Are you ready for D-day?
We mean the day of Delivery, of course!
Whether you feel as prepared as possible, or you’re nervous about this major event in your life, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure you have a smooth experience.
And about preparation, preparing your hospital bag is one of the main things you need to take care of.
When it’s time to go to the hospital, a packed hospital bag will make your life easier. You definitely don’t want to start looking for things you might need at the hospital after your water breaks or you’re in labor.
Therefore, it is recommended that you keep your bag packed and ready to go when you are close to your due date.
So, without further ado, below is the list of things you need. For simplicity, we have divided the list into items needed for mummy and for baby.
List of things to pack for mummy
1. Documents
Keep all important documents in your hospital bag so that no critical information is missed when you go to the hospital for delivery. Also, keep a set of photocopies for all important documents. Here is a list of the documents you will need:
- Gynecologist’s letter
- NRIC of you and your spouse
- Hospital admission form
- Maternity insurance form
- A birth plan, if you have created one
- Original marriage certificate
- Your file with doctors’ assessments from all outpatient visits and reports with bills
- Credit cards and cash
Note that you can register the birth at the hospital as well as at ICA Singapore. If you are planning to register with the hospital, you will need the proper documentation mentioned above. Bring the list of baby names you’ve shortlisted, if the gender is a surprise or if you haven’t decided what to name your child!
2. Clothing
You will need comfortable hospital clothes. Consider packing items below clothing.
- Nursing bras – Keep some clean nursing bras with you to wear after birth. The new breastfeeding experience will be easier with an appropriate maternity nursing bra. Also, as the milk comes in, a nursing bra can help provide good support to your breasts and help you feel more comfortable. The soft fabric will also be gentle on sore nipples from early breastfeeding.
- Maternity gown or bathrobe – When you are giving birth, wearing a loose bathrobe or maternity gown is a good idea. Your hospital may require you to put on a hospital gown before entering the labor room. However, having loose clothing of your own is a good idea.
- Disposable underwear– It’s a good idea to bring disposable underwear. As labor progresses, you may experience spotting. Also, if your water breaks while you’re in the hospital, your underwear may get wet. Disposable underwear is a good option in this case.
- Maternity underwear – Maternity underwear with a low waistband is indispensable to wear after delivery. If you have a C-section birth, the maternity underwear waistband is below the incision, so it doesn’t irritate the stitches.
- Comfortable nursing wear – Pack some clothes you can lounge in like comfy maternity nursing dresses and pyjamas. Also bring clothes that you can wear when you get home from the hospital.
3. Materials
You may consider having the accessories below in your hospital bag.
- Breast pads – As a new mother who starts breastfeeding, your breast milk supply will take time to establish according to your baby’s needs and feeding schedule. To take care of leaking breasts during this time, nursing pads can be very useful. They will also save your nursing bras from getting soaked in leaked breast milk.
- Sanitary pads – You will need high-quality sanitary pads to take care of bleeding after delivery. Many women bleed heavily after giving birth so you may want to use heavy-duty sanitary pads.
- Abdominal strap recovery – A recovery stomach band not only does it help your belly regain its original shape sooner, but it also helps support your abdominal muscles after giving birth. With a good maternity binder, you’ll be able to move around more comfortably.
- Toiletries – Bring your favorite body lotion and moisturizer and other essential toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush. Don’t forget your lip balms and your hand cream.
- Wipes and napkins – Keep some wet wipes and napkins with you. Labor can make you sweat. A cold washcloth will be comforting at this stage.
- Socks and slippers – If your feet are cold, you may want to wear socks. It also helps to have a pair of comfortable slippers to wear while you’re up and down during labor.
- Gadgets – Keep your phone charger with you and also the earphone. They come in handy when you want to listen to some music or watch some videos while in the hospital.
- Breast pump – Some mothers choose to pump milk soon after delivery to establish milk supply. A breast pump can also be used to stimulate the breasts for milk production if the baby is not actively nursing. If you choose this path, get yourself a breast pump as well as some pumping bras.
- Hair ties – When you are in labor, during birth, or afterwards while you are caring for your child, you may need hair ties to keep your hair out. It’s a small thing, but easy to miss. So, keep a few hair ties in your hospital bag.
- eye mask – An eye mask can be a great feeling when you want to turn off the ambient or hospital lights and relax.
Baby packing list
1. Baby clothes
Put some newborn clothes in your bag. Bodysuits and onesies are good choices because they are easy to put on. Also, keep gloves and socks for the baby. Your newborn will also need a hat that protects his ears and keeps him warm. Depending on the weather, keep layering options like sweaters and jackets for the baby. You will also need baby blankets and cloth diapers. Keep a few soft towels that you will need after your baby’s first and subsequent baths.
Some hospitals provide baby clothes and gloves. So, check with your hospital before deciding what to pack in the hospital bag.
2. Nappies and diapers
Some mothers prefer disposable diapers while others prefer cloth diapers. Depending on your preference, bring enough diapers. Remember that a newborn will urinate at least 7-8 times a day and may soil the diaper up to 3-4 times a day. So, get ready!
3. Baby accessories
Keep some baby wipes, diaper rash cream, baby oil, baby lotion, and baby body wash with you. Hospitals usually provide them. So, check with the hospital what they provide and plan accordingly.
Final thoughts
Once you have a packed hospital bag, this is one less thing to worry about. Remember to ask your birth partner to also pack essentials they may need in a separate bag. Usually, for a vaginal birth, you may be in the hospital for 2-3 days. For a C-section birth, you may be in the hospital for 3-4 days. Pack your hospital bag accordingly.
Most of all, remember to relax and have fun when you’re packing the hospital bag. You can also keep something that comforts you like your favorite pillow or a blanket. Just make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable hospital stay. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about things you might need and plan ahead.
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