What to pack in your hospital bag in preparation for childbirth

Foresight: a key for expectant mothers

The family is growing? To experience the precious moments preceding your birth with complete peace of mind, why not prepare your suitcase for the hospital or birth center well in advance? It is often impossible to predict when your baby will decide to show up! A suitably filled suitcase can give you greater peace of mind.

In addition to a suitcase for you, consider a suitcase for the baby as well as for your companion. Why not include an action plan to ensure good management of daily activities in your absence? This can be relevant especially if loved ones, such as other children or pets, will not be able to accompany you to the hospital and will require attention and care during this crucial time.

The essentials for mom

Remember to pack clothes and items that will make you feel bathed in warmth, comfort and comfort. Soft and warm fabrics, a soft pillow, your favorite blanket, everything to make your life beautiful during and after this great effort! You should also bring lighter clothes because you could be very hot!

In your suitcase, remember to put the following items:

• nightie or short-sleeved sweater that you don’t mind getting stained during work;
• dressing gown;
• low (light and warm);
• slippers;
• some pajamas;
• comfortable and suitable underwear;
• maximum absorbency sanitary napkins;
• loose clothing for a few days (it may take a few days for your belly to return to normal);
• comfortable sandals;
• beauty or body care products:
  • facial cleanser;
  • anti-sweat;
  • lip balm;
  • toothbrush;
  • dentifrice;
  • dental floss;
  • products for contact lenses;
  • etc.
• eyeglass cleaner and case (if you wear one);
• hair care products (eg shampoo, brush or comb);
• massage oil;
• delivered;
• etc.

Several of these items should also be provided for your companion.

If you are planning to breastfeed, be sure to include this:

• nursing pillow;
• adapted bra;
• absorbent cushions;
• product against chapping (ask your pharmacist for advice on this).

The essentials for the accompanying person

Your life partner or the person who will accompany you during the birth will play a very important role. To help him help you, you must ensure the best conditions of well-being and comfort. This will allow him to conserve his energies to use them to take good care of you. In addition, this person may want to take care of other important aspects such as immortalizing those unforgettable moments.

So, it would be good to remember to bring the following items:

• spare clothes;
• comfortable shoes and slippers;
• soft pillow and blanket;
• travel pillow (like those used on airplanes);
• device for taking photos or recording videos;
• entertainment of your choice (tablet, magazines, sudoku, music player, etc.);
• headphones;
• charger;
• ear plugs;
• healthy, non-perishable snacks;
• gourde;
• change for snacks, coffee or parking etc.

Baby essentials

Upon arrival in the world, your baby will no doubt be greeted with a wave of love and tenderness, and he will also need a thousand and one aspects of his physical and emotional well-being. Again, proper preparation will make you feel like you are giving her the best.

Here’s what you can expect for him (or her):

• pajamas in newborn size and also in size 0-3 months (you never know exactly what size the child will be!);
• newborn size diapers;
• cleaning wipes;
• small baby washcloths;
• clothes for its exit adapted to the temperature;
• small toques to properly cover his head and ears;
• mittens to prevent scratches;
• blankets for swaddling (some lighter, others warmer);
• sucks if desired;
• shell cover for winter babies.

Plan your birth plan with your life partner or caregiver and the healthcare professional who follows you, and take it with you. It should clearly and briefly describe your ideal childbirth but also what you want and agree to if the situation does not go as desired. No matter which model you choose, remember that a good birth plan pays off. Attach it to your health insurance card and hospital center card, if applicable.

Lastly, the child car seat is an essential part of transporting your newborn from birthplace to home. The infant seat (also called a shell) is to be used from birth until the infant weighs at least 10 kg (22 lbs). You will need to bring it to the bedroom so that it can be installed there when the time comes.

For more information on the care to be offered to mothers-to-be and babies, do not hesitate to consult your pharmacist.

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