Hospitals are busy places, and that includes the maternity ward. If you’re a new mom or dad, you know that your hospital bag checklist is essential. This list will help you to navigate the hospital and make sure that you and your baby are as comfortable as possible.
In this blog post, we will provide a hospital bag checklist for mom and baby South Africa. From ensuring that you have all of the necessary supplies to packing a little bit of comfort into your journey, this guide has it all.
What to pack in your hospital bag for mom and baby
Preparing for your hospital stay can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation it can make all the difference. Here is a checklist of what to pack in your hospital bag for mom and baby:
-Your insurance card or Medicare card
-A list of your medications, including any needed dosages
-Any important documents you will need to fill out while hospitalized, such as your birth certificate or adoption papers
-A copy of your doctor’s discharge paperwork
-Diapers and wipes
-Toys for the baby that are age appropriate
-A warm hat or coat for the baby if weather conditions permit
-Sunscreen and lip balm for both you and the baby
-Small carrier for the baby to sleep in if discharged home early
-Enough clothes for each day of your hospital stay (including an extra set of PJs)
– chargers for phones, cameras, computers, etc.
Checklist of items to pack in your hospital bag for mom and baby
In the hospital bag for mom and baby, be sure to pack the following items:
-A warm coat for mom and baby
-Bottled water
-Nursing pads and cups
-A comfortable chair or seat
-A crib or bassinet
-Socks, underwear, hats, and gloves
-Medical supplies (such as a first aid kit)
-Tissues
-An aromatherapy diffuser
-Baby toys
-Books or movies for mom and baby to keep them occupied
What to pack in your hospital bag
If you’re preparing to give birth in a hospital in South Africa, there are a few things you’ll want to pack in your hospital bag. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
-A change of clothes for you and the baby
-Bath towel and toiletries
-Hospital wristwatch or clock
-Money for food and entertainment
-Diapers, wipes, formula and other necessary supplies
-An extra set of keys and credit cards
-A photo of yourself and the baby
What not to pack in your hospital bag
If you are heading to the hospital for delivery or an emergency C-section, there are a few things you and your baby should not forget. Here is a list of what not to pack in your hospital bag:
-Baby clothes or diapers
-Toys
-Cradles
-Sleeping bags or blankets
-High chair
-Clothing for you, your partner, and any other members of the family who will be accompanying you to the hospital
-Toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, razor)
-Infant formula or breast milk powder (if breastfeeding)
The different types of births
There are a variety of births possible in the world, and each one deserves its own unique set of preparations. Here’s a roundup of the most common types of births, and what you should be planning for:
Natural Birth
This is when an baby is born without any medical intervention. This might include a vagin*l birth or labor conducted outside of a hospital setting.
Vaccine-Affected Birth
This type of birth occurs when pregnant women are exposed to certain diseases before they conceive, which can cause their babies to be born with health conditions such as cerebral palsy.
Preterm Birth
This is when a baby arrives prematurely – before 37 weeks gestation – and may struggle with increased risk for medical issues such as respiratory problems, blindness, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you’re expecting a preterm baby, make sure to speak with your doctor about your specific risks and prepare for everything from respiratory support to intensive care.
C-section
When it comes time to give birth, not all women are able to experience natural labor or deliver viavagin*l delivery. In some cases – like when there’s significant danger to the mother or child – cesarean delivery may be necessary. C-sections are typically less risky than other deliveries but can still be traumatic for both mom and baby. Make sure you understand all the risks associated with cesarean section before you decide on this route.
Preparing for the birth
If you are expecting, it is important to have a hospital bag checklist ready in advance. This will help ensure that everything is packed and organized before your arrival at the hospital.
Here is a list of items you may want to pack in your hospital bag:
-A change of clothes for you and your baby
-A romper or similar outfit for your baby
-Diaper rash cream, ointment, and wipes
-A hat or bonnet for your baby
-Sunscreen
-Bug spray
-First Aid kit including bandages, antibiotic ointment, painkillers, and fever reducers
-Wet wipes or a cloth to clean up after labor and delivery (if necessary)
