What Should I Take To The Hospital For Delivery? – Being Parents
The eighth month of pregnancy is a good time to start preparing the delivery bag. Starting early enough to organize and buy what is needed makes the task less stressful. On the other hand, the arrival of the baby can advance by a few days. It is therefore best to be careful and organize in advance everything you need to bring to the hospital for the birth.
What the mother should bring to the hospital for childbirth
In a normal delivery without complications, the hospital stay lasts between 2 and 4 days. If the delivery is by caesarean section, the hospitalization will then be five days. Based on this reference, you should prepare your suitcase. Some of the things you can’t forget are:
- Toiletries and personal hygiene . Shampoo, soap, cream, toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, comb. Also, consider incorporating compresses, which are a bit larger and absorbent.
- It doesn’t hurt to bring makeup and a small mirror, so you can feel pretty and look good if visitors enter the room.
- Clothing for the hospital stay: one or two comfortable breastfeeding nightgowns, open at the front if possible. Too. slippers, dressing gown and socks. Remember to have something to hold the hair and some toilet water.
- Loose clothing and comfortable shoes are required when leaving the hospital. The ideal is to put aside a change of clothes from the third or fourth month of pregnancy. The body, of course, will take some time to recover.
- Underwear, two or three comfortable pieces of clothing. You can choose the disposable that is sold in pharmacies. Don’t forget at least two nursing bras.
- Protective pads for the breasts, which will absorb the flowing milk.
- Objects that help you relax and take your mind off things. Although it seems impossible, there can be a waiting time, especially if the delivery is induced. And the best would be to have something that allows you to maintain yourself. A book that inspires you, music, or a notebook to write on. In short, it will depend on the personal taste of each woman.
What to bring for the baby
- Pajamas and bodysuits: three or four, long-sleeved. It may be better to take two different sizes, although the controls have calculated its weight.
- A bib for when he is fed.
- Diapers for newborns : bringing two packs is enough. Although they tend to provide them in hospitals, they will never hurt.
- A blanket to hold him and socks and a hat to keep him warm.
- A bag with hygiene items: it should contain wipes for changing and cleaning it, mild soap, ointment in case it is irritated, baby cologne, etc.
- Clothes for discharge from the hospital : you must choose the ideal clothes according to the time of year.
The essential documents
- ID card.
- Private health insurance or social security card .
- Medical tests performed during pregnancy.
- The birth project. You may or may not have it up to date, but it helps to take it with you. This is done around the 30th week of pregnancy and is established with the help of the midwife. It includes everything that relates to your preferences when it comes to childbirth. It indicates whether or not you want an attendant, consent to administer the epidural, breastfeeding preferences, etc.
Other tips
You have to separate what is for the mother and what is for the baby in different bags, and prepare the documents in a folder so that everything is together. If the time of delivery forces you to leave the house quickly, it will be better if everything is arranged so that another person can take them and not forget anything.
Remember that the things you need to bring to the hospital for the birth should be essential. You don’t have to take the whole house with you, or be overwhelmed with forgetting something. Of course, we recommend that you bring your cell phone, because even if you don’t have much time to use it, many loved ones will be eager to receive a photo of the newborn baby and congratulate the new parents.
