What To Take To Hospital For Newborn

Cesarean Section Birth Plan

Bringing Your Baby Home From the Hospital

Although your birth plan for a vaginal birth might also include your preferences for anesthesia in the case of an unplanned cesarean, you may already know that youâre going to have a cesarean delivery. In this case, use the questions listed above as a starting point but consider adding a few extra items to your birth plan, like these:

  • Who you would like to be with you in the operating room

  • Whether you would like hospital staff to document in your medical history the types of incisions made in your abdomen and uterus. This will be important to know for any future pregnancies.

  • Your preferences for breastfeeding. If you and your baby are doing well, you’ll most likely be able to start nursing soon after delivery.

  • Your preferences for post-surgery pain relief

What Essentials Shall I Pack In My Hospital Bag For After The Birth

Once labours done and dusted and youre chilling out with your new arrival, youll need a whole host of other things.

Bring these in your bag:

  • large sanitary or maternity pads
  • large comfy knickers
  • towels
  • slippers or flip-flops
  • comfy, maternity-sized outfit to wear home
  • cash you might need it for parking or to grab a magazine or emergency chocolate bar
  • iPad or tablet.
  • a wash bag
  • a camping mattress if there is room for them to stay over
  • a book or something to distract the mum to be if youre relaxing in the early stages.

Hospital Bag Essentials For Your Birth Partner

If youâre a birth partner, you may want to pack in a few things when supporting mum at the hospital:

  • Snacks and water. Labour can be thirsty work even for supportive partners. Pack some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.

  • Phone, camera and/or video camera, and chargers and batteries. Donât forget to pack a phone to stay in contact with loved ones, and for some entertainment during downtimes. The camera will come in handy to take some happy snaps.

  • Clothes. Labour is an unpredictable process, so a change of clothes is always a good idea, as you never know how long the stay will be.

  • Toiletries. You may want to freshen after a long labour, so be sure to pack in some deodorant, wipes and toothpaste.

  • Spare glasses or spare contact lenses. It might be a long day, so having spares of these essentials could come in handy.

  • Small pillow. You might appreciate getting a bit of rest during downtimes, as well.

  • Entertainment. Something to do: books, a tablet, and a music player are all good options.

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What To Pack In A Hospital Bag: For You

  • Slippers and socks
  • Robe and nightgowns or pyjamas that can unbutton for breastfeeding
  • Nursing bras
  • Contact list for sharing your big news
  • Loose, comfy clothes to wear home
  • Toiletries, including hair elastics
  • If you plan to use the shower or Jacuzzi: a loose bra or top for you, swimwear for your partner
  • Lip balm, moisturizer
  • Your birth plan and any paperwork youve been asked to complete by the hospital and/or for insurance
  • Nursing pads, nipple cream, maxi pads
  • Camera/video camera, phone and chargers
  • Flip-flops for the shower

What You’ll Need For Labour And Birth

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Get a few things ready at least 3 weeks before your due date.

For yourself, you’ll probably want to pack:

  • your birth plan and hospital notes
  • something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that does not restrict you from moving around or make you too hot
  • 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes
  • 2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual
  • breast pads
  • 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
  • 5 or 6 pairs of knickers you may want to bring some disposable ones
  • your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries
  • towels
  • things to help you pass the time and relax for example, books, magazines, music or podcasts
  • a fan or water spray to cool you down
  • front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you’re going to breastfeed
  • dressing gown and slippers
  • a TENS machine if you intend to use one
  • any medicines you’re taking

For the baby, you might want to pack:

  • bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
  • an outfit for going home in
  • a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties
  • plenty of nappies
  • a car seat for the trip home

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Do You Need To Create A Birth Plan

While a birth plan isnt mandatory and, of course, this document is always subject to change, some parents-to-be find that it gives them a chance to consider their choices and feel prepared. A birth plan may help ensure a better birth experience, head off unrealistic expectations, minimize disappointment, and eliminate any potential conflict or miscommunication during labor and delivery.

A birth plan is especially useful in a large practice group of doctors where its possible that you wont have met your delivering physician during your appointments. In smaller practices, however, patients often have the chance share their birth wishes with all of the providers.

The process of creating a birth plan can also be a springboard for dialogue between patient and practitioner, particularly if youre not sure how your health care provider feels about some of your birth preferences. Now, well before labor starts, is the time to find out, and a birth plan can be the ideal vehicle for this discussion.

