Packing Your Hospital Bag

As you enter the last month of your pregnancy, it's time to start preparing your hospital bag. It's a good idea to pack your hospital bag two to three weeks before your due date. Once you start getting those contractions, your mind would be far too occupied with labor anxiety to think about the bag.

Here’s some help to get you all ready for the hospital. Your hospital bag should contain the following:

•    Personal identification card and health insurance card.

•    Your phone diary.

•    Watch containing a second hand for timing your contractions.

•    Calling card (cell phones are prohibited in most hospitals).

•    Your birth plan copy.

•    Lip balm (your lips tend to dry up when pushing).

•    Water bottles.

•    Snacks.

•    Slippers/socks for keeping your feet warm.

•    Robe or night gown, if you don't wish to don the hospital clothes.

•    An outfit for going home after pregnancy delivery (Choose what you wore when you were in the fifth month of pregnancy. Tight outfits can wait).

•    Nursing bras and nursing pads.

•    Blanket for the baby.

•    An outfit for the little one.

•    Baby book to get her footprints.

•    Music or CDs.

•    A novel or magazine to read, in case you are in the hospital for long.

•    Camera and/or camcorder.

•    Personal hygiene stuff such as tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, shampoo, soaps, and so on.

Some women like to pack two bags - one for delivery and the other for post partum. The latter contains yours and your baby's outfit, make-up items, a pair of socks, and a camera. Usually, the contents of your bag depend on your preferences and tastes. Things like personal identification and insurance cards, and birth plan copies are a must.

One of my friends had packed massage oils in her hospital bag. How calm and relaxed you feel when your partner gives you a back or feet massage! It helps during delivery too.

And please, no fashion at this time! When you pack your unmentionables, keep that lacy stuff at home because you will spoil them from the heavy lochia (bleeding) that takes place after delivery. And no tight jeans yet! Your body should be really comfortable after working so hard bringing out a new life. Go for loose and comfortable clothing.

IMPORTANT POINT- PUT YOUR HOSPITAL BAG IN THE CAR YOU PLAN TO TAKE TO THE HOSPITAL MUCH BEFORE TIME, OR ELSE YOU WILL FORGET THE BAG AT THE LAST HOUR AMIDST THE LABOR PAINS!