Great Tips for Packing your Hospital Bag!

If you’re about to deliver and wonder what you need to take with you to the hospital, read on!

The checklist below suggests some essentials (and some luxuries) to make your hospital stay more comfortable.

For labor
? Hard candies to suck on for energy
? Drinks – orange or lemon juice are recommended
? Lip balm, because lips get dry during childbirth
? A plastic spray bottle filled with water, to cool your face
? A hand fan (if it’s summer)
? A washcloth
? Lotion which your husband can massage you with, to ease your discomfort
? Socks and a sweater, because some women feel cold during labor
? A cassette player and music to relax you and boost your morale
? Focal point (something from home to focus on during labor, like a picture or stuffed animal)
? A watch with a second hand and a small notebook and pen, to time contractions

For Mom
? Nightgowns (front-opening ones for nursing are preferable)
? Slippers and a robe
? Nursing bras and other underwear
? Sanitary napkins (designed for heavy flow), tissues, cotton wool
? Toothbrush and toothpaste
? Towel and soap
? Headband or clips for hair
? A hairbrush and a hand mirror
? Toiletries (including make-up and perfume to enhance your positive outlook)
? Books (childcare books are a plus!)
? List of telephone numbers (of those you’ll be calling with the great news!)
? Snacks and drinks to combat constipation, like prunes and herbal teas
? A going home outfit (pregnancy clothes you wore a few months ago, because your tummy won’t be back to its normal size yet)
? Camera and film (for those first pictures)

For Baby
? A few outfits and undershirts
? A cap to cover baby’s head
? Diapers
? Booties
? Receiving blankets to wrap baby in
? Baby powder, lotion and soap
? Spare bags to bring home baby gifts!
? Car seat (obviously, it won’t be in the hospital bag, but make sure you’ve installed one in the car, because baby won’t be safe on the ride home without it)

مع تحياتي
اسيرة الشوق