Pack your bags early.
As you move into your eighth month of pregnancy, it’s time to start planning for your hospital stay. With only a few weeks left, it’s not too soon to pack the necessities. You will need three bags: one for labor, one for postpartum and another for the baby. Reduce stress by packing your bags early. When labor begins, you will feel rushed even if everything is sitting by the front door. Take your time now to ensure a positive labor and birthing experience.
Instructions
Thinking of Labor
1. Pack the labor bag with your comfort in mind. Labor can be long and tiresome, especially if this is your first baby. Start at your head and work downward, including items to make labor easier.
2. Put in your hair essentials, clips or barrettes to keep your hair back or a headband will come in handy when labor becomes intense. Facial wipes will make you feel fresh along with your favorite lip balm. Chapped lips are a common complaint of women in labor. Add a pack of sugarless chewing gum or a few sugarless candies. Eating is not an option during labor.
3. Buy a favorite magazine now to read during contractions in the early stages of labor. Alternately, an MP3 player, loaded with your favorite tunes will help pass the time.
4. Include items your birthing partner can use to ease your discomfort during labor. A couple of tennis balls to massage on your back or a rolling pin designed to hold water can alternately hold hot and cold water for soothing back massages. Pack a tube of lotion for labor rubs.
5. Plan to wear eyeglasses instead of contact lens during labor and delivery.
Think Essentials when Packing the Postpartum Bag
6. Pack the clothing items you’ll wear home. Choose an outfit you could wear when you were six months pregnant. Include socks, shoes and outerwear. Pack at least two bras; one should be a nursing bra if you’re breastfeeding.
7. Include the items that will make you feel comfortable until you and your new baby leave the hospital. Some hospitals allow new mothers to wear their own loose clothing but most insist that you wear their unflattering gowns. A robe and slippers from home will increase your comfort.
8. Plan to use the personal hygiene items from your labor bag but pack an additional cosmetic bag with your own shampoo and blow dryer, if desired. You can apply makeup at this time. Remember deodorant and hair spray.
9. Put a list of contact numbers in your bag. After your baby arrives, it’s time to call family and friends. Ask the hospital if they permit cell phone use, otherwise, plan to use the hospital room phone.
Bring Baby Home in Style
10. Choose your baby’s homecoming outfit and pack it, along with extra newborn socks, undershirts, blankets and outwear. Look for extra soft fabrics.
11. Toss in a couple of pacifiers and comfort items. Baby wipes are essential for quick cleanups and gentle lotion will keep your little one content. The hospital will provide a few diapers but it doesn’t hurt to have more handy.
12. Secure your new baby’s car seat in the back seat of your car before you go to the hospital. In many states, it’s a law that newborns ride home in an approved car seat. If you have any questions about this, contact the newborn nursing coordinator when you pre-register at the hospital.
Tags: with your, your baby, during labor, along with, bags early