Time to pack my bags. So what do we need to take to the hospital?!
Time to pack my bags. So what do we need to take to the hospital?!
It was after my last session on how to care for the arrival of our little baby that I realised, yep I need to pack my bags, it wont be long now and I need to be prepared to go. They covered this in great detailed at our education session but Id like to share my flavour on it just for you.
I started by getting out a large suit case and a small carry bag. Remember Im packing for 3. Pete, baby and myself. Then I gathered out what I thought I needed onto the spare bed and laided it all out so I could see. The big bag is for pete and I and the small carry bag is for the baby.
So where to start? Packing its first bag, this is exciting. Lots of little cute things, make sure you have everything washed and ready to wear. I started by picking out our first babies outfit. So when choosing this outfit you need to think layers. So nappy, singlet, grow suit, something that covers the hands, bonds ones are good for this, a little hat to keep its head warm, thanks mum for knitting us one and a swaddle. Once you work out what you are going to choose you may want to run it past your significant other or support person as they may want to be involved in this moment. Now I put that in a little clear bag of its own and labelled it 1st babies outfit, so if we don’t get to dress our baby for the first time, the nurses will be able to take care of it for us. So for the rest of our stay the baby will realistically need 4-5 changes whilst in the hospital, so you will need to pack a packet of newborn nappies, a packet of wipes, four singlets, two hats, five night gowns/grow suits, three bunny rugs including one thinker blanket, two pairs of mittens, socks/booties. I also included gaia baby wash, baby powder and sudocrem.
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If planning to formula feed you will need to bring the following equipment with you for your hospital stay. 6 sterilised bottles, teats and lids, 1 tin of your chosen formula, sterilser- a microwave steam steriliser is recommended.
Okay now for the labour, well we don’t know when this is going to start but you want to be comfortable for when it does. I treated myself to a loose fitted nightgown with a matching dressing gown. So if I get down to wearing nothing the dressing gown will be easy to put on and give me some coverage. A loose fitted T- shirt or button up shirt would do the trick too. Don’t forget to pack your camera, your music with portable speaker and portable charger. Otherwise most hospitals require electrical equipment to be tested by their engineer department before you can use it. Which you can organise in the weeks before hand. Other items you may wish to include and I would highly recommend is some massage oil, gel heat/cold packs, vomit bags, pads, lip balm and some high energy food and drinks especially for your support person. I put in some redskins and lollie pops to suck on as a treat. Bathers and towel is also recommended for partners if using the bath or going into the shower as there is only one nakes person aloud.
After the birth, you and your support person will want a change of clothes, something casual and comfortable, you will need a dressing gown and slippers or shoes. Some high waisted underwear atleast a couple of pairs for each day. Two maternity bras and nursing pads. Atleast 2-3 packets of thick maternity pad. Your pjs or nightgown that opens at the front for breast feeding and your toiletries. Treat yourself to a new set of toiletries and have them ready to go in the bag including a tooth brush for your support person. I’ve packed shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, antiperspirant, toothpaste, toothbrush and bodywash. I was also recommended to include lanolin to start using straight away after you breast feed to help sooth, protect and heal cracked nipples. Make-up, not all of you will wear it but for those of you who wear it daily, I suggest you have your daily make-up packed in a bag that can be grabbed from the bathroom nice and easy. Lots of photos will be taken of you and your new little bub and if this is something you wear daily you may feel naked without it.
Other things you will need to do to help you prepare is put some plastic bags/covers and towels in the car. I have already put mine on the seats ready to go. You will need your medicare card and health care card handy to take to the hospital along with your record of your birth plan and health care record of your pregnancy. Before you are able to leave the hospital you will need to have an approved car restraint fitted. Here is the link for safety advice for using infant restraints. If you get a certificate of approval for your car seat restraint take that into the hospital too. You may wish to cook some meals and put them in the freezer for when you get home and your baby will need a place to sleep when it arrives. So time to make its bed, remembering no pillows or toys in the bassinet. For more information on how to sleep baby safely and avoid sleep accidents visit Rednose (sids and Kids).
Hope that helps…..Now the waiting game begins.
Love and best wishes to you all.
Sheridan x
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