Child birth: what to pack in the hospital bag.

Hospital bag Congratulations mum you are now in the final stretch of your pregnancy. With only a few weeks to before your due date, this is the right time to put together all essentials you’ll need during pre-delivery and post-delivery. It’s always a good idea to get your hospital bag packed by the time you are about 36 weeks pregnant just in case labour comes unexpectedly. Here is a list of what you need to pack in the hospital bag: Maternity pads Maternity pads are essential when delivering in Nigeria. You can expect to bleed a lot after birth and maternity pads being bigger and softer can help absorb blood. Although many women use sanitary pads, you will probably have to change your pad every couple of hours. Toiletries You’ll need deodorants, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste as well. Don’t forget to leave them behind, as they are very essential. Some women set aside time for their makeup so they can look nice. Clothes Don’t carry along clothes that won’t be necessary. Pack underwear, nighties and two wrappers, a pair of slippers as well as a comfortable going home outfit. It’s imperative that you pack light and also pack for both during and after you deliver. Phone and charger No one knows when the time will come and you don’t want your phone dead thereby impeding you from calling your loved ones. Pack your phone and your charger alongside other things you need. Olive oil Olive oil is used in most Nigerian hospitals as well as birthing homes. It is used for cleaning the baby; normal soap can be harsh on baby skin so olive oil is used in a place of soaps. Basically, a nurse pours olