HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST.
Dear M, M&M,
The last couple of weeks have been a double roller coaster, as the globe tries to navigate the COVID-19 situation (please note, there was no COVID 18, 17, 16 or 10 😊😊) Somehow, we are all putting our heads above the water, and allowing God to teach us how to reset foundations, values and beliefs... we truly cannot be the same after this virus is under control.
I have been surrounded by expectant moms this couple of weeks, and I thought my gift to them would be this checklist as they head out to the hospital. I know when your time comes, things will totally be different, but I am confident that the basics will be the same 💖💖
I look forward to the day I will see you hold your own children and the privilege that you and God will have given me as a grandmother aka Nana because children are a heritage and are a promise for hope.
******
HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST.
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| #CrownPrince at just 2 weeks... |
I have compiled a list of things to pack in your bag as you head to the
hospital. The list is exhaustive enough to be used for a CS birth or a natural
Birth. It is therefore important to just pack only what you will need in the
first hours before, during, and after the birth. In case you forget something;
you can easily ask your birth-partner or friends to sort you out. Don’t stress
much!
Before delivery, ask the hospital/midwife what things they offer during
your stay, and you can opt not to pack. For a CS delivery, the hospital stay
might be anywhere between 3 to 5 days if there are no complications. For normal
delivery, the minimum stay if there is no complications is 24 hours and ideally should
not be more than 4 days.
After delivery, you might consider sending some things over to the house
(the extra fruits, the flowers, the gifts), and only remain with basics, so
that you don’t it doesn’t feel like you are moving out on your last day at
hospital J
Pack somethings
that will keep you busy should you wind up having a long wait.
Birth Bag Checklist
 |
| #MinjiMinji at 9 months |
👶Insurance
cards, ID cards and any other documents that the hospital has previously asked
for.
👶Some
cash at hand for any eventualities. like when you just need some gum
👶Music
(it helps with calming you down)
👶Your
Phone fully charged (with a list of people to call when baby is born and also a
pre-written text message on baby announcement. Consider having some
head/earphones, to listen to external noise – if you are that kind of person. The phone should also have enough data and airtime
and definitely charging cables)
👶A
signed copy of your CS birth plan (though some Kenyan hospitals are not very
flexible around this)
👶A
comfortable gown (though the hospital will provide, and most Kenyan hospitals might
not allow you to have personal clothing, mostly for security and sanitary
reasons)
👶Socks
or a hot water bottle (some moms experience extreme cold after delivery)
 |
| It really takes a village to raise a child |
👶Special
snacks, food or drink (depending on the hospital, you might get bottled water,
but some hospitals offer water in a jug, you can opt to have a few bottles of
bottled water and refilled/restocked by birth partner or friends)
👶Lip
Balm (nothing fun about having those chapped lips), deodorant, toothbrush,
toothpaste and mouthwash.
👶Disposable
Panties (it reduces the pressure of cleaning up panties while in hospital) or
Large cotton panties that will sit above the scar)
👶Maternity
Pads (though the hospital might provide at a cost)
👶Nursing
Bras (with no underwire)
👶Flip-flops
for the shower (though the hospital might provide at a cost)
👶Birth
ball (but ask your hospital first. A few years ago hospitals offered birthing
balls, but they were also a great source of infection)
👶Any personal prescription medicine
👶Mummy’s
going home outfit (it should be loose and front-facing to allow for easy
breastfeeding as you head home)
 |
| The primary job of uncles is to spoil.. i see you Uncle Charlo |
For Baby
👼Going
home outfits (bodysuits, vest, sleepsuits, a hat, mittens, socks/booties). Ensure
that the clothes are made from cotton. Keep off wool and lace, they easily irritate
babies, already fragile and sensitive skin easily. Also, remove the labels off
the cloths – they can also be an irritant especially if synthetic).
👼Breastfeeding
Pillow
👼Nipple
Cream
👼Breast-Pump
and feeding bottles
👼Diapers
and unscented baby wipes (non-alcoholic) – the hospital will also provide this
for you
👼For
your car, an approved infant car seat with the base properly installed in your
vehicle.
👼Paediatrician
contact. (unless you are using the hospital doctor and in that case, the
nurses/midwife shall share a contact.
👼Muslin
squares/liners or burp cloths. This will come in handy when baby possets J
 |
| The #CrownPrince 1 week old |
For the birth-partner
(depends on the hospital policy and the package you have picked):
🐤Snacks
(consider non-perishables) and drinks
🐤Any
prescription medicine
🐤Toiletries
🐤 Camera (because they are also the designated photographer during that time)
🐤Charging
cables for gadgets
🐤A
strong, patient heart as they see you through this
 |
| Forever grateful for the gift of motherhood |
Stocking
up
Once you leave the hospital, you want to rest
and enjoy your bundle of joy, not think through cleaning and meals. Therefore,
plan way in advance for fruits, meals for the family and stock up on toiletries
as well.
This list has
been gladly complied by Waithira Kibinda+Gitau. Waithira is a certified
Transformational Coach and a lactation counsellor. She is passionate about
everything family and setting up families for success and to execute purpose. When not interacting and coaching families,
you will find her hosting events and assisting organizations develop sustainable
strategic visions and plans. Her fulltime job consists of being a wife, a
mother to two lovely babies and a vibrant cheerleader to people’s dreams and
aspirations.
Has this info
pack been helpful? Please share feedback here: waithera.kibinda@gmail.com
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