The ideal pregnancy hospital bag…
When you’re in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you can never one hundred per cent sure when your labour will start and as such, you should ensure that you have a well packed hospital bag in preparation for any eventuality. But what items should you pack? Well, the ideal hospital bag will comprise both essentials and less-essential items that will act as comforts for the uncomfortable process ahead.
My recommendations:
- Isotonic drinks are great for keeping you hydrated during labour and will likely fare far better than the water the hospital will supply.
- Packing your birthing plan and maternity notes may seem obvious but you would be surprised how many expectant mothers forget to do so!
- Those with long hair may wish to pack a hairband hair in your face isn’t great at the best of times, let alone during birth!
- A well charged iPod or MP3 player is a good idea since music is soothing and it is doubtful that NHS staff will let you plug anything electrical in to their sockets.
- Your favorite cushion is a good idea as those supplied by the NHS may not comfortable enough.
- Nursing bras, (old) knickers and a suitable outfit to travel home in, for clear reasons!
- A dressing gown and socks you can get surprisingly cold during labour!
- Though you probably won’t care too much about having cosmetics and beauty gifts to hand you may wish to pack tiny toiletries like those that are given away at hotels and spa breaks to keep you feeling fresh. Don’t forget your tooth brush!
In addition, you should also ensure that you have packed a blanket, adequate clothing and toiletries for your baby!
A sweet idea is for the baby’s dad to sneak little surprises into mum’s hospital bag (as long as they won’t get in the way of the more readily required items). After my friend had given birth, she found some spa gift vouchers that her BF had sneaked into her bag as a reward for all of her hard work.
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