---

A Collection Of Indispensable Items To Make Your Hospital Stay A Little Easier

For your convenience, this maternity hospital bag checklist is divided into the following categories:

• After The Excitement
• After A Good Sleep
• Letting It Sink In
• Your Printable Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist

One last push and all of a sudden you're somebody's Mommy - what an indescribable privilege and joy.

The next few hours will be a time of intense emotions. You will laugh, you will cry. You will be filled with awe and overwhelmed by the beauty of it all...

But you are only human. Once the initial jubilation begins to subside, all you will really want is a few quiet, precious moments with your new baby and a good night's rest.

Make sure you pack the following items in your hospital bag to make sure you catch up on all the bonding time and sleep you deserve.

Nursing Supplies

This is the moment you've been waiting for. Nine months have finally passed and a precious new life is lying in your arms.

Make these first moments as special as they can be by being prepared.

If this is your first baby and you are breastfeeding, you will find that it is not always as easy as it's made out to be.

There are a few things you can pack in your maternity hospital bag to smooth the path.

• A comfortable nightshirt with buttons at the front. This will make it easier to nurse baby without worrying about revealing all to the world.
• A nursing pillow. If baby is properly supported by the pillow, there will be less strain on your arms and you will be able to concentrate on helping baby to latch.
• A nursing bra. Wear this even when you sleep in the beginning. Your breasts will become tender as your milk comes in. The support of a nursing bra will ease the discomfort.
• Disposable breast pads. It's unlikely that you will need these in the first couple of days after the birth. Your hind milk normally doesn't come in until around day three. But it's best to take a few along just in case.
• Nipple Cream. Use it - right from the beginning. You won't believe the damage that tiny little rosebud of a mouth can do to a nipple unaccustomed to being fed from.

If you are bottle-feeding, you will need to pack bottles with nipples, formula and a sterilizing kit in your maternity hospital bag.

Your Own Drug Supply

Don't worry - I'm not suggesting that you load up on morphine. But don't underestimate the state that your body is going to be in either. You're bound to have a few aches and pains after all that heaving and pushing.

A long, hot bath will do wonders to ease your aches and pains, but don't be surprised if you wake up with back pain in the night. You will also have the beginnings of cramps as the uterus contracts to return to its normal size.

All of these pains are manageable, but let's face it, after the marathon of labor, who needs it?

Nurses are notoriously slow at delivering your pain medication - so do yourself a favor and pack some of your own in your maternity hospital bag.

Earplugs

Obviously, if baby is going to be rooming in with you, earplugs are not a good idea. However, if you can possibly get the nursery to care for your baby on the first night, it can be a lifesaver.

You will have plenty of time to be sleep deprived later. Right now what your body needs is rest. Wear earplugs to block out the unfamiliar sounds and ask for a sleeping tablet.

back to top

After A Good Night's Sleep

As much as you'll need that sleep on the first night, you'll need a good soapy soak the next morning.

Get hubby to bond with baby for an hour, while you pamper yourself back to reality.

Bath Goodies

Bath goodies to include in your maternity hospital bag include:

• Your favorite bath soap
• Fragrant bubble bath
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Your shaving kit
• Toothpaste and toothbrush

Don't forget to light some candles and put on some relaxing music.

If you've had an episiotomy, or a caesar you will probably want to take a shower instead. Check with your caregiver.

After Bath Goodies

Your hairbrush and a hairdryer.

Just because you're a new mom, doesn't mean you have to walk around looking like a drowned rat all day. Take the time to do your hair properly. You may not get another chance for the next six weeks!

Skin lotions

Don't forget these. The warm, dry air in the maternity ward can leave your skin feeling really tight and itchy.

A Nail File

Just in case. It is so annoying to have a sharp, snaggy nail and no nail file, especially when you're cuddling such a soft little bundle - you don't want to scratch her.

Incidentally, some babies are born with incredibly sharp nails. Use your nail file to blunt them a little. Babies tend to scratch themselves on the face if their nails are too long.

back to top

Letting It Sink In

After your bath, you'll want to spend some quality time with hubby and your new blessing. This is also the time when any siblings will be introduced to the new arrival.

Other than your camera, what else should you pack in your maternity hospital bag for this time?

Baby Clothes And Bathing Supplies

Some hospitals supply these, but you've been saving those cute little outfits for so long now, you won't want to wait another minute.

Pack in three or four newborn baby vests and sleepers. You can also pack in a pair of mittens if you have them, in case your baby is one of those that insists on scratching their eyes out.

You don't really need to take your own baby bath supplies, unless your hospital does not supply them. Make sure you check ahead of time.

Writing Paper, Journal and Pen

If you are the writing type, now is a good time to take a few moments while baby is sleeping, and write down your thoughts.

A great deal has happened in the last twenty-four hours. Jot some notes in your journal while your thoughts are fresh.

You may also want to write a letter or two to any distant relatives awaiting news of the birth.

Paper And Ink For Baby's Footprints

Most hospitals will do your baby's footprints for you. But you will get the standard paper and standard ink.

Take along your own paper and ink in your hospital maternity bag and you can choose your own colors and textures.

Scrapbooking stamp pads work well as the ink comes off easily with wet wipes.

Baby Name Guide

At this point it's a good idea to have a baby name guide handy. You never know if you're going to want to change the name you chose for baby when you see him.

We chose David's name months before he was born - only it wasn't David - it was Michael!

David became David about three hours after he was born, when my husband and I both agreed that he definitely was no Michael after all!











Click here for part 1 - What to pack for labor.

Click here for part 3 - What to pack for going home.





Back to Top
Back to Creative Baby Nursery Rooms Home Page