Of course, some moms-to-be choose not to make a birth plan. If the thought of one makes you feel anxious or overwhelmed, or if you feel like having a written document will make it harder for you to be flexible in the moment or possibly be disappointed if something happens differently, talk to your practitioner about ways you can feel prepared without a written birth plan.

What To Bring To Your Labor And Delivery

The arrival of your new son or daughter is a time of excitement and joy. It is often also a hectic time, so it can be hard to remember to pack everything that you will need at the hospital.

About a month before your baby’s due date, make sure you have the items below. Pack as many beforehand as you can. Use this checklist as a guide to get organized for the big event.

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Hospital Bag Essentials For Going Home

Homecoming Outfit for Baby: Pack a newborn-size kimono-style shirt, with footed pants so you don’t have to bring socks. You’ll likely get a receiving blanket and hat in the hospital, so skip those unless you’ve got your heart set on a specific style.

Going-Home Outfit for Mom: Here’s a hint: You’ll probably still look about 5 months pregnant, so skip your non-maternity skinnies and pack your favorite maternity dress or leggings and a tunic.

An Extra Bag or Two: With all the goodies from the hospitaldiapers, blankets, and creamsand all the gifts from well wishers, you’re bound to have more stuff coming out than you did going in.

What Should You Pack In Your Hospital Bag

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Here is a checklist of essential items to pack in your hospital bag so it is ready to go well before babys arrival.

1. Clothes to Wear During Delivery and After Giving Birth

Comfy pjs, a cozy robe, and fuzzy slippers are a must. Youre not going to want to wear that stiff hospital gown the whole time, so make sure you have some comfortable clothes that you dont mind getting dirty and possibly throwing away after your stay at the hospital. Having cozy items like a robe and socks will make the cold hospital environment seem a little more comfortable. Plus, an open-front robe will make breastfeeding more convenient.

Some expecting mothers opt to get a maternity hospital gown. Maternity hospital gowns have many benefits during labor and delivery. They can help mom feel beautiful, because they are often more stylish than a regular hospital gown. They can also take the place of an open-front robe for breastfeeding.

2. Camera, Phone, & Chargers

This is an extremely special moment that your are definitely going to want to document. If youre planning to bring a camera, be sure to pack it in your bag, along with the necessary chargers, batteries, memory cards, etc. Also, make sure you have your phone and charger packed so you can send your family updates as you welcome your baby into the world!

3. Toiletries

4. A Nursing Bra

5. Games!

6. Snacks & Treats

7. Outfit for Baby To Wear Home

This is a no brainer: of course baby needs an adorable first-day-home outfit!

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What Is A Vbac Birth Plan

VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Medical professionals used to think that having a vaginal birth after cesarean was risky, because the previous cesarean scar was likely to rupture.

Now, though, it’s estimated that as many as 60 percent to 80 percent of moms-to-be can have a successful vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section. Of course, every pregnancy is different, and a VBAC does still present a few risks, so you’ll want to consult your provider when deciding what’s right for you.

A VBAC birth plan might follow the birth plan template for a vaginal birth, but it can also include elements specific to a cesarean section birth plan, in case your provider deems a vaginal birth too risky for you or your baby when the time comes.

For example, you might include your preferences for pain or relaxation techniques for while you’re in active labor, but also include your preferences for anesthesia if it turns out that you’ll need to undergo surgery.

Because having a successful VBAC delivery isn’t 100 percent guaranteed, it may be helpful to discuss the potential scenarios and your options with your healthcare provider first, and then create your birth plan accordingly.

Ner Hospital Bag Checklist

Encourage your partner to pack their own bag of essentials for the birth.While they wont need quite as much as you and the baby, having their own gear on hand can make the time at the hospital much easier.At a minimum, we suggest they pack:

  • Change of clothes
  • Cell phone charger
  • Entertainment
  • Snacks and water

If your partner plans on staying with you after the birth, theyll need to include a pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, and toiletries in their kit.Sometimes, though, if you live close to the hospital, the nurses will encourage your partner to go home and get a good nights sleep so they can come back fresh in the morning. This is especially common if you plan on breastfeeding your little one.The nurses will be there to help you, so your partner may have nothing to do. Theyre better off recuperating at home so they can support you the next day when you need it the most.Talk to your doctor and the hospital about what they recommend and then your partner can pack their bag accordingly.

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When To Pack The Hospital Bags

Whether its your babys bag, your labor bag, your recovery bag, or your partners bag, its always a good idea to have them packed well before your due date so you wont be running around in a panic when you go into labor.Trust us, youll already be anxious enough! And besides, you never know if your baby will decide to arrive early.We recommend going through your hospital bag checklist anywhere from 35 to 38 weeks into your pregnancy.In most cases, youll still have two weeks or so before the birth, and youll need everyday items like your toothbrush and phone charger while youre at home. Make a list of items you cant pack early and toss them in your bag right before you leave the house.

