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back EXAMPLE WHAT TO TAKE TO HOSPITAL |
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| To do some time before going into labour | ||
| Keep hospital bags in the car, especially when going to see your Midwife or Obstetrician | ||
| Install the baby car seat properly. | ||
| Have pillows with garbage bags over the pillow like a pillowcase, possibly with pillowcases over the garbage bags. | ||
| This pillow setup is useful because you can sit on them even if your water breaks. | ||
| Keep gas tanks full. | ||
| A container or waterproof bag; women in labour may throw up. | ||
| For Labour | ||
| Pack your bag in layers, try to put things used first, the later and so on. | ||
| All medication your are currently taking, list brand names, amount you are taking. | ||
| Recent x-rays. | ||
| Clothing | ||
| A pair of socks to wear during delivery. | ||
| Labour and Delivery short sleeve T-Shirt; lightweight and comfortable; also one that can be thrown away if necessary. | ||
| Taking an extra t-shirt to wear in the birthing pool plus one for outside it. | ||
| Loose underwear. | ||
| Nightgown, especially ones which have a big enough opening in the front for easy access to breastfeed. | ||
| Something for you to wear home or maybe you can wear the same clothes that you wore to hospital. | ||
| Slippers with hard soles or Runners | ||
| Thick comfortable socks, ones with added padding in sole. | ||
| Nursing bra. | ||
| Breast pads. | ||
| Comfortable clothes you could nurse in. | ||
| 2 or 3 pairs of underwear (more if you stay longer than 48 hours) | ||
| Toiletries | ||
| Hair band / Hair Ties. | ||
| Lip moisturizer. | ||
| Moisturising body lotion. | ||
| Brush and comb. | ||
| Toothbrush and toothpaste. | ||
| Nail clippers. | ||
| Plenty of maternity pads. | ||
| Extra breastfeeding pads. | ||
| You might want to bring your own soap, shampoo and toilet freshener spray. | ||
| Deodorant. | ||
| Towel / Facecloth (hospital issue are usually stiff). | ||
| Blow Dryer/Curling Iron. | ||
| Makeup, nail polish, or whatever you normally use that makes you feel good about yourself. | ||
| Extra pillows to help you relax; take extra pillow covers or if you use cushions just place them inside a pillow cover. | ||
| Lightweight blanket that maybe you find relaxing. | ||
| All necessary aids you have at home- example; elbow crutches, wheelchair. | ||
| For Birthing Partner(s) | ||
| Watch with a second hand to time contractions. | ||
| Toiletries and razor. | ||
| Your birthing partner should have clothes to change into if you need help in a birthing bath or shower. | ||
| Next day's clothes. | ||
| Pillow and blanket. | ||
| For Baby | ||
| Something for the baby to wear after delivery. | ||
| Newborn Diapers. | ||
| Clothing for the baby to wear whilst in hospital. | ||
| A hat for baby. | ||
| Baby outfit for the trip home. | ||
| Baby blanket's, socks or booties and mittens. | ||
| Baby Wipes, lotions, powder nail clippers etc. | ||
| You may want to pack an extra cute outfit for photographs. | ||
| Food | ||
| Food for your support team to eat; fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, bottled water, breath mints, gum etc. | ||
| Activities | ||
| Tennis balls or rolling pin (for back labour massage). | ||
| Massage oils or lotions. | ||
| Relaxation materials: books, magazines, games, music, candles. | ||
| Book for partner to read aloud. | ||
| Pictures of someone or something you love (the inspiration you may need to see you through to the end. | ||
| Children | ||
| Snacks and simple activities for the kids when they come to visit. | ||
| Information | ||
| Birth books (so you can leaf through and find the diagrams which tell us what to do!). | ||
| Birth plan. | ||
| Hospital paperwork. | ||
| Paediatrician information. | ||
| Medical / Health Insurance card. | ||
| Phone numbers of family and friends. | ||
| Phone number for services to cancel depending on date (e.g. milk delivery). | ||
| Paper and pen. | ||
| Extra bags for visitor's presents. | ||
| Baby name book. | ||