Packing the Hospital Bag During Delivery   by Vanni Jain

in Family / Pregnancy    (submitted 2012-02-02)

Hospital bags are often packed at the last moment. There are various other preparations that have to be made. These are required for welcoming the new baby. At the end of 36 weeks, the baby is usually full term and can arrive anytime. Thus, this is the time for packing the hospital bag for labor and delivery.

Where to start
One must not panic. A list of essential items have to be compiled for the birth bag. This list is a culmination of the suggestions of midwives and the feedback from mothers. One must not forget that there is involvement of the partners love. The entire task of packing the hospital bag for labor and delivery can be shared and preparations can be made for the big day.

What to pack in the hospital bag
Sometimes, a whole suitcase is packed by people for hospital births. Few of them are left unprepared and they have to just manage for bringing themselves. The list should cover all the essential items that must be taken for supporting the hospital birth. Very few luxury items are also included in the list. You should start packing your hospital bag two to three weeks before your due date in order to avoid last minute stress to you or your partner. Consider packing two bags; one for labor time and the other after childbirth. After that the mothers are found to be very relaxed and comfortable.

Essential Hospital Birth Bag Items

During Labour
• Sponge to cool down the mother during labor
• Lip balm as the lips become dry
• Hair band for keeping the hair out of face
• Tissues are surely needed for keeping a dry eye when the baby arrives
• Spare top or a T-shirt for the mum or the birth partner because clothes become soiled and wet during birth.

After labor
• Nursepads prove to be very useful if a woman is choosing to breastfeed.
• Flanned soaked in warm water should be placed on the perineum
• Disposable or cotton pants should be used.
• Absorbent mat
• Maternity towels
• Changing and disposable mats can be purchased. This is great for protecting the car seat or the bed.

Wash bag
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Conditioner and shampoo
• Hairbrush
• Bodywash
• Deodorant

Baby bag
• Newborn nappies
• Baby grow
• Baby mittens and hat
• Wet wipes or cotton buds
• Hooded baby towel to wrap the baby when it is first born

Thus, one must properly plan the hospital bag for labor and delivery. This will help in avoiding last minute hurries.

About the Author

With the help of this article you can get information on things to carry for childbirth. Read more on pregnancy and labor at Onlymyhealth.