The Essential Newborn Baby Hospital Bag Checklist

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Your due date is rapidly approaching, which means your baby could arrive any day now! Youre likely excited and nervous about going into labor. You can reduce that stress by planning ahead and having your bags packed and ready no later than four weeks before your due date.

Not sure what to pack? Weve created the essential newborn baby hospital bag checklist to help! Weve even put together three more checklists for supplies mommies-to-be and their partners will need a labor bag, a recovery bag, and a partners bag.

Before we get to those, well focus on when to pack your hospital bag and the essential items youll want for your baby.

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What To Pack In Hospital Bag For Baby

Going home outfit Plan an outfit that will be perfect for taking the baby home in! If its cold out, be sure that the outfit is plenty warm. If its hot, a comfy onesie with socks and a hat are perfect!

Outfits Simple onesies to keep your little one warm are perfect for the hospital stay. You may also want to bring a couple of nicer outfits if you plan on taking photos!

Swaddles The hospital will provide swaddles for your little one. However, if you have certain ones that you want to use or have in photos, be sure to pack those as well!

Hats These are also provided for your little one by the hospital during your stay. Some hospitals dont allow you to take them home, however, so be sure to pack at least one extra!

Mittens/Socks Youll need plenty of mittens to keep those little hands from scratching their own face! Youll also need plenty of socks to keep your little one warm.

Things To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Baby Delivery

Its 2:56am and baby is on the way! You quickly grab your bag and are on your way. As you rush to the hospital, the last thing on your mind is the contents of your hospital bag. Though it might sound crazy, packing your bag at least a month in advance is a great way to make sure you have everything you need for the big day.

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Hospital Bag Essentials For The Birth Partner

As a birth partner you might also want to pack some things for your time supporting mom in the hospital:

  • Snacks and water. Labour can be thirsty work even for supportive partners. Consider packing some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.

  • Phone, camera and/or video camera, plus chargers and batteries. Donât forget to pack a phone to stay in contact with loved ones, and for some entertainment during downtimes. The camera will come in handy to take some happy snaps.

  • Clothes. Labour is an unpredictable process, so a change of clothes is always a good idea, as you never know how long the stay will be.

  • Toiletries. After a long labour, you might need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you can confirm this beforehand.

  • Spare glasses or spare contact lenses. It might be a long day, so having spares of these essentials could come in handy.

  • Small pillow. You might appreciate getting a bit of rest during downtimes, as well.

  • Entertainment. Something to do: books, a tablet, and a music player are all good options.

And When Supporting Mum

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Dont forget to pack a bag for yourself as youll need it

Most importantly, remember to take the bags to the hospital!

Its nearly go time. But hang in there, theres a hospital bag situation that mum needs to take care of first. Luckily weve got the mother of all hospital bag checklists for you to print off.

Pregnancy is supposed to be about 40 weeks but most babies havent mastered timekeeping yet. Its best to pack your bags around the 30-week mark, just to be safe. The last thing you want is to go into labour when youre queueing for last-minute supplies. Oh and no, three bags isnt too much. Better to be prepared.

Heres what wed pack:

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Types Of Postpartum Underwear

Theres a whole marketplace of specially designed postpartum underwear to help answer all of these concerns. In general, postpartum underwear comes in three categories:

  • Disposable briefs
  • Period panties, which are thicker and designed to absorb menstrual blood
  • Light compression underwear

Of course, many new moms opt for standard undies that dont necessarily fall into one of the above categories, or continue to use some of their maternity panties.

Along with different types, there are also different postpartum underwear silhouettes. These include:

  • High-waisted briefs
  • Crossover undies
  • Boy shorts
  • Bikinis

What To Pack For Baby

  • Clothes for the duration of your stay singlets, bodysuit, pants, cardigans, socks/booties etc.

  • Cotton or merino wraps for swaddling and a blanket

  • White noise machine

  • Newborn nappies

  • Water Wipes or reusable wipes that you can rinse out or send home to be washed.

  • A stretchy wrap for carrying baby if they are unsettled

  • A warm outfit for going home

  • Carseat on the day you go home – have a test run on safely installing it before baby arrives!

And thats it! Like I mentioned, anything youve forgotten or you dont have, chances are someone will be able to bring them in for you.

Happy packing and all the best for your labour and birth!

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