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What to take to hospital?
When thinking about what you are going to need to take with you into hospital it is important to bear the following in mind:
There is very little room on the postnatal ward for storage therefore a gigantic hold all may not be practical. I know from experience that it can be like packing for a week away!
It is much easier if you pack just the essentials for the labour ward and the following few hours (see exemplar list for what to take) and then ask your partner or family member to bring the things that you require from home. It just means that you may have to be organised prior to labour starting by making a few piles of things that you anticipate needing i.e. more nappies, clean nightdress, more sanitary towels and disposable knickers, clean outfits for baby.
That way you can take a small hold all onto the postnatal ward, get your partner or family member to take home the dirty clothes and bring clean ones as you need them!
You cannot use anything electrical that needs to be plugged into the mains in the hospital only battery operated items allowed. So ladies that means no hairdryers and straightening irons! You may want to charge your Ipod / mp3 player fully beforehand!
STUFF TO TAKE TO HOSPITAL
LABOUR:
- Your hospital notes
- A T-shirt/old nightie or shirt to wear (it may get pretty messy)
- If you have long hair, something to tie it back
- Ice chips in a thermos (to suck on)
- Light juice (avoid fizzy drinks)
- Lipsalve or Vaseline
- A face flannel
- A spray water bottle to mist yourself
- Warm socks in case your feet get cold
- Tennis balls to massage your back
- Lotion or oil for massage
- Aromatherapy oils (check with midwife first)
- Hot water bottle or ice pack
- Ipod (you may want to listen to some relaxing music)
- Camera
- Something to do if you get bored (magazine/books etc)
- Phone numbers of family and friends and money for the phone (you cannot use your mobile in the hospital)
- Food and drink for labour partners
After the Birth:
- 3-4 cotton pj’s or nighties
- 5-7 pairs of pants or disposable paper ones (buy them big)
- 2-3 bras (if breastfeeding you will also need breast pads)
- A light dressing gown
- Slippers that are easy to put on without bending
- 2 packs sanitary towels (heavy duty)
- Toiletries (don’t forget the toothbrush)
- Towels/face flannels
- Going home bag, don’t forget shoes and have loose clothing packed
Baby:
Article kindly provided by Tammy Breuer
Birth Matters www.birth-matters.co.uk
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