With all the preparations made at home to celebrate your newborn, how about for the labour? Before and after you have given birth, there are quite a few essentials that you might really need.
Based on Irene Nadia’s sharing on her blog, let us list the essentials one by one, shall we?
28 Essentials That You Need For Your Labour
For Your Little One
#1. Newborn clothes
Ideally, you should prepare 3-4 pieces of newborn clothing for your baby. But it would be better to add 1 or 2 extra pieces. Well, just in case.
#2. Newborn pampers
According to Irene Nadia, the newborn is pooping and urinating very often on a day that you might need to change their pampers 10 times or more. So it is financially wise to choose the one that provides both comfort and at a reasonable price.
As for the quantity, it is better if you estimate it based on the number of days you might be staying at the hospital.
#3. Baby’s mitten and sock
Your baby will need to wear mittens and socks a few weeks after they are born. So buy a few pairs of them for their comfort and protect them from scratching.
#4. Wet tissue
Trust us, this is going to be helpful when you change their diapers. There are a lot of wet tissue brands out there. It is safer to select the one that is safe for babies, formulated without scent or other harmful chemicals.
Just get it ready for 2-3 packets, and if it is not enough, you could always get it from a nearby hospital store. They usually sell it there, too.
#5. Baby swaddle
You are going to need this to wrap your little one up later. So bring in 2-3 pieces, all right?
#6. Baby towel
A piece of baby towel would suffice. You also need to make sure that the towel material is suitable for the newborn.
#7. Baby handkerchief
This is a multipurpose fabric. You may need a handkerchief to clean away, for example, the trace of milk. But if you prefer to use a towel for some reason, you might not need it. Whichever your preference!
#8. Baby binder
2 to 3 pieces of baby binder would be just nice for 2 days stay at the hospital. Just be careful not to let it slide down into their diaper, or else it would be coated with poop.
#9. Breast pump
In the beginning, you might have difficulties breastfeeding your baby. Either your milk production is not enough, or your baby still does not know how to latch properly—the breast pump can be your lifesaver!
It’s such a good investment, so do some research on the best you can find.
#10. Baby oil
You might need a herbal baby oil to massage your baby’s stomach and back. Telon oil, for example, is a good oil choice.
For Soon-To-Be-Mummies
#1. Nursing bras and panties
Perhaps you need quite a lot of these. Milk, blood, and urine will stain them just like that, and you might run out of it. Just prepare 3 pairs a day, and you will do fine.
#2. Maternity pads/sanitary pads
According to Irene Nadia, she prefers sanitary pads over maternity pads. That was more comfortable for her and she picked the one suitable for overnight. However, it’s subjective.
If this is your first time, you should try to get both of them to see which one you prefer. Comfort during this period is very important.
#3. Toiletries
Well, just pack your normal toiletries in your bag, preferably a waterproof one. That is going to be much more accessible and organised. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shower cream, shampoo, face washing, etc.
If your skincare is suitable for mom’s breastfeeding, that would be better.
#4. Towel
Do bring 1 or 2 towels, and if you need more, you can ask the hospital staff for their assistance.
#5. Thick socks
Do not forget to include a couple of them in your bag! For comfort and warmth.
#6. Sweater
In case you cannot stand the air conditioner or cold weather, do bring along your favourite sweater.
#7. Sarong
Most women prefer wearing a sarong compared to pants during the postpartum period. 4 pieces of sarongs would be ideal for a 2-day stay.
#8. Hot massage oil for mom
You might need this for your body to recover.
#9. Nipple cream
This is useful for both you and the baby.
#10. Toilet slipper
You are going to want to slip into your toilet slipper instead of wearing your shoes when you go to the toilet.
#11. Headscarf
You should carry 2-3 sets of headscarves for the Muslims.
#12. Daily attire at hospital
Just bring in some shirts, palazzo pants, flared skirts and cotton blouse that are soft and comfortable for you. It’s safer if they are nursing friendly and made from cotton.
Do not forget to pack an outfit to go back home, too!
Others necessities
#1. Your identity card
#2. Antenatal record book
#3. Dates, figs and zam zam water (for the Muslim mums)
#4. Foods and drinks
#5. Al-Quran for the Muslims
#6. Phone charger
It is a long list, but they are all important for your pleasant hospital stay. For you, and for the baby. Just prepare it a month before your due date, so you will have enough time. And yeah, do not forget to ask your partner for help. Have fun and enjoy the journey!
*P.S: This post is an article translated from Irene Nadia’s original blog post.