Did you know that the average hospital stay after giving birth is about three to five days? Did you also know that your mom will need time to recover from the delivery and probably won’t be able to come home until she feels well enough? In fact, many mothers prefer to extend their stay in the hospital. There are numerous reasons for this—from nursing staff who check on Mom throughout the day to a relaxing environment away from home. Hospitals understand that most moms need time to process what just happened, so they offer accommodations for recovery.
That being said, there are some things you should pack in your mom’s hospital bag. The care team, as well as nurses and doctors, appreciate a mother being prepped before her arrival. Your mom will feel less anxious when she knows exactly what she needs and where it’s located. She won’t have to worry about forgetting anything either because it’ll be packed up and waiting for her when she arrives at the hospital. Follow this checklist of what to pack in hospital bag for mom!
What to Pack in Your Mom’s Hospital Bag?
There are a few items that are absolutely necessary to have in your hospital bag, and any mother who has had previous children is aware of this fact. To ensure that you have everything you need to feel good after giving birth, it is imperative that you bring along all of your most comfortable clothing and toiletries.
However, there are a few other things that can make your time spent in the hospital more comfortable and even contribute to the process of getting better. If you’re wondering what to pack in hospital bag for mom, here are some items that you should include:
Documents
Patients who have been hospitalized know how much paperwork is involved in hospitalization. Before thinking about what to pack in hospital bag for mom, you’ll need to get a few things in order. Your health insurance card, medical exam card, and maternal health guide are required. If your health insurance card and consultation ticket are constantly in your wallet, you don’t need to transfer them. If you’re hospitalized without your insurance card, have a copy in your bag. Keep your medical certificate in your hospital bag. In this manner, even in the event that you are required to see a specialist in addition to your primary care physician, the information regarding your previous medical examinations will be available to you.
Maternity pads
Because you will bleed for at least a week after delivery, you should stock up on as many maternity pads as possible in preparation for this time. The hospital will typically provide some, but it is smart to bring additional supplies just in case.
Breast pads
If you intend to breastfeed your child, you should consider purchasing breast pads to help absorb any potential leaks.
Nursing Bra
Also, think about bringing along at least one nursing bra because the ones provided by the hospital are typically not very comfortable.
Disposable underwear
During your stay, you will most likely be provided with a pair of disposable underwear to wear. If need be, it is a good idea to bring along additional underwear because you may not find the ones provided by the hospital comfortable.
Warm socks
The feet may become chilly during your stay, particularly if you have a long labor, so bring some warm socks.
Comfortable Slippers
A comfortable pair of slippers is an item that is frequently disregarded when it comes to determining what should be placed in a hospital bag for the mother. Although patients at many hospitals are given slippers, the majority of the time, those slippers are thin and uncomfortable.
The last thing you want to do after a long day of labor or recovery is to be walking around in slippers that are too flimsy to support your feet. A supportive and comfortable pair of slippers can help you feel more at ease and relaxed, which is exactly how you should feel when wearing them. When shopping for a pair of slippers, you should look for ones that have a sole that provides support and a fabric that is comfortable.
Because hospitals often have floors that are slippery, it is a good idea to think about purchasing a pair of shoes that have non-slip soles. Your stay in the hospital can be made more bearable and even enjoyable if you bring a nice pair of slippers with you.
Shower Shoes
When going to the hospital to have a baby, the vast majority of people are aware that they should bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash with them. But what about shoes for use in the shower? The process of giving birth can get messy, and you probably don’t want your nice flip-flops to get ruined in the process.
Therefore, it is a good idea to bring a pair of shower shoes with you to the hospital just in case. You can never be too prepared when it comes to what to pack in hospital bag for mom!
Robe and Comfy Outfit for Mom
As any mom knows, having a baby is a huge life event. Not only is there the physical process of childbirth to contend with, but there’s also the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a parent. To make things go as smoothly as possible, it’s important to be prepared for every eventuality. This means packing a hospital bag that has everything you could possibly need – and then some.
Comfort is the most important factor to take into account when deciding what to pack in hospital bag for mom. One of the most important items in your hospital bag should be a comfy outfit for after birth. You’ll want something loose and comfortable that you can relax in. A robe is a great option, as it will keep you warm and give you easy access for breastfeeding. Pack a couple of different outfits so that you have options, and make sure they’re machine-washable – you might not have time for laundry once the baby arrives!
Toiletries for Mom
It’s an exciting time in your life when you find out you’re going to have a baby, but there are a lot of things you need to think about and get ready for. Remembering what to pack in hospital bag for mom is one of the most important things to keep in mind. Even though your attention may be focused on the needs of the child, it is essential to ensure that you have all of the toiletries necessary to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The following are some of the most important things to pack:
Shampoo and conditioner
Investing in a quality shampoo and conditioner will allow you to experience a sense of renewal after all of that hard work. If you want to avoid having to worry about spills, pack bottles that are the appropriate size for traveling as well as single-use packets.
