If it is your first pregnancy you may be wondering what to prepare and what things to bring to the hospital on the day of delivery. But, before you think of the things to bring you should get yourself ready. Here are a few things to remember:
- Keep in mind the date given to you by your Obstetrician, you should be prepared two weeks before and two weeks after your expected date of delivery. So on these dates you should focus more on getting enough rest and sleep to prepare you for the big day.
- You should have the energy to push and you should have mustered the breathing techniques you will use during labor and delivery. Practice deep breathing exercises that are used during labor and shallow breathing with pursed lips when you are just about to deliver.
- When contractions begin to get regular and intense, have a quick shower and then have yourself brought to the hospital immediately.
- It is also a must to make arrangements what number to call, who to call and who should bring you to the hospital.
- Have the things ready in one bag so you will just snatch it and you are off to go.
- Although you will feel a mix of emotions on the day itself, try to relax it will help a lot.
Then have a checklist of all the things to bring that you should have ready inside one bag. The list should include the following:
- Have at least 3 or 4 sets of baby clothes to be used during hospital stay, several diapers, mittens, bibs and baby wraps.
- Have at least 3 set of clothes for you, if you are going to breastfeed find clothes with front openings. Keep several sets of underwear including panties, maternity napkins, maternity bra and your girdle. The girdle will serve as support to lessen the pain when moving around.
- Extra bottles and nipples for feeding, you may want to include a breast pump.
- All your prenatal record and laboratory tests.
- Alcohol and betadine solution in case it would be needed plus extra analgesics and antipyretics.
- Your toiletries and other personal belongings.And of course your credit card and have extra cash ready as well.
Doing an early preparation will save you time and lessen your anxiety so you can better focus on your delivery and think of happy thoughts in your upcoming new responsibility of raising your child.
