When it comes to hospital bags, the options are endless. From snacks and magazine subscriptions to comfy sweaters and phone chargers, the details are endless. Thanks to the internet, anyone can now buy the most adorable hospital bag to match any style or theme. From kawaii to fashionable to practical, the options are endless. If you’re anything like us, you probably have no idea what goes into a typical hospital bag. So here’s a crash course for newbies!
In case you haven’t heard yet, hospital bags are the perfect way to bring your own items instead of having to pack from home. They’re also a great way to personalize your hospital experience to match your own wardrobe and personal style. So what exactly goes into a mom’s hospital bag? Let’s take a look at some of the basics.
Table of Contents
Healthy Snacks
Women’s bodies turn to fat for energy if they don’t get enough nutrients during labor and delivery, according to experts. This increases blood acidity, potentially delaying uterine contractions and resulting in a prolonged birth process and lower newborn health scores. Labor is a physically demanding task that requires both strength and energy. Eating and drinking throughout the process is one method to keep mothers strong.
It is always a good idea to include healthy snacks in hospital bags for mom
This is whether you plan to eat or not since after completing the most challenging task of your life, you will no doubt need to eat. You must replenish the energy you wasted throughout labor and delivery.
Here is a list of healthful snacks to bring to the hospital, which I have divided into three categories: early labor, active labor, and postpartum.
During Early Labor
You may not feel like you have an appetite due to excitement or nervousness, but early labor is a fantastic time to consume nutritious foods that will keep you going for several hours. Eating foods that appeal to your taste in the early stages of labor will help you feel better as your labor continues.
Opt for light, well-balanced snacks or meals that combine complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat to help stabilize blood sugar and energy.
- Yogurt
- Fresh fruits like banana or apples
- Boiled Eggs
- Dried fruits
- Granola bars
- Whole grain toast
- Frozen berries or grapes
- Green smoothie
During Active Labor
You will naturally lose appetite as labor enters the active stage as you focus on pushing your baby out. Small snacks, or simply pieces of readily digestible foods, can help you retain your strength before pushing.
- 100 % Applesauce
- Trail-Mix
- Natural sugars
- Popsicles
- Frozen fruit
- Raspberry leaf tea
- Jell-O
- Almond Butter
- Crackers
During Postpartum
You must refuel your body after a long day of labor by eating and drinking.
- Beverages that raise blood sugar levels
- A high-protein meal such as a cheeseburger, a sandwich, peanut butter, an omelet, or jelly is a good example.
It’s important to discuss the hospital’s eating and drinking policies with your care provider ahead of time. If you’re having a C-section, your doctor should give you precise instructions on what to eat and drink before the procedure.
Meds and Supplies
It is advisable to bring medication you normally take for emergencies or maintenance meds with you, as advised by a mom. If you believe you could have rashes or allergies, bring any ointment or antihistamines you normally use at home. Although the hospital may be able to provide you with medications and supplies, it is wise to bring your own to minimize any reactions when using new brands.
Comfortable Clothes
You want to be as comfortable as possible throughout labor and delivery because it is a stressful and strenuous process. Your clothing is one item that provides you with comfort. You will be given a gown by the hospital or birth center, but if you are uncomfortable with it, you can bring your own.
The majority of mothers nowadays prefer comfortable and functional attire over fashionable clothing. There are now labor and delivery gowns on the market that are specifically designed for mothers. You can pack enough in hospital bags for mom for your stay at the hospital.
Labor and delivery gown
They appear to be a super-loose dress, with enough leeway for mom’s protruding stomach. They can be open in the back for epidural access or have openings and closings along the front for fetal monitoring and easy access for doctors, nurses, etc.
Nursing Maternity Gown
You can also bring a nursing maternity gown with snaps at the back and across both sides of the chest to allow you to breastfeed. A nursing maternity gown is the best choice to pack if you want to be comfortable while nursing your baby.
Maternity Robe
A multifunctional robe, rather than hospital gowns or pajamas, is recommended by many experienced moms since it is more comfortable and easier to wear. You can be ready for family photos or visitors at any moment without having to change into a new attire.
Jokes, Cards, and Photos
You can have a short or long labor but it’s possible that your labor will be long enough to make you bored and nervous. It is preferable to pack items that will entertain you and divert your focus away from the tension you are experiencing about your upcoming childbirth. While you’re in pain or nervously anticipating your active labor, keep yourself or your companion entertained.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a traditional practice that employs the use of essential oils. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, soaked in a warm bath, or diffused into the air with a diffuser.
Labor causes anxiety and pain. An individual’s perception of pain is linked to anxiety, fear, and tension. Aromatherapy is used during labor to help with pain relief and anxiety management. Aromatherapy decreases anxiety and stress by stimulating the limbic system. When our anxiety and tension levels drop, so does our pain perception.
Cotton Balls and Q-Tips
During childbirth, cotton balls and Q-tips can be useful. Pack them in your hospital bags for mom if possible. They can be a part of your toiletry kit because they can be used for self-care. Cotton balls and Q Tips are used for self-care after a rough childbirth. When you have enough energy, remember to take care of yourself. Self-care might help you feel better about yourself.
Aromatherapy Diffuser
Aromatherapy diffusers are one of the most popular and safe ways to reap the benefits of aromatherapy. There are now pocket-sized aromatherapy diffusers that you can bring with you to the hospital. You can pack one in your hospital bags for mom and use it throughout labor to help you cope with the pain, tension, and anxiety you’ll experience.
Conclusion
When you have a lot of essentials to pack in your hospital bags for mom, it’s also important to select the most appropriate bag to carry everything in. Choose a functional bag with plenty of storage, compartments, and is easy to carry.
When your due date approaches, you will undoubtedly be anxious, so it is better to be prepared, comfortable, and at ease. It is preferable to plan ahead of time what bags to use and what to pack in the hospital bags for mom.
