The Hospital Bag for Mommies - To Be

Here I am writing this blog for Mommies-To-Be. If you're a mom-to-be, it's important to start packing your hospital bag as your due date approaches. This means that your baby could arrive at any moment! 

If you're not sure where to start, here are some essential items for both mom and baby that you should include in your bag. It's recommended to have your hospital bag ready to go by 34-37 weeks into your pregnancy and to be fully prepared at least four weeks before your due date. This will help you stay stress-free and ready for the arrival of your little one.

Even if you think you have plenty of time, it's always a good idea to be prepared. As I learned, sometimes babies can arrive earlier than expected. My due date was approaching, but when I went for a check-up, my doctor unexpectedly told me that we needed to go to the hospital the next day because the baby's delivery would be early. Although I wasn't expecting this surprise, I was glad that we were prepared and ready to go when the time came. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I was relieved to have packed all the necessary items for my hospital bag. It made the experience a lot smoother and less stressful.

Mommy Essential:

• Comfortable clothes: Comfy clothes are must postpartum. Nursing friendly Top/ Pajamas/ Cardigan and postpartum legging can also be comfy.
• If you plan on breastfeeding after Delivery Nursing Bra/ Nursing Top 
• Comfy room slippers and Bathroom slipper
• Comin Home Outfit and Crocs/flipflops. your feet might be swollen from IV fluids, so choose the shoes you can easily slip on.
• Breast Pump -You should be able to get this through your Insurance. Hospital also provides if you don't want to carry yours
• Toiletries - Travel size Shampoo,Cconditioner, Toothbrush & paste, Dryer, Dry Shampoo, Face wash, Body Lotion, Deordant, Hair ties
• Make up Essential
• Hand & Bath Towel
• Prenatal Vitamins - Yes
• Prescription Medication - Yes. Don't forget to pack any prescription medications you may need for one or two day stay in the hospital.

Things that Hospital provided 

• Labor Gowns 
• Anti Slip Socks
• Sanitary Pads
• Tucks for the pain management
• Dermoplast Pain Spray
• Breast Pump

Things that Every New Mom need after having a Baby 

After 16 hours of labor and almost three hours of pushing, I finally gave birth to my daughter. we stayed 2 days at the hospital.

when new mom comes home from the hospital, needs support, love and care. A life with a newborn is tough and everything may hurt after you giving a birth. Postpartum care is so important to feel yourself back again while enjoying the new journey of motherhood. 

Here's a guide for new mom postpartum care essential

FridaMom Postpartum Kit Postpartum kit - This Prep Kit Includes Ice Pack, Peri Bottle, Disposable Underwear, cooling pad liners, Ice maxi pads, Anti slip socks, Nursing Gown and more 

Sanitary Pads - at least you need 2-3 packages to start with at home.

OTC Pain Relievers - Ibuprofen provided by the hospital after delivery, you can continue with that at home or switch to Acetaminophen if you prefer. You need it for the first five to seven days of postpartum. 

Perineal Numbing spray - you may or may not get it from the hospital, so have at least one bottle at home. Dermoplast Pain Spray

Nursing Pads - A box of disposable

Nipple Balm - Yes 

Tucks At least 1 package of cooling pads, hospital provided

What to pack for The Baby 

Most of the hospitals provide supplies for the baby specially Diapers and wipes so definitely do not carry them, but there are some other must haves that you should pack ahead of time. 

Car Seat -  You can't take baby with you at home until you can pass the car seat test. This test is for baby's safety purpose that ensures your baby is fits properly in the car seat. Also, the nurses won't allow you to leave unless you have a properly installed car seat in the back seat. 

A going Home Outfit - Pack 2 Different outfits with Different sizes, Newborn size and 0-3 months size. This outfit is so special and you will remember and cherish it for forever also you can save it as a keepsake.  

• 3-4 comfortable outfits onesies most preferable
• 3-4 mittens 
• 2-3 hats and socks
• Bottles - if you plan to formula feed pack some of this
• Baby blanket - Hospital also provides

For the Dad/ support person

Clothes - 2 comfortable outfits (pajamas and coming home outfit)

Toiletries - Travel-size shampoo, toothbrush & paste, deodorant

ipad/laptop

Earplugs

Any medications that they might need

A Pillow and Blanket - Hospitals do provide these, but you might want to bring your own for comfort

Reusable Water Bottle

General things 

Birth Plan 

Pack 2-3 copies of your birth plan on your hospital bag checklist so you can refer to it during your labor.

For Both of  You and Your Partner 

• Photo ID - Yes
• Insurance Card - Yes
• Cord Banking Kit - Yes
• Camera - Yes
• Extra masks - No
• Extra long Phone charging cable - Yes
• Snacks - Bring snacks with you, as during COVID-19 surges, many hospitals aren't allowing people to leave and come back! Bring Protein bars, salty snacks, or homemade snacks.  You can also look into restaurants nearby that deliver.

Choose your Items wisely

when packing your bags, Stick to the essentials for a happy delivery! Keep in mind that, you may only be in the hospital for one or two nights and you'll be busy recovering from delivery, feeding and changing your baby.