A list of the baby essentials for bringing home your little one.
Many expectant mothers don't know what to put in their hospital bag for the big day. They don't want to overpack, and risk having a month's worth of suitcases that require valet help at the hospital door, but at the same time they want to ensure they are prepared with all the necessities for their trip to the maternity ward. Here is a checklist of must-have items that no new mother should be without:
- ID and health card. You definitely don't want to get to the hospital without your health card, or Dad may be running home to get it while you are in the delivery room!
- Camera and/or video camera: You want to be sure to have the means of recording all (or most) of the events of the big day. Don't forget extra batteries as well.
- A nightgown. While this seems silly (my husband asked me once if I planned to wear this during the birth), if you end up staying in the hopsital for any length of time, a shower and a change of clothes from the hospital gown can be a godsend.
- A rolling pin, tennis balls, massage gizmos, or anything else that can be used to place pressure on your back. A massage during contractions can often release some of the tension and feel wonderful.
- A focal point. Be it a picture of your pet, a favourite stuffed animal, or whatever is able to keep your attention, bring something to focus on when contractions get bad
- Sour lollipops and lip gloss. No matter what method of birth you end up with (vaginal or C-section), your lips are going to get dry. Sour lollipops will help encourage saliva, and lip gloss will keep your pasty lips moist.
- A bathing suit for Dad. If you give birth in a hospital which has birthing tubs big enough for 2, or even if Dad just ends up sitting on the edge, he is going to want to be in something other than his clothes, and the nurses and caregivers aren't as lenient with Dad being naked in the tub as they are with Mom.
- Snacks. You never know when you a(or your partner) re going to get hungry. Having things like nuts, granola bars, cookies, crackers, cheese and popsicles (in a freezer, of course) can come in handy if your hospital does not provide such things. Especially if you end up hospitalized for a couple of days or more, having something to munch on is a good idea.
- Diapers and super absorbent sanitary napkins. For baby, it is handy to have a few newborn sized diapers in your baby bag, the ones with the umbilical cord notch. Not all hospitals provide diapers, and some just don't provide enough for that new little tushy. For Mom, bleeding will be very heavy in the first few days, and unless your hospital provides pillow-sized pads, you should have some of your own on hand.
- C-section friendly underwear: When I was buying maternity underwear, the saleswoman suggested I buy a pair of seamless, C-section underwear "just in case". I wasn't sold, since I was not expecting to have a C-section, but I figured it could not hurt. They ended up being a miracle... after I did have the Caesarean, they did not rub against my incision, and they held the pillow sanitary napkins perfectly. Throw a pair in, just in case, because you never know.
- Spray bottles. In the case of perineal tearing, or even because it feels nice, it is handy to have a spray bottle with you for after the birth. Fill it up with tepid water, and spray it on while urinating. It dilutes the acidity of the urine and helps relieve some of the pain.
- Receiving blankets: Some hospitals won't allow you to take your receiving blanket with you, so make sure you have a couple for the trip home.
- Stuff for baby. You need a lot of stuff for a little one, and it helps to be prepared. Your hospital bag should have a going-home outfit (often a specially chosen, extra cute piece), as well as a few onesies and pyjamas in case your hospital stay is longer than expected. You need a carseat to legally bring home your new baby, so make sure that is properly installed before the big day. You should also have a hat, however most hospitals have volunteers who knit baby bonnets for the occasion. If you live in a cold climate, make sure you have a bunting bag or very warm clothes and receiving blankets; it is not recommended to use a snow suit in a car seat, as it puffs baby up and gives more space between baby and the car seat buckle.
- Entertainment. Giving birth is exciting, scary and wonderful, but some of it can be a bit boring. Bring something to occupy your (and your partner's) time. Books, a CD or MP3 player with speakers, crossword puzzles, etc. Why not have a little fun?
- Cell phones and chargers. For long distance calling, or if your hospital charges you to have a phone in the room, bring your cell for the many calls you will make to announce your little angel's arrival. Don't forget the charger in case you make too many calls.
Copyright Ashlea Langevin. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Ashlea Langevin - Ms. Langevin is a freelance writer and currently works for the federal government as a Program Assistant in Ottawa, Ontario. She completed ...
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