Packing maternity bag beforehand can help to save a lot of time and prevent hassle during labour, delivery and hospital stay. Read on to find out how to help with packing a maternity bag.
Maternity bag is typically the name given to the bag or case which a pregnant woman carries to the hospital in order to cover all her and her baby’s requirements after birth. Usually, hospitals give out a list of what all to pack in the maternity bag. If you are pregnant and nearing your labour time then there is no overstressing the importance of the maternity bag. In case you feel too tired and anxious to go about it in an orderly manner then asking your partner to help pack the maternity bag for you is also a great idea. Ideally, there should be 3 bags; one for labour, one for postpartum care and one for the stay in the hospital for postnatal care.
The birth plan and the doctor prescribed maternity notes should be the first thing to go in.
A dressing gown is an essential as it will help you be prepared for both prenatal and postnatal ward. Wearing a dark coloured gown is a better idea as there may be staining pre labour.
Pack in backless slippers and 2 pairs of warm socks as sometimes the hospital can get too cold.
Old t-shirts or night dresses which can be worn in pre and postnatal stage. Do not pack anything new for hospital as you would probably have to dispose of these clothes latter.
MP3 player and some magazines to help relax during the wait for labour.
Hair band and soft cloth claspers to keep hair away from the face.
Some light snacks to curb any sudden hunger pangs before labour.
Postpartum Care Bag
This bag should contain all the essentials that you will need just after giving birth.
The first thing to be packed should be a video camera to record all those glorious moments of the arrival of your newborn.
A couple of books which you have received during your birthing classes and preferably a breastfeeding guide.
Breast pads to control breast staining and maternity pads to last for at least 3 weeks.
Nightshirts which have a chain or button system at the front so that breast feeding is made easy.
Deodorant, talcum powder, lip balm, moisturizer and all essential toiletry items which the mother will need after birth.
Do not forget to pack in essentials like tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush and towels.
Lots of old and cheap knickers as the postpartum period can be messy with frequent need of changing knickers.
In case a caesarean is predicted pack in super sized stretchable knickers that can be comfortably worn over the birth scar.
Ear plugs and eye masks are both super useful in reducing the light and noise in the birth ward and help the mother get a good night of sleep.
Baby Care Bag
This is one bag which both partners will feel great about packing as this contains all the things that your little baby is going to need just after arrival.
Pack in 3-4 sleep suits for your baby.
On an average a baby will need 12 nappies every day. Pack in nappies for at least one week of hospital stay.
Small squares of muslin to control the milk or discharge that your baby spits out.
If you are delivering during the winter then you will need a snow suit or a warm suit for your baby’s travel back home.
A small hat to protect your baby’s little head for the trip back home.
All these would complete the maternity bag. Along with helping your wife pack the maternity bag, also make sure that you shower a lot of love and care on her. Doing such little things for her will definitely make this journey blissful for her.What are the maternity bag essentials? When should a woman start packing her maternity bags? How can a husband help his wife with packing a maternity bag? Discuss here.
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