8 Essential items to pack in your hospital bag

huibing

11 Aug 2017

updated the 14 August 2017 à 10:04

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Clothes for your trip back
This is one of the most obvious things, but grab a good change of clothes for your trip back: for both you and your child. For the mother, opt for loose, flowy clothing options. On the other hand, anything goes for your little one, but we’re recommending at least two sets of outfit— just in case your baby can’t fit into one.
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Maternity pads
Here’s the truth: after giving birth, you might need to change your sanitary pad an hour or two right after giving birth. Over the course of a few days, it’ll gradually lightens, but pads are absolutely essential in ensuring that you’re clean. And, while maternity pads are preferred because they are longer and softer, heavy-flow pads will work as well too!
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Nursing bras
Although you don’t necessarily need to wear them in the hospital, you would probably need them on your trip back home. Alternatively, a nursing tank would do as well underneath your gown. Pro-tip: prepare for your breast size to increase once you start to lactate, so go a size bigger than you would normally would.
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Nursing pillow
Okay, this might be a rather big item to haul around in your bag, so we’re recommending you to keep it in the car for the time being. A nursing pillow essentially helps you to support your baby. This is extremely helpful right after you’ve given birth, seeing as you have exerted plenty of energy through the delivery process.
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Important documents
Like most other life events, having the proper documentation would help you immensely through it all. This includes: you and your spouse’s identification card, a letter from your OB GYN and a birth plan (if available). If you’re interested in registering your child’s birth, don’t forget to bring along you and your spouse’s marriage certification as well!
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Baby towel
Before you are discharged, the nurses will probably give your baby a little cleaning up, so having a baby towel is great to facilitate that process. And, for first-time parents, the nurses are also likely to show you how to clean your baby, so having a towel on hand is incredibly handy.
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Warm socks
Even if this isn’t your first trip to the rodeo, you would probably be shocked by how immensely cold the delivery room can be. So, grab the warmest and fuzziest socks you have on-hand, and throw them in your bag. They don’t take up much space, and provide great comfort!
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Phone charger
Last but definitely not the least, remember to bring along your phone and phone charger. There’s no way of telling how long your labour would last so it’s always better to be safe, than to be stuck without a phone when your baby arrives. Not only is it going to help you record the birth of your newborn child, it can also calm fidgety older siblings and husbands as well!

Here are 10 things you definitely should have ready before you head down to the delivery room!

You’ve done it. After nine months of carrying your child, you are ready to bring them out of your womb and into the world. You have been through morning sickness, food cravings, and backaches. You have been through the cramps, insomnia, and the annoying need to consistently head to the bathroom. And, in an ideal situation, you would have time to carefully pick your hospital bag before strolling to the car that would deliver you to the hospital. Real life, however, isn’t so kind. So, chances are that it is way better to start earlier. Anything beat having to rummage around your cabinets when your contractions start.

But, here comes the question: exactly what do you put in your hospital bag? After all, it would seem like you’d need a lot of things to cope with the arrival of a new family member, and that’s definitely true. And, while this isn’t a comprehensive list, here are 10 things that you should definitely have in your hospital bag.

Lee Hui Bing

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