You're in your third trimester and suddenly you realize your due date is just around the corner. You've successfully set up the nursery when you realize you haven't even packed your medical kit.
What do you bring? Before you get overwhelmed and panic, we've got you covered.
Here's your medical kit list, along with some must-haves you may not have thought of:
• Toiletries: This includes toothbrushes and toothpaste, brushes and hair bands, travel-size shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo, soap, deodorant, tissues, and makeup (if you prefer).
• Slippers and socks: Hospitals can be cool.
• Nursing Bras and Pads: Great for easy access while feeding your baby. When you start breastfeeding and notice your breasts are leaking, you may need to use a nursing pad.
• Bathrobes and comfy pajamas: You will most likely be walking around in this outfit.
• Comfortable Clothes: When you're tired of wearing your pyjamas and need a change of pace, comfortable clothing may be the pick you need.
• Pillows: A comfortable home can do wonders during labor.
• Maternity pads: Women often bleed from all possible sources for up to 6 weeks after giving birth. This bleeding is not your usual bleeding. It usually resembles a very heavy period.
• Nipple Cream: Nipple cream can be a real lifesaver when your baby learns to latch and your nipples get used to it.
• Go home: When you leave the hospital, you want to feel like yourself.
• Driver's license (or ID) and insurance information: You may need to provide this information to the hospital for paperwork when you are discharged from the hospital.
• Birth plan: Not everyone has a written birth plan, but if you have one and want to show it to your midwife or doctor, be sure to pack it.
• Childbirth oil or lotion: Some women like to rub lotion or oil on their body during labor. This is great for massage and helps you focus on other senses instead of pain.
• Portable Music Speaker: This is helpful when meditating or breathing during labor. Wear headphones if you want to better focus on your music.
• Ipad: Work is not the fastest thing. Watching Netflix, reading books, or playing games on your iPad can help pass the time.
• Diffusers: Diffusers are great if you want to spread a relaxing scent throughout the room without having to rub on your body.
Must-haves you may not have thought of:
• Lip balm: This is a popular product that is often overlooked due to the very dry air in hospitals.
• Glasses: If you wear contact lenses, leave them at home and choose glasses for easy access.
• Phone charger: There's nothing worse than trying to snap a few pictures of your new baby and your phone freezes. Plus, you won't be able to make those exciting calls your baby is giving birth to.
• Snacks: Leave this job to your partner, but it's worth having a mix of dried fruit, crackers, or granola bars on hand when you're hungry.
• Built-in car seats: This work is often overlooked. Make sure you have a car seat installed or your baby won't be able to get home.
• Disposable panties: This is a good investment if your body is bleeding profusely. No one wants to spoil their beautiful underwear, so why not buy some disposable underwear.
• Water bottle: Refillable water bottles are especially useful in hospitals, especially when the air is so dry and you're always thirsty.
Another useful idea is to design a bag for babies. Put these items in a separate bag for your baby:
• Diapers
• home wear
• socks or booties
• Mittens
• upper limit
• Blankets or swaddles
• Burp cloth
• Tank top or cardigan for added layering
• Breast pump
• Colostrum express bag.
• Carrier
Having your medical kit in the car a few weeks before your due date will ensure that your trip to the hospital is as smooth as possible. When your body decides to give birth, not only will you feel comfortable, but you will be more relaxed and able to focus on the arrival of your baby.