Body wash
If you want to feel clean and relaxed after giving birth, try using a gentle body wash. Again, the best way to avoid mess is to make use of single-use packets or bottles that are conveniently sized for travel.
Mild cleanser
Wash your face with a mild cleanser to help remove any makeup or sweat that may have accumulated on your face while you were in labor. To prevent your skin from becoming irritated, ensure that you bring along a plush towel.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
It is recommended that you brush your teeth after delivery, both to maintain the freshness of your breath and to alleviate any discomfort in your gums. You should bring a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you so that you can quickly freshen up.
In the hospital, you’ll need a variety of necessities, some of which are listed here. With just a little bit of forethought and planning in advance, you can ensure that you have everything you need to make your experience as enjoyable and stress-free as it possibly can be, maximizing the likelihood that you will have a positive outcome.
Some Suggested Items to Bring for Baby
The majority of your child’s needs throughout their stay in the hospital will be met for the duration of their stay. Some hospitals even make you keep your newborn in a hospital-branded onesie until they release you from the maternity ward for safety reasons. However, you are free to include the brands that you prefer on the list of what to pack in hospital bag for mom .
Baby Undergarments
One of the things that will be used throughout the hospital stay that will be of the utmost importance is the underwear that the newborn will put on right after being born. Since it will be in contact with sensitive skin, consider 100% cotton underwear. There are many varieties of underwear available, such as short-sleeved underwear and “combination underwear,” which consists of both short-sleeved and long-sleeved underwear.
Because of this, you will need to make sure that you have enough of each type of underwear to last for the amount of time that your baby will spend in the hospital. Be careful not to overspend on infant sizes (50-60 cm), since they outgrow them in one month.
Swaddle
Since a swaddle may both wrap and keep your baby warm, it is probably safe to prepare one when you are giving birth in the fall or winter months.
Rompers and Coveralls
There will be variations in the types of baby clothes you need to purchase based on the season of the year when your child is born. Items such as rompers and coveralls are worn on top of undergarments.
Mittens, booties, and hat
A pair of mittens can be helpful in preventing scratches on your child’s face if they are born with long fingernails. Additionally, depending on the temperature outside, a hat and a pair of booties can keep a baby warm and comfortable.
Blanket
On the drive home, if it is winter or unusually chilly, you can use a heavier blanket to keep the baby warm and cozy in their car seat.
Baby Car Seat
It is required that your child’s car seat be installed correctly in your vehicle before you are permitted to leave the hospital. It is best to make an attempt to install the chair at least a few weeks before the patient is scheduled to be discharged. This is because some chairs can be difficult to install.
Snacks, Light Meals and Drinks
If this is going to be your first child, you might be a little anxious about whether or not you should eat or make yourself something to eat while you’re in labor. Labor and delivery take a lot of physical strength. From the beginning of active labor to the delivery of the baby, the average duration is approximately ten hours for first-time mothers. Some people need a half day, while others require an entire day or even more!
In addition, it is stated that the amount of energy that is used during labor and delivery is similar to the amount of calories that an adult woman needs in an entire day. If you are hungry when it is time for you to push out your baby, you may find that you lack the strength to do so.
If you want to have a healthy birth, you should get something to eat that has a few calories in it while there is still time in between contractions. What to pack in hospital bag for mom should definitely include snacks, light meals, and drinks.
Rice balls and bread
The hospital will give meals, but it can be difficult to get up and eat during labor. It’s possible to eat in between contractions, though it’s not exactly easy. We suggest making something you can eat with your hands, rather than using cutlery. If it’s anything like a rice ball or a loaf of bread, you can use your hands to eat it while lying down.
Sweets
Even in little amounts, the calories in chocolate are enough to provide quick nourishment, making chocolate an ideal choice for a handheld snack.
Jelly drinks
You can also have a jelly drink while lying down, or if the labor pains are so intense that you can’t eat. In addition to providing a boost to stamina, these foods are nutritious.
Sports drinks
You’ll need a lot of water as you struggle through labor and delivery. Because of the significance of maintaining a healthy fluid balance, it is recommended to always have accessible beverages. In comparison to water or tea, the sugar in sports drinks provides a more sustained source of energy. If it’s a pouch drink, you can sip it in bed; if it comes in a plastic bottle, a straw-equipped bottle cap would come in handy.
Get your strength up with the foods and fluids that have been advised to you, and get ready for the arrival of your child!
Bonus Tip
One approach to get ready for what to pack in hospital bag for mom is to keep a list of everything you buy in preparation for the birth of your child. This can help you decide what to bring with you to the hospital. It will be much simpler to comprehend if you just check off the products that you have already bought.
If you make a note of the things on your smartphone, you will be able to quickly check them while you are shopping, which may cause your preparations to go off without a hitch.
