What do you need to take to the hospital when you deliver?
I need to finish packing my hospital bag within the next several days, and fortunately I've gotten helpful lists from childbirth class as well as from the web, with suggestions as to what to bring.
One very helpful piece of advice that I got from childbirth class was to pack two bags for the hospital: a suitcase, plus a small "goodie bag" that you can bring into the labor/delivery room.
So what are the things you need to bring? Here's the list.
"Goodie Bag"
- lamaze notes (if applicable)/childbirth class manual
- childbirth class certificate (if necessary -- in the Philippines many hospitals don't allow husbands into the labor room unless the couple has a childbirth class certificate)
- doctor's orders
- stopwatch or watch with second hand, to time contractions
- eyeglasses, if you usually wear contacts
- lip balm, for dry lips
- hair band/rubberbands for hair
- massage & pain relief items: powder lotion or cornstarch, tennis balls or massage rollers
- pain relief items: hot water bag for back pains, focal point (if you intend to use the Lamaze method)
- diversions to help pass the time: books, playing cards, iPod, etc.
- pens and paper
- camera and batteries/video camera/sound recorder to record baby's first cry
- partner's food
- mommy's snacks/candy
- cup for mommy's ice chips
- baby book
- cellphone
- toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- washcloth, small towel
- medical information sheet with important data
- Philhealth papers: MDR, form from employer
- marriage certificate
- HMO papers
- SSS ID and authorization letter
- cash and credit card
- socks (it can get cold)
Suitcase - Clothes and Stuff:
- a sheet of paper with your baby's name clearly written on it
- cellphone charger
- nightgowns with front opening (so you can breastfeed)
- nursing bras
- lots of underwear (post-birth can be messy)
- breast pads
- tummy binder
- bathrobe
- slippers
- baby's clothes for rooming in: tie shirts, diapers, mittens, booties, 2-3 receiving blankets
- wash cloth for baby
- mommy's going home clothes (nursing shirt) - remember that you're still going to look pregnant, so bring maternity clothes
- baby's going home clothes
- baby's going home diapers
- little snacks, candy
- partner's clothes
Toiletry kit:
- cotton
- bath soap for baby
- soap/shampoo
- lotion
- feminine napkins (maternity ... another option is to buy a large pack of the largest baby diapers and use those on the first day or two since you're probably going to bleed a lot)
- manual breastpump
- bath towel
- petroleum jelly
- wash cloth
hi rowie! a very comprehensive list you got here of things to bring to the hospital on the big day! thanks so much for sharing!!! hmm, copy ko sa blog ha, hope you don't mind. thanks thanks!
Sure! I got some of the ideas from my childbirth class then I added some items. :)
I'll be having my second baby soon and I've got to review my To BRING list! Thanks for posting this!
you're welcome! all the best with your delivery!
Thanks for posting this. I really dont know know what to bring to the hospital when the time comes. Your post got me inspired to write too. http://manilenamombudget.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-of-everything.html
Hi, I'm a first time mommy-to-be (5 months along and on bed rest) and stumbled upon your blog. I've been reading your posts and you have a lot of great practical ideas that are very helpful especially for Filipino moms. Your blog is a great reference on significant topics. For one, I am now considering cloth diapering and will probably place an order when the time comes. Thanks for creating this blog. I'm looking forward to more posts!
Christina
Pasig City