Pregnancy Tips:: 7 Essentials for your hospital bag
By Erica Loop
The big day is almost here. Woo-hoo! Just one thing — you’ve yet to pack your hospital bag. You’re fairly certain you shouldn’t bring a 12-piece luggage set with you for a 48-hour hospital stay, but even your labor playlist is in better shape than your go-bag list. Yep, packing for “baby day” isn’t exactly easy. Narrow things down with these hospital bag essentials!
1. Pads: Sorry, there’s just no polite way of saying it — tampons are a major no-no right after having a baby. That said, the mega-super-flow maxis that the hospital provides are more like your newborn’s diapers than what you’d buy at the store. Grab a box (or several) of your preferred pads before heading off to the hospital. Seriously. You’ll need them.
2. Granny Panties: You’ve been dreaming for months of fitting back into that cute little thong. But the need for pads means it isn’t quite ready to make its grand reappearance. While your friends are busy telling you that comfy clothes are a post-delivery must, they might conveniently forget to mention that what you wear under them is equally important.
3. Sweats: Speaking of comfy clothes, you might be planning to buy the prettiest PJs possible to look good for your visitors. Just wait until you’ve been in labor for 12 hours and pushed for a few more — being stylish won’t be at the top of your agenda. Childbirth isn’t exactly the cleanest thing you’ll ever do, and no one will care how you look right then. They’ll all be focused on the squishy little bundle of screaming joy you just delivered. It’s the perfect time to be snug rather than chic.
4. Your Own Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Sure, the hospital will gladly provide these for you. (Just tack the price onto the insurance bill.) But you’re a fresh mint gel girl, and the standard-issue hospital variety is plain ol’ mint paste. Not to mention, you like a dentist-clean, battery-powered brush, and all they’re offering you is a manual. Your own toothbrush and paste may seem insignificant now. But these tiny comforts from home will make the difference during your stay.
5. Lip Balm: Lipstick? Not so necessary. Lip balm? Absolutely! The dry hospital air won’t do your lips any favors. Instead of getting chapped and cracked, keep some of your fave balm in your bag. While you’re at it, toss in your favorite combo body-hand cream.
6. Hair Ties, a Headband or Barrettes: Even if you do have time to take a shower, you probably won’t be majorly into blowing out your hair. Keep things simple during your hospital stay, and stick to a ponytail or toss on a cute headband to satisfy your style cravings.
7. Extra Phone Charger: The constant stream of “Congratulations!” texts and Facebook messages you’ll be getting are sure to drain your phone’s battery. Make sure that you can keep in contact with friends and family, take a zillion pictures of your new baby and post as much as you want on IG by keeping your phone charged. If you only have one charger at home, buy a spare and stash it away in your hospital bag. It’s not likely that you’ll remember to pick your usual charger up off of the nightstand when your water breaks.
What else are you packing in your hospital bag?
Erica Loop is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh. When she’s not busy creating kids’ activities for her blog Mini Monets and Mommies, you can find her trying to hang out with her teenage son, being chased by her two Olde Boston Bulldogs or teaching a children’s karate class (she’s a third degree black belt!).