The hospital bag: 10 contents you haven't thought of

When Should You Pack The Hospital Bag?

Nesting is one strange sign of labor, a sudden urge to organize. Even if you've prepared the bag in advance, you'll likely need to make some adjustments in the days leading up to delivery. Preparing the hospital delivery bag at the beginning of the third trimester is generally advised. This ensures you have enough time to buy what you need, explore essentials recommended by experts and other mothers, and take advantage of promotional offers to get what you need at the best prices.

Things You Haven't Thought Include in Your Hospital Delivery Bag

Thank You Cards

Don't be surprised by this suggestion – you'll thank us later for including it in your hospital delivery bag. Several important individuals will assist you during labor, including your doctor, nurses, midwives, anesthetists, and the pediatrician, who will check on your baby's health shortly after birth. After delivery, you'll also have more nurses and lactation consultants by your side, guiding you through your early motherhood journey. Take note of their names and prepare personalized thank you cards with a kind message expressing gratitude for their assistance. It will warm their hearts and motivate them to continue their crucial work.

Nursing Pillow

Since this is your first time carrying and breastfeeding your baby, finding a comfortable position might require trial and error. However, a nursing pillow will make it easier to hold and feed your baby, preventing neck and back pain that new mothers often experience.

Postpartum Vitamins

Discuss with your doctor during your last-month visits and ask for postpartum vitamins. These vitamins aid in a faster recovery, helping you overcome fatigue, exhaustion, hair loss, and dry skin commonly experienced by new mothers. Take these vitamins as directed by your doctor after delivery.

Phone Charger with a Long Cable

Being in the delivery room is unlike staying in a hotel, and your regular phone charger may be useless if you can't find a socket near your bed. Be prepared for any surprises by including a mobile phone charger with a long cable in your hospital delivery bag, allowing you to charge your phone without moving from your bed.

Compression Socks

If you're experiencing swelling in your feet and legs during pregnancy, know that this swelling may persist for a short period after giving birth. Compression socks gradually reduce this swelling and alleviate the discomfort associated with it.

Beauty and Personal Care Products

You'll want to look and feel your best, even after welcoming your new baby. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair ties, moisturizer, makeup, bath essentials, and deodorant in your hospital bag. It's advisable for these products not to be strongly scented to avoid affecting the newborn.

Earphones

Expect a lot of calls and voice messages after giving birth, and since you wouldn't want to disturb your little one, use earphones. They'll also make it easier for you to watch your favorite series or entertain yourself with videos during the long hospital hours.

Healthy Snacks

While the hospital provides nutritious postpartum meals suitable for breastfeeding, you might feel hungry between these meals. Be prepared by packing plenty of healthy snacks. Some snacks that aid milk production include dates, nuts (especially walnuts), and various dried fruits. Include dark chocolate, known for its mood-enhancing properties, and protein bars that make you feel full quickly.

Lip Balm

Don't underestimate the comfort provided by well-moisturized lips. You might experience dryness in your skin after giving birth due to hormonal changes or the distraction from staying hydrated. Having lip balm in your delivery bag will help you overcome dry lips.

Hand Moisturizer

The reasons mentioned above, as well as frequent handwashing to protect the newborn from germs, may lead to dry hands. Include a hand moisturizer to keep your hands soft in your hospital delivery bag.

We wish you an easy and joyful delivery. May your newborn be rich in health and well-being.