The Hospital Bag - What You Really NeedSeptember 10, 2018

You are in the last trimester of your pregnancy. After 34 weeks would be a good time to get your hospital bag ready. It’s not exactly easy to pack your bag when your water breaks. So what goes into this all important bag? It will have what you need in the first few days in hospital. Even if it is a planned ceaserian or you go into labour in full term, there are a few essentials every mother and new born baby will need. The Life Maid Easy team asked many moms and this is what they had and wish they had not forgotten.

What to pack for the mother:

1. Copies of your medical records. Let your by stander know where everything is so you can focus on your baby. Alert the nurses as to what medication you are on and what you are allergic to. If your pregnancy is covered, then bring a copy of the insurance papers too.
2. Clothes. No doubt you are going to spend a couple of days in hospital. Pack something that's light and comfortable. You'll need loose comfortable clothes to wear while you're in hospital and for the journey home. It will take a while for your tummy to go down, so you'll still be wearing maternity clothes when you come home. Having clothes that open up in front – nighty or a button/zip down kurta top would make breast feeding easier. Also get a few nursing bras and breast pads.
3. Watch/timer.  If you are going into labour naturally, you will have to time your contractions. You can also use your phone to time these.
4. Digital camera or camcorder. If you want to bring a camcorder, check with the hospital beforehand, because not all hospitals allow recording devices in delivery rooms.
5. Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as books, magazines, games and so on.
6. Mobile phone, charger and a power bank if you think you may need it.
7. Toiletries – Tooth brush, travel packs of your preferred toothpaste, face wash and other liquids you would normally use. Also hairbrush, rubber bands, hair bands.
8. Maternity/sanitary pads. No matter how you give birth, you will bleed. This is normal. Ideally order a few bulk packs online and put one pack in your bag.
9. A flask for warm water.
10. 2 pillows(always better to carry from home. It helps especially for feeding after a c-section).
11. Slippers
12. Money. Keep it in all forms – ATM cards, cash and loose change. Make sure your by-stander knows how much you brought and ask them to keep a track of how much is being spent.

What to pack for the baby:

We at Life Maid Easy have seen of many moms who do not pack anything for the baby. Some do it for cultural reasons. Some fear something may go wrong. Others just want to know the baby before choosing colours. If you have chosen to pack for your baby, Here’s what you should not miss out.

1. Receiving towel. That one special beautiful gorgeous towel in which you wish to receive your baby for the first time. When, the mom is taken into the delivery room, the nurse will ask for this, you can give her this that time, while she brings the baby wrapped in this towel for the first time.

2. Baby cloth nappies. You can get ready made stitched ones from shops or get old used pure cotton lungi/veshti/saree from the elders of the family. You can cut the cloth into big squares and fold them diagonally. This makes one peice of cloth nappy. Do not use a pin or clip to hold the nappy in the baby's hip. Just put a small knot with the longer ends of the cloth. These old cloths are very soft due to the long usage- best for baby's skin-they prevent rashes. 

3. Diapers. If you are planning to use diapers get a small pack. Diapers often bring diaper rash. Ask your paediatrician what you can use. Using coconut oil is great as it acts as a moisturiser and also as a strong barrier against your baby’s bowels. Make sure you check them frequently and change them when required.

4. Quick dry sheets. Alternative for the rubber sheets of olden days. Pack in two. Later you can use two for regular use at home-when one gets wet, wash it and dry it, use the 2nd one. But we are pretty much sure you will have to use more, especially if your baby is born during the monsoons.

5. Changing sheet- This sheet is used at the time of changing diapers, or wiping the baby after a bath, or giving her various massages- oil or lotion massages. This is a simple 2 layered plastic sheet- very useful.

6. Instant Hand sanitizer. Most hospitals provide one. Ask your visitors to use it before holding your baby to avoid infections.

7. Baby wipes/wet wipes.  You are going to need a lot of these. Whether it is to wipe down your baby in the first few days or simply cleaning your baby after each poop and pee, this is great. Avoid scented as these chemicals can irritate your baby’s delicate skin.

Hope we at Life Maid Easy have answered most of our questions. See you next week.