Childbirth: What to pack in your hospital bag?

If you are 8 months pregnant, it’s time to pack your hospital bag. In this period you could go the hospital for delivery at any time before your due date. If you are becoming a mother for the first time, it can be bit difficult to decide what to pack for your baby’s birth. It is always better to pack two bags. One for the items you’ll need during delivery and the other one is for the items you’ll need after birth. Always pack only essential things and don’t pack too much things in your bag. And also, select items based on your economy and your requirement. Most of the time, your doctor or hospital may give a checklist. Preparing your hospital bag ahead of time will help you to stay sane in the delivery day.

Essentials for Mother

Bed jackets 04
Chintz cloths 04
Tooth paste / Tooth brush / Soap & other Toiletries you need
Plate / Cup / Spoon
Sanitary napkins
Towel
Few laundry bags
Rubber slippers
Hair band
Hot water bottle
Water bottle
Sugar / Tea powder / Milk Powder
Mother’s birth certificate
Mother’s identity card

Insurance cards
Hospital paperwork (Doctor notes / Clinic cards)
Pre-registration forms from the hospital
Feeding bra 02
Maternity under pants
A going-home outfit
Whatever that will help you relax or pass the time (Eg. Your own pillow, bed sheet, books, magazines)
Mobile phone & the charger (If you are going to a private hospital, they will ask your phone to get pictures)
Snacks
Large envelope/File folder (this will be useful to put any bills, prescriptions or documents given by the hospital)

Essentials for Baby

Baby sheet 08
Napkins 12
Baby blankets 03
Rubber sheet 01
Baby towel 01
Baby cap 01
Baby socks 02
Baby frocks 10
Baby nail clipper
Baby going-home outfit
Baby wipes

What not to bring to the hospital

Jewelry
Lots of cash or other valuables
Medications – Talk to your doctor what medications you need to bring
Eye glasses or contact lenses

It is must to wash, dry and iron well all cloths before packing them. Make everyone aware about your delivery date and about your hospital, so that, if there is an emergency anyone can take you to the hospital. Go to the hospital with your partner before the delivery date. This will help you to understand where the wards are, where you need to go first, where the delivery room is and etc.

Above checklist may vary based on the hospital you select (Government or private). Some hospitals provide some of the above items and some may not. So, talk with the hospital before the delivery date and get to know about everything. Anyway, packing your own can save you from discomfort.