Why You Got That Baby in That Bag Video

by Polly Logan-Banks | Medically reviewed past Clare Herbert, Senior Midwife and Team Leader | July 2019 |

It'south never too early on to gather together all the essentials you'll demand during labour and birth and for after your babe is born. Even if yous're non planning to have your babe in a hospital or birth middle, you may need to go in unexpectedly, and so try to accept a handbag packed by the time yous're well-nigh 36 weeks pregnant.

Hospitals vary in their policies about what you are immune to bring with you when you take your infant. Y'all may desire to accept a few items from home, such as your own pillows, to make the environment more personal. But exist aware that hospitals tin be short on space.

If you lot desire, pack two numberless: one for labour and the hours immediately after your baby is born, and another for a stay on the postnatal ward.

If yous're driving to hospital, you could leave the second handbag in the car. If you have a straightforward birth, you may go out hospital on the aforementioned day (HES 2011) and non need the second handbag at all.

Your infirmary bag checklist: what you lot should pack for labour

• Your nascence plan and maternity notes.
• Old nightdress or T-shirt to wear in labour. It will probably get a bit messy, and so don't buy annihilation specially to habiliment in infirmary.
• Dressing gown This will be useful if you end upward pacing hospital corridors in early on labour. You'll probably too desire one on the postnatal ward. Hospitals can exist very warm, then a lightweight ane may exist amend. A dark colour or a decorated design will help to hibernate any stains.
• Backless slippers that are easy to get on and off. Flip-flops piece of work well, likewise.
• Socks Believe it or not, your feet tin get cold during labour.
• Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labour. You might likewise like to invest in a massage roller or similar help, so your birth partner can massage you for longer.
• Nascence ball. This can help y'all to detect different positions in labour, and may likewise help you manage the pain of contractions. Check whether the infirmary has the right size for you. If not, take your own. Think to bring a pump and then your nativity partner tin inflate it for you.
• Snacks and drinks for during and later on the nativity. Most women are able to eat and beverage during labour, and it tin can help to keep your energy levels up. The hospital will have nutrient and drink available, but you may prefer to pack a few things that you know you like. Choose carb-packed snacks that give slow-release energy to keep you going. Fruit, unsalted nuts, crisps, cereal bars and popcorn are all good options. You lot may also want some mints or boiled sweets to freshen your mouth. Also pack a few isotonic sports drinks, which are great for giving you a boost when y'all need it virtually.
• Things to help you relax or pass the time, such as books, magazines, or a tablet. You may also want to download some fun and distracting apps on your telephone to keep you occupied during early labour.
• Lip balm Your lips can dry out quickly on a warm labour ward, peculiarly if you lot're using gas and air.
• Hairbands or a clip. If you accept long hair, you may want it tied up.
• Pillows. The hospital might not have enough to make you actually comfortable. A C-shaped pillow can give you extra support when breastfeeding your baby.
• TENS hurting relief auto, if you are planning to use one. Some hospitals and birth centres exercise have them though, so check with yours get-go.
• Music. Create a playlist of upbeat and/or soothing tracks to distract, calm and inspire you during labour.

Should I wax or shave?

Is information technology a proficient idea to shave or wax your pubic hair before giving birth? Find out in this brusque video from our midwife.More labour and birth videos

What should my nascency partner pack?

What shall I pack for afterward the nascence?

• A going-home outfit. You'll need loose comfortable wearing apparel to wear while you're in hospital and for the journey dwelling. It will accept a while for your tummy to get downwardly, then y'all'll probably still need your maternity clothes when y'all get dwelling.
• Handouts about how to go breastfeeding started from your antenatal classes or appointments, if you program to breastfeed. If you have a contact card for a breastfeeding counsellor or specialist, have that with yous likewise. You could also bookmark our breastfeeding for beginners article, plus these benefits of breastfeeding to assistance proceed you motivated.
• Nursing bras Bring two or three if you program to breastfeed.
• Breast pads You'll demand these even if you don't plan to breastfeed, as your breasts volition withal produce milk after the birth.
• Maternity pads Bring a couple of packs.
• Nightshirt or T-shirt. Front-opening shirts are useful in the early days of breastfeeding.
• Toiletries. Decant these into smaller bottles, or buy travel versions, to save on space in the postnatal ward. You may prefer to choose unscented versions, so your babe can go used to your natural olfactory property. Include all your regular toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap or body launder, flannel, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant and moisturiser. Face wipes are great for a quick pick-me-upwards. Likewise pack your hairbrush and whatsoever other accessories you think you might desire to go gear up for those early pics of you and your baby. The infirmary or nativity centre will probably have towels. They tin can be quite threadbare, so you may adopt to bring your own, but information technology'due south non something you need to worry about if you're brusque on space.
• Erstwhile or inexpensive knickers, or dispensable knickers. Don't bring your best ones as they will go messy. Big cotton fiber knickers can be useful if you end up having a c-section, as they won't rub your wound.
• Arnica foam. Although there'due south no conclusive evidence that information technology works, some women study that arnica cream helps to reduce bruising and helps the healing process. Bank check with your midwife before using information technology, and don't utilize the cream to broken peel. It'southward best to avert arnica tablets, specially if y'all're breastfeeding, equally nosotros can't be sure they're prophylactic to take, and there's no proof they piece of work.
• Eye mask and earplugs, to help yous sleep on a brightly lit, noisy ward.
• Cotton fiber wool. Your newborn's pare will be very delicate, then many experts recommend using cotton wool wool and water for nappy changes at commencement, rather than baby wipes. If you lot do choose to use wipes though, opt for ones that are free from alcohol and fragrance.

What should I pack for my baby?

More means to prepare for your baby's birth

• Cheque out these fifteen ways to get ready for your baby'south arrival.
• Have you seen our preparing for birth videos?
• Become the inside scoop by reading what other parents wish they'd known before the big day.

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Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing show-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best commencement in life.

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Source: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag

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