Delivery day is near! Soon, your home will be filled with tiny fingers and toes, adorable yawns, and the newest addition to your family. But your hospital stay and delivery will be before bringing your baby home. As your due date approaches, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. One way to ease nerves and prepare is to pack a hospital bag. But what exactly should you pack?
Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness is here to go over hospital bag essentials for both mom and baby and some nice-to-have extras that can make your stay more comfortable. Contact us for high-quality reproductive healthcare in West Bloomfield, MI.
Tips for Packing a Hospital Bag
Start Early
The last thing you want to do when you go into labor is scrambling to pack a bag last minute. Make time to pack your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date. This ensures you have plenty of time to gather everything you need in case of early delivery or if you need to make any last-minute changes.
Consider the Length of Your Stay
Many factors can play into how long you may stay at the hospital. Whether you are delivering naturally or by cesarean or have any complications arise, your hospital stay could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Make sure you pack enough essentials to last you for the entirety of your hospital visit.
Think About the Weather & Season
The weather and season can significantly affect what you pack in your hospital bag. West Bloomfield, MI, experiences all sorts of weather. Whether you’re delivering in the winter or summer, you’ll want clothing that is appropriate for the season. However, hospitals tend to remain cold, so packing a warm sweater and blankets is a good move no matter the season!
Pack for Comfort & Convenience
Remember, you’ll be recovering from delivery, so you’ll want to pack comfortable clothes and shoes. You’ll also want to pack items that will make your stay more comfortable, such as your favorite pillow or blanket from home. Pack items that will make your hospital stay more convenient, such as snacks and drinks, a phone charger, and toiletries.
Find Pain Management Techniques That Work for You
Pain is a very natural part of the delivery process. Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, recommends learning pain management techniques before delivery and utilizing them during your hospital stay. Learning breathing techniques, practicing meditation, creating a music playlist of your favorite songs, or having your partner know massages are some of the natural pain relief techniques you can use alongside medicine.
For more tips and information, contact the Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness team. Call today!
Essentials for the Mom-to-Be
Here are some hospital bag essentials for new moms:
- Comfortable clothes: After delivery, you’ll want to wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to move around. Pack a few pairs of pajamas, nursing tops, and comfortable underwear. Remember to pack a robe and slippers for walking around the hospital!
- Nursing bras and pads: If you plan on breastfeeding, pack a few nursing bras and nursing pads. These will help you stay comfortable and prevent leaks.
- Birth plan: If you have a birth plan, pack a copy for your healthcare provider.
- Snacks and drinks: Delivering a baby is no easy task! Make sure you have the energy by packing some of your favorite foods, snacks, and drinks.
- Important documents: Pack your insurance card, ID, and any other important documents the hospital may require.
Essentials for the Baby
When you return home, you’ll bring home the newest addition to your family! Here are some hospital bag essentials for your little one:
- Onesies: Pack a few onesies for your baby to wear during their stay in the hospital. Make sure they’re easy to put on and take off.
- Swaddling blankets: Swaddling can help soothe your baby and make them feel secure.
- Diapers and wipes: One of the most used products your baby needs is diapers and wipes; make sure you pack plenty. You’ll also want to bring wipes and diaper rash cream.
- Hat and mittens: Newborns can lose heat quickly, so keeping them warm is essential.
- Car seat: Driving with a newborn can be nerve-wracking. One way to alleviate that stress is to have a properly installed car seat.
Nice-to-Have Extras
While these aren’t considered ‘hospital bag essentials,’ they are nice to have with you when it comes time to deliver!
- Lip Balm
- Extra postpartum underwear
- Pillows or blankets from home
- Gifts for nurses or doctors
Have a loved one who is expecting? Share this post with any expecting moms who might benefit from this information.
Contact Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness Today!
Packing a hospital bag can seem overwhelming, but with our list of essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for your delivery. Remember to start early, pack for comfort and convenience, and consider the length of your stay. Do you have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the medical professionals at Walnut Lake OBGYN & Wellness.