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Don't leave packing your bag till the last minute! From 36 weeks onwards, be ready to go to the hospital at any time. Also do things like bulk shopping and filling up the deep-freeze with ready-made meals. Select and put aside the clothes you will wear when you come home. Put baby's home coming clothes into the car seat and let your partner know where these are so he can bring them to the hospital on home-coming day. Preparation is the key to a less stressful labour day.
LABOUR BAG
- Documents: medical aid/hospital card, ID, booking forms, stem cell pack (if you're harvesting cord cells)
- Comfortable labouring clothes and shoes
- Toiletries e.g. face cloth, toothbrush and toothpaste
- Tissues and moisture cloths
- Lip balm or Vaseline
- Hand cream
- Hair accessories
- Energy snacks and drinks
- Distraction: music, magazines, cards
- Nightie and disposable panties
- Socks - it can be cold in the labour ward!
- Packet for the clothes you came into hospital with so that they may be taken home.
YOUR HOSPITAL BAG
When you book your bed or go on your hospital 'tour', you will be given a list of hospital requirements. These usually include:
- Sanitary pads
- Breast pads
- Disposable panties
- Breastfeeding bra's
Toiletries for baby - these include:
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Powder
- Vaseline/ bum cream
- Aqueous cream
- Cord care: cotton buds and surgical spirits
- Baby-gro's
- Vests and socks
- Wrapping blankets
ADDITIONALLY YOU WILL FIND USEFUL:
- Slippers and dressing gown
- Something for entertainment e.g. magazines
- Make-up
TAKE ALONG SOME THINGS FOR DAD:
- 'Snack pack'
- Something to drink
- Reading material
