If anyone knows me they know that I have a love for planning and organizing. Whenever I go on a trip I make multiple lists, pack, unpack and pack again until everything is just right.
When it comes to packing your bag for the hospital there are a few essentials that should be included. This bag will include items for the gestational parent and baby; however, a bag can be made up for a partner as well.
Remember when packing for the hospital, the hospital itself will provide diapers for the baby, as well, personal hygiene products such as a peri bottle for the gestational parent. If you want to find out everything the hospital supplies, I would contact your local Labour and Delivery Ward or ask your doctor/midwife because each hospital varies in supplies.
Gestational Parent Checklist:
- Birth wishes and any papers or ID you may need
- Glasses if you wear them. Messing around with contact solution is the last thing you want to be doing once your baby is born.
- Toiletries: travel size shampoo/conditioner, dry shampoo, toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, hair ties/headband, face wipes, lip balm, deodorant, lotion.
- Phone and phone charger
- Camera if you wish photos to be taken. Sometimes a doula has its own cameras and also take photos.
- 2 pairs of warm socks, preferably non-slip
- Warm sweater or robe
- 2 Comfortable lounge-type outfits and pyjamas
- Going home outfit
- Nursing bra and nursing pads. The hospital should provide nursing pads but having extra on hand isn't a bad idea.
- Postpartum underwear or large, loose underwear where you can insert a large pad or perineal ice pack for postpartum healing.
- Flip flops for the shower or slippers to quickly put on
- A towel. Optional but also nice to have your own if you plan to shower at the hospital
- Honey sticks for a surge of sugar if needed
- Water bottle with a straw
- Snacks for post-delivery and fluids like juice and water for delivery
- Breastfeeding pillow is optional. Normal pillows can also be used for support during feedings.
- Any medication you take on a day to day basis
Baby Checklist
- Car seat
- 2 onesies/outfits
- Going home outfit
- A few diapers/wipes. The hospital will provide these but it is always nice to have extra just in case.
- A warm blanket and a swaddle
-Socks, hat and mittens
- Pacifier
Partner Checklist
- Cash or change for parking or food
- Snacks and drinks
- Waterbottle
- Pillow and blanket
- Toiletries and own towel if showering
- 2 changes of clothes
- Zip-up hoodie for skin to skin
- Electronics and chargers (phone, iPad, computer, camera)
- Daily medication if needed
Although there are lots of other things you could bring like entertainment, your own pillow, books, etc., as a doula these are the things I recommend everyone bring. If you want to see what other parents bring I suggest looking at YouTube videos or asking on a Facebook page for must-have hospital bag items.
Along with the checklist on the blog, I have attached a printable checklist that you can use when packing your hospital bag. Please remember that everyone is different so items will vary depending on each other's needs.
I wish everyone a happy New Year!
-Brielle Pedersen-Skene
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