Maternity bag must haves
Well, the day that you have been waiting for is finally here. For many, it is time to heave a sigh of relief after an eventful nine months. What with the morning sickness, unpredictable mood swings, unusual cravings and who can forget the numerous embarrassing moments?
In this day of expectation and not to mention the pain, the last thing you want to do is be unprepared by failing to pack a maternity bag. Be all set to have your baby-anywhere. You never know … ! This bag is one of your greatest help in preparation for a smooth delivery and a comfortable stay at the hospital. Read on for a list of things you must pack in your maternity bag.
Things to pack
- Nightgown and socks – We are not sure how warm the hospital is and this ensures your additional comfort during your stay.
- Diapers and wipes – For the baby’s comfort
- Bandages – For covering the baby’s navel after cutting off the umbilical cord
- Antiseptic – For cleaning the baby’s wound and for your bath too
- Slippers – You know exactly what flatters your feet
- Burp clothes – For the baby, burping is likely to happen more at this early stage. It also eases feeding
- Baby clothes, shawl, socks and blanket– To keep them warm and keep attacks like pneumonia at bay
- Nursing bottles – For alternative milk before your breasts get used to their new role
- Personal clothes to go back home in – Of course, you won’t wear maternity clothes and therefore select nice attire with a bigger fitting
- Toiletries: Soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste – for your personal hygiene
- Razors – For separating the baby from the umbilical cord. Considering that labour can happen anywhere
- Nursing bra/breast pads – To avoid further embarrassments caused by leaks
- Breast pump – To ease the flow of milk from your breast to a nursing bottle incase of clots
- Water – You need to replace the lost fluid during child birth to encourage lactation
- Hairbrush – With all those visitors paying you a visit with congratulatory messages, you need to look refreshed as a mother
- Money/debit cards/insurance cards – To cover those medical bills and any other emergencies
- Your cell phone, numbers – To keep in touch; you need all the love and cheer you can get
- Camera/video camera – Every moment is worth capturing
- Towels – For you and your baby; for extra hygiene
- Music and books – You need to be comfortable as you wait for those contractions to come
- Journal – Those memories are too precious to go unrecorded
- Snacks – They help keep stress levels down and considering that you are lactating, you need all the energy you can get
- Lotions/Make-up – To give that supple look that says, ‘I am proud to be a mother.’
END: PG 28 /34