Knowing how to pack for the hospital is just one of many things that new mothers need to know before giving birth. We also recommend packing a few extra items in your hospital bag to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. What you bring with you to the hospital will depend on what type of delivery you are expecting and whether or not you will be staying in a hotel afterwards.
If you plan on having your baby at home, it’s best to leave the suitcase at home and pack only a duffel bag or other small bag that can easily fit under a bed or in another area of your home afterwards. You won’t need much, but here are some helpful tips when packing your hospital bag for mom.
Things to Bring to the Hospital
The hospital can prepare for hospitalization essentials. Keep in mind that the items you bought with you may not be required because the hospital has already prepared them. In order to know what to pack in hospital bag for mom, call the hospital ahead of time. Let your family know where your hospital bag is once it’s ready. It is possible that while you are out of town, you will unexpectedly go into labor and need to be transported to the hospital by taxi or emergency medical services. There is also the possibility that the doctor will request that you head directly to the hospital in order to complete the routine prenatal appointments. In a circumstance like this, you will need to request that a member of your family carry your hospital bag. Because of this, you should store your hospital bag in a location that is easy for your family to find so that they can take it with them.
Slippers and Socks
As you enter the third and final trimester of your pregnancy, you will need to make preparations for what to pack in hospital bag for mom during childbirth, in addition to getting ready to stock up on maternity supplies for after the baby is delivered. You will receive a “hospitalization preparation list” from the obstetrician or hospital where you will deliver your baby, and you will make preparations in accordance with this list. This list will contain everything you need to know to get ready for your stay in the hospital. There are slippers among the items. You need to give a lot of thought to the choice of slippers that you make in order to bring them with you.
Slippers that are large and strong are not only simple to put on and take off, but you also do not have to worry about the possibility of them being soiled. Slippers that may be worn outside, such as Crocs, are safer to wear when training how to take a baby bath because there is a possibility of getting splashed with water. In addition, most hospitals provide patients with slippers for use inside the facility, with the exception of in-patients and staff. If you carry your house slippers with you, it could be awkward to wear them back inside the house at a later time. Instead of packing slippers that you won’t be able to use at home, get a pair of slippers that you can wear in the garden or on the balcony. In addition, the hospital may provide you with socks that do not stick, but you should bring along your own pair of socks in case you need something more comfortable.
Bathrobe or Towels
When you are thinking about what to pack in hospital bag for mom, it is a smart idea to bring your own towel and robe to the hospital with you. The addition of a bathrobe and towels, particularly a cherished one brought from home, can provide a sense of familiarity and ease for mothers while they are in the hospital.
Pillow and Blanket
When you are planning what to pack in hospital bag for mom, you might give some thought to the fact that even if the hospital will offer you an item, bringing your own can provide you with a sense of comfort, which is especially important if you are experiencing labor discomfort. You are welcome to bring your own pillow and a small blanket to the hospital with you if you would rather use those than the ones that are given by the facility. It is essential for everyone involved in the labor process to get some rest during breaks.
Comfortable Underwear
Postpartum reshaping underwear like the pelvic belt, girdle, waist cincher, maternity bra, and night bra are some of the most important items a woman may wear to support her pelvis after giving birth. Because postpartum pelvic distortion can lead to back pain and other kinds of physical discomfort, wearing supportive undergarments can help keep the pelvis in healthy shape and alleviate some of these symptoms. If you are concerned about the state of your breasts, using supportive undergarments can also assist in preventing a situation in which the breasts are sagging. Make sure you ask your physician about when you should start wearing them, and don’t forget to follow their instructions.
Don’t Forget: Pads, Numbing Cream, and Shaving Kit
In spite of how things went during labor and delivery, the postpartum period will be unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced. Because the first few weeks after giving birth are typically challenging, postpartum care is an area in which you should not cut corners. When thinking about what to pack in hospital bag for mom, it is important to remember to bring products such as pads, numbing cream, and a shaving kit at the very least. These are important components of your postpartum care and should not be overlooked.
Conclusion
Every item on this list has been vetted by other mothers and found to be effective in reducing labor and postpartum discomfort and soreness, as well as helping women cope with changes in their bodies that they might not have anticipated.
This list was created with the intention of assisting other mothers through the labor and delivery process as well as the postpartum recovery period, regardless of whether the mother gave birth vaginally or via cesarean section.