Packing your hospital bag for Delivery

Congrats on your little one! You must be very excited especially if this is your first baby! 

So when do we start to pack for our little "staycation"? Well, it's always good to pack early because you never know, baby might be impatient and too excited to come out to see the world.I would suggest you start packing around week 32 or so, always good to be early and prepared. 

Here's a simple packing list for your reference, do you have any other items to add on?

1) NRIC - important!

2) Admission letter (and any other documents of your medical conditions, should you have any)

Your gynae will give you the admission letter around week 32 or so. Place the admission letter in your hospital bag. Actually in case of super emergency, the most important documents are your NRIC and admission letter so just grab these 2 and zoom off. You can always send hubby home to pack the other stuffs.

I'm tested positive for GBS (Group B streptococcus) for my 3rd boy so there is a letter by the gynae to inform the medical staff that I need intravenous antibiotics during delivery. I put this letter in the hospital bag also. It's very important.

3) Marriage certificate

Bring this along so that you can register for your child's birth at the hospital and get his/her birth certificate done, so convenient! Fret not if you have not decided on baby's name yet, you can always visit ICA to register after you are discharged from hospital.

4) Sweater

It can get very cold in the hospital so bring one along ya?

5) Nursing night gowns / Nursing Pyjamas 

I bought some cute nursing night gowns on Qoo10 . I think the hospital gowns look a bit dull. Buy some brightly colored ones to brighten yourself up!

6) Nursing bras

I prefer wearing tube bras for nursing as they are so convenient, just pull down and nurse! I bought mine from Qoo10 (link included) as well! They are cheap and pretty good so far.

Remember to establish latching as soon as possible in the hospital, grab the lactation consultant and do not let go until you have succeeded. Latching successfully is really the first step to a successful breastfeeding journey. You won't need to worry about your milk supply if baby is latching well.

You may also be interested to read my post on my thoughts about breastfeeding.

7) Slippers and socks (in case you are cold but I did not wear socks)

Thomson Medical Centre (TMC) provides slippers but just in case you are more comfortable with your own.

8) Disposable undies

Very important item because you will not want to bring dirty or blood stained undies home right?
Buy enough to last you for a month, that is till you are done with your confinement because you will not want to do any washing during  your confinement and definitely do not want Auntie or anybody else to wash your undies for you.

9) Handphone and charger / Camera

I don't think I need to say more, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp...what esle? I took pictures using my Samsung S7 Edge so I did not bring my camera. If you are into photography, bring along your DSLR!

10) Toothbrush and toothpaste (Toiletries provided)
TMC provides toiletries but if you are environmentally friendly, you can always bring along your own.

11) Cleanser/Make-up remover and moisturizer

You must definitely bring your own since hospitals do not provide any. However, if you do not plan to wear any make-up, I think you can just wash your face with warm water, I think that should suffice. 

Bringing along some moisturizer is good because it will make you look fresher, especially when visitors come along. You can also bring some facial masks because your skin deserve a good rest after the hard work!

12) Sanitary pads

You can bring a packet of your own favored brand although hospitals do provide the pads, just in case the ones they use aren't to your liking.

13) Home clothes for discharge for Mummy

Choose some comfortable nursing wear in case baby gets hungry while waiting for discharge. 

14) Home clothes for discharge for baby

TMC provides the clothes but just in case you want baby to wear that cute romper or pyjamas home.

I guess that's about it....Enjoy your stay! Do you have any other items to add to the list above? You are welcome to do so!

You may also be interested to read about Rayes' birth story Part 1 and Part 2