxed in bed.
List of Important Phone Numbers
When you go into labor and when your baby is born, there is probably a large list of people you will want to call to share the big news. Rather than bringing your entire phone book with you, write down a list of everyone you would like to call and store it safely in your hospital bag. Babycenter.com suggests that expectant mothers bring a comprehensive list of important contacts to call after your baby is born, as well as your cell phone with charger, or a prepaid phone calling card, in case you want to call long distance from your hospital phone.
Pillow
Although the hospital will give you a pillow or two, nothing beats the pillow that you are used to sleeping on every night. I have always found that bringing my own pillow from home increased my comfort level in the hospital significantly.
Socks and Slippers
Another item that will increase your comfort during your hospital stay is socks and slippers. During labor and after the baby is born, you will need to walk around the hospital ward, and if you don’t bring your own socks and slippers, the hospital will likely give you a pair of their scratchy, uncomfortable socks.
While I was recovering in the hospital from my first c-section, I wanted to help myself feel back to my old self again. Bringing your own toiletries such as shampoo, body wash, deodorant, hairspray and the like can help you feel a little better about your appearance in the often-grizzly first days as a new mother.
Comfortable Pajamas
After the birth of my first son, I had endured over 36 hours of labor and spent more time than I would like to admit in a hospital gown. At that point, I was so sick of sitting in my hospital gown that I called my husband and I told him to bring me a pair of old pajamas from home. I didn’t want to wear my best pajamas, as I was still recovering. Once I changed into my own sleep clothes, I was a much happier person.
If you plan on using a birth plan, you will want to make sure you bring several copies of it and have it somewhere easily accessible. As someone who had a birth plan that failed, I can vouch that sometimes birth plans look great on paper, but when the time comes, the doctors, nurses and yourself will decide what is right for your delivery.
Last but not least, you will want to make sure you have a going home outfit for both yourself and your new baby. You will want to select something comfortable as you are still recovering, but presentable as well since there is bound to be a lot of pictures being taken, especially if this is your first baby. Parents.com suggests packing a comfortable outfit to go home in so that you can feel secure and confident.
There are plenty of items that expectant mothers pack in their hospital bag that is certainly not necessary. Some of these items include lots of baby clothes (other than the coming home outfit), electronic gadgets, baby toys, diapers, formula and the like. The hospital will provide all necessities during your stay for yourself and your baby. Don’t pack more than is necessary, otherwise your hospital bag will turn into a train of luggage suitable for a week’s vacation at the Marriot. Pack only what you think you will absolutely need, and prepare yourself for one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
