As the Rodzi po Ludzku Foundation, an organization that has been supporting women in prenatal and perinatal care, and above all, the rights of pregnant women, has been supporting women for over 20 years in the field of prenatal and perinatal care, and above all, the rights of pregnant women, on its website regarding advice on the contents of a hospital bag - "at the end of the eighth month, many women begin to wait no longer as much for the child as for finally giving birth . This is an obvious fact that every mother and every woman in advanced pregnancy will confirm. And since the uncontrollable urge to build a nest appears a little earlier, it's a good time to calmly plan what to take.
You need to pack things for both the baby and the future mother . This is usually - especially for those giving birth for the first time - an absolutely breakthrough moment in life, so it is worth preparing well. That is, to feel comfortable . Safely. For one woman this will mean taking a beautiful shirt, for another - her favorite pillow or mascot. Talisman. Everything is allowed. Anything that will increase your sense of security and reduce your anxiety level . Of course, you need to take the test results, the selected hospital usually provides information about what kind of tests they are. More about documents – a little later.
The bag should include 2-3 comfortable, button-down shirts , a soft bathrobe and socks . You can also take a cardigan, it depends on the season, of course. Next we pack: at least a pack of disposable postpartum pads . Regardless of whether we give birth naturally or by caesarean section, the postpartum period begins shortly after giving birth and we must be ready for the uterus to undergo intensive cleansing. Postpartum panties are also essential . Ordinary panties, even the most delicate ones, will not work. They will not only stain, but also rub the most delicate places. In the case of a cesarean section scar, postpartum panties are an absolute "must have" - they will not irritate the tearing wound.
The bag includes hygienic and wet wipes , preferably water-based, along with the foundations. We also pack a hair tie (or hair clip), a hot water bottle, a thermos with ice cubes, lipstick (moisturizing), massage oil and a small ball with delicate spikes or two tennis balls placed in a sock. These are items recommended by the Rodzic Po Ludzku Foundation. Balls and other objects will be useful during childbirth - e.g. for massaging the spine in the lumbar area, relieving pain and relaxing.
Let's also remember about comfortable, slip-on slippers or flip-flops - both for showering and for moving around the hospital. You can safely skip makeup during childbirth, although there are women who do not give it up. The cosmetic bag should include shampoo, shower gel, hairbrush/comb, body lotion, and a disposable razor - although these treatments can also be performed by nurses. You'll need a towel or two : one small and one large. You also need to remember about snacks : take bottled water, bananas, nuts, dried fruit, etc. You can eat during labor (if you want).
Importantly, it is worth packing your suitcase with the person who will be with you in the hospital. The reason is prosaic: when the action begins, there is no point in wasting time explaining where the cloth diaper or water bottle is hidden. If you pack together, you will avoid nerves, translations and potential misunderstandings.
If you are giving birth with your partner/husband or another close person, it is also worth taking care of comfortable, loose clothes for him/her. Some hospitals require a disposable gown, cap and foil slippers - guidelines can usually be found on the hospital website. A phone charger and/or power bank and some money will be useful .
It is not the end! The things that will be both useful and often necessary after giving birth should also include breast pads , a delicate, natural gel for lubricating the nipples , a cup or drinking bottle , as well as a book or e-reader. It can be anything, including a magazine - in the rush of emotions and impressions, as well as the flood of hormones, it is worth having something that will allow you to calm down for a moment. Let's also remember about clothes for leaving the hospital . We won't fit into our favorite skinny jeans yet, but it's a good idea to prepare a shirt/sweater/t-shirt, loose pants, socks, and sports shoes. A looser dress will also work.
Things for the child should include (apart from the car seat for newborns - most models have special inserts for toddlers):
As for caftans : the best ones will be tied or fastened, those put on over the head should wait until the baby grows up. This is valuable advice, especially for primiparous women - dressing a newborn is not easy without experience. But don't worry, you get it after just a few times. You also need to prepare clothes for leaving the hospital - if the birth takes place in autumn or winter, you need to have an insulated, zipped romper and a warmer hat . Some mothers who want to be ready for anything also take a croissant-shaped feeding pillow to the hospital - for many women it makes it easier to latch on to the baby and make the first feedings.
That's almost the whole list. Still documents. We pack our identity document, test results and birth plan in a separate briefcase or pocket. And that's it.
The list is really long and many women wonder whether they should take a suitcase with them to the hospital instead of a bag. When choosing what to pack, it is better to choose 2 smaller bags than one huge suitcase. Firstly, in this way you can separate things for the mother and the child , which will make it easier for the accompanying person (and later for the mother herself) to find the necessary items. Secondly, smaller bags will take up less space and will fit more easily into lockers or other special places in the hospital. It is also better to give the advantage to fabric bags that can be washed after leaving the hospital in a good detergent, or suitcases that can be disinfected. The hospital environment is a place rich in various bacteria, which we later transport home with a suitcase or bag.
The article was written based on the recommendations of the Roździ po Ludzku Foundation, as well as consultations with midwives.
Napisała: Anna Stachowiak
Journalist, editor. Mainly interested in social and health issues. Publishes in the weekly " Przegląd ". A lover of active recreation, a healthy lifestyle, testing theories in practice and delving deeper into the topic. Privately, she is the mother of a rebellious 3-year-old and a yoga adept.
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