This article is brought to you by Bravado!
You're relatively certain you're going to set a new record for biggest baby, and are only pretty sure your feet are still down there. Which means you're no doubt thinking about the coming attraction: that amazing, yet challenging time of labour and birth. Between picking out the nursery colours, putting together that new crib and admiring those impossibly small clothes, we wanted to make one task a little easier for you - packing your hospital bag!
Must-Haves
- Overnight toiletries, including moisturizers and lip balm (hospitals can be quite dry), toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner (hospitals offer offer these but your own is nice to have), soap, a brush and any other items you usually pack.
- A hair band and elastic.
- Comfy clothes or pyjamas, which could include a t-shirt, robe, and socks if your feet get cold. Some moms prefer wearing the hospital-provided gowns so you don't have to worry about washing later.
- An extra pillow or two and a heavy-weight blanket. Pillows can be lifesavers to help you hold that position you've that makes you comfortable. The blanket is important because some women get super-cold at time during labour, and often hospital blankets are quite light.
- Flip-flops, slippers or easy-fitting footwear for those 'let's get going' moments.
- 2 nursing bras, so you have a fresh change. Bravado;s Original Nursing Bra is perfect for this stage in the game, because it gives you super-comfy comfort support. The Essential Nursing Bra is also a favourite off moms to labour in since it's so comfortable, and gives easy access for breastfeeding too.
- Heavy-flow pads (no tampons) and extra underwear.
- An infant car seat - most hospitals won't let you go home without one.Visit this site for information on car seat laws and safety.
- And the fun part: your favourite outfit to take baby home in (remember to consider the weather), as well as a blanket, hat, undershirt and diapers the introduce your little one to their new home!
Optionals
There are also quite a few other items you could choose to bring, depending on your own personal preference:
- Tennis balls to use for back rubs. Believe us - they work!
- Your baby book, so the nurse can put your baby's footprints in it if she's doing them.
- A spray bottle doe gentle cool-downs during labour.
- Your address book to let all the friends and family know who won the boy vs girl debates.
- A phone card to make long distance calling easier (many hospitals don't allow cell phones).
- A battery-powered radio, CD player, or MP3 player with speakers and your favourite relaxing music.
- Coins for the vending machines.
- A fully charged digital camera, or a film camera with extra film and batteries.
- Snacks, favourite foods, teas and fruit juices (for quick energy) for you or your coaches. Even if you don't feel like eating during your labour, trust us, you will afterwards!
- "Big brother" and "big sister" gifts for when your other children come to visit.
And it's always helpful to tell your partner, coach or doula what you have in your bag in case there;s something in there that you may want in those intense moments when your attention is (and should be) elsewhere!
From all of us at Bravado! Designs, have a wonderful birth experience, and an early happy birthday to the world/s most perfect baby!
Dowload this document :
