When preparing your maternity bag, it’s essential to pack everything you’ll need for your stay at the hospital or birthing center. Here’s a list things to include in your maternity bag:
Personal Identification
It’s crucial to have your identification documents, such as your ID card, driver’s license, or passport, with you when you go to the hospital for childbirth. These documents may be required for admission, registration, and other administrative purposes.
Comfortable Clothing
Packing comfortable clothing is essential for your stay in the hospital. Opting for loose-fitting garments like nightgowns and pajama sets with breastfeeding access will allow for maximum comfort during both your postpartum recovery period as well as nursing your infant. These will ease movement during recovery.
Maternity Pads
After giving birth, you will experience postpartum bleeding, and maternity pads are designed to absorb the heavy flow during this time. Maternity pads offer better coverage and absorption compared to regular pads.
Nursing Pads
If you plan to breastfeed, pack nursing pads to help absorb any leaking breast milk between feedings. They help keep your bra and clothing dry, prevent leakage stains, and provide a more comfortable and hygienic experience. Nursing pads are available in disposable and reusable options.
Hot and Cold Breast Pads
Engorged or sore breasts are common during the early days of breastfeeding, one reason why hot and cold breast pads should be on your maternity bag. Cold breast pads can help reduce swelling and inflammation, while hot breast pads can help stimulate milk flow and provide comfort during breastfeeding.
Toiletries
Bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, and any other personal care items you regularly use. Don’t forget items like hair ties, a brush or comb, and face wipes.
Thongs
Cozy thongs or flip-flops can be useful for wearing in the shower or when walking around the hospital during your stay. They provide protection and help maintain good hygiene in communal areas, reducing the risk of infections.
Ear plugs
Hospitals can be noisy environments with constant activity, including nurses and other patients. Having ear plugs can help create a more peaceful and restful environment, allowing you to get better sleep and relaxation.
Airplane travel pillow
A travel pillow can be useful during your hospital stay, especially if you need to take short naps or rest in an uncomfortable chair. It can also provide support and help you find a more comfortable position to ease post labour pains.
Phone and Charger
Your phone is an indispensable piece of gear during a maternity stay, providing essential communication channels with loved ones and special moments captured via photos or updates from you hospital stay. Plus, its capabilities may come in handy during hospital staff communications or entertainment during downtime; make sure you bring a charger so it stays powered!
Make sure to speak to your healthcare provider or hospital regarding what should go in your maternity bag, and pack an essentials-only bag for them as they could stay by your side during labor and recovery. It might also be wise to prepare one specifically tailored to them with clothes, toiletries and snacks they may require while helping.