As your delivery date nears, you’ll want to pack your hospital bag ahead of time – this will make your stay in the hospital more comfortable, not to mention it’ll be one less thing to worry about.
Solidea wants to help you get ready for this important occasion, so we’ve put together this handy checklist for expecting mums.
1. Documents
Your doctor will most definitely have a copy of your birth plan but bring an extra anyway. This will help hospital staff assist you upon arrival in case your doctor isn’t immediately available. Though your birth plan isn’t set in stone, it’s still a helpful guideline for staff.
Aside from your birth plan, you’ll need other documents like a picture ID and your Medicare card to cover treatment costs, hospital say, and so on. There may also be other birth-related documents you have to prepare, such as pre-birth claims, parenting payment, and enrolling your child in Medicare.
If you’re saving your baby’s cord blood to be kept in a private or public blood bank, you’ll need to prepare the paperwork for that as well.
It also helps to keep important numbers saved on your phone. That includes the number of the hospital, your midwife, and your birth partner’s. If someone’s looking after your kids during your hospital stay, you’ll need their number for check-ins.
2. Clothes
Pack some clothes ahead of time – you might not be able to squeeze back into your old jeans immediately after giving birth, but don’t forget supportive underwear, pjs, a dressing gown, and a pair of fuzzy slippers.
As for tops and nighties, experts recommend short sleeves and button ups as you may be hooked to an IV and it is easier when feeding and having skin to skin time. Keep in mind though, that your clothes might get dirty during your hospital stay as you recover from the birth.
Physiotherapists recommend compression wear post-delivery. Solidea Recovery shorts and This abdominal band, for example, are suitable for wear after both vaginal and Caesarean deliveries.
3. Toiletries
Bring sanitary pads, your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant. The hospital may provide basic toiletries, but it won’t hurt to bring your own. Likewise, if you follow a strict skincare routine, you’ll want to bring travel-sized bottles of your cleansers and creams.
For the baby, you’ll want to pack nappies, clothes, and a blanket to wear home.
You should also check with your hospital for cleaning products, nappy wipes, and soap wash for your baby’s bath, as some hospitals may not provide all of these items.
4. Creature comforts
A few nights in the hospital may not seem like a long time, but it’s always a good idea to bring objects that bring comfort before, during, and after delivery. That could include your favourite pillow, some scented oil, or perhaps a back massager.
Hospital staff will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, but reminders of home can help relieve stress and anxiety as you go into labour and recover from the birth.
Don’t forget your mobile phone, tablet, camera and chargers. You might want to bring a book (or two!), Nintendo Switch or crossword puzzle to pass the time. Although, we can’t guarantee you’ll have time to use them.
When you’re ready to head home, you’ll need a baby capsule fitted in your car to keep the baby safe during travel.
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your hospital bag – some women go into labour earlier than expected. Solidea is proud to be your partner during this exciting time. We hope this checklist helps you cover the basics so that you can prepare for childbirth as much as possible.