“As panic sets in and you began to realize you forgot to bring the oil defuser to the hospital! OMG!”
Preparing for labor and delivery, especially if it’s your first time, you don’t know what to expect. This can be overwhelming for mamas. Many first time parents are overwhelmed during the pregnancy, that packing the supplies for birth is often a last priority. I remember having nightmares during my pregnancy, where I would forget my hospital bag and left the hospital completely naked. Part of this was due to my anxiety since I really didn’t know what to except and how it would feel. Organizing my hospital bag was a high priory on my to do list. If you are a super planner, then you may want to continue reading. I am going to explain my method of prepping a hospital bag or a large suitcase, if you’re like me.
Buying Supplies
Finding out what necessities are needed for labor is going be very important. If you are planning a hospital birth, most facilities will provide some items needed for labor and postpartum care. Taking a tour of the facility is a great way to find out what you don’t need to bring with you. So for example, after giving birth, the hospital will have disposable items such as postpartum underwear, ice packs and pain relief pads. Now for the baby, everything such as pampers, formula, and wipes are at your finger tips. So think of the hospital like a hotel, if you forgot to pack your toothbrush, they are more than likely to have it there.
Once a check list is created, I would figure out where I want to purchase the majority of these items. I have to mention Amazon because it’s so simple to use. I bought a few items at a time, during my pregnancy so I wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed with such a massive order. But if you prefer to have an in-person experience then a maturity/baby store is your best bet.
Final Check List
I know, I talk a lot about creating a list but writing things down can really settle the mind. If you have a guest room or empty room in your home, I would try to layout all of the items, so you are able to see everything you have all at one time. Then create an inventory list of all the things that are going to the hospital. So once the time comes, you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important to you. When I was pregnant, I would often come across free printable hospital bag check lists. There are plenty of websites and blogs that specialize in providing printable templates for mamas.
Packing the Bag
When I picture the perfect hospital bag, I imagine a small to medium sized weekend bag, patiently waiting next to the front door. This is the common image present to us by popular t.v. sitcoms, that we all know and love. But let’s be real for a second, because life is not a television show. That cute and neat weekend bag doesn’t really work, when you are trying to pack everything you think that you might need.
So when time came to pack my hospital bag, I ended up using my upright rolling suitcase. I am really glad I made the decision to bring a larger bag to the hospital. I was able to easily organize my belongings. I was clearly able to see my postpartum lounge-wear and my outfit for when we were leaving the hospital. My husband, Kyle was able to add his clothes in the same suitcase, which would save space in the car. The closer I got to my due date, the majority of the needed items where packed into the car already.
This was able to give me a peace of mind. So when the time came we would just need in the car and drive to the hospital. Best thing to do is create your own game plan and try to practice it just like a fire drill. This should prevent you from scrambling and panicky when the labor process begins.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Packing a hospital bag can be overwhelming, trust me I know! By getting yourself organized early on, you will remain calm and be able to think more clearly so you can prepare for the labor and delivery. For first time mamas, like myself, you will over pack and it is okay. Please try to remember that the bag doesn’t have to be perfect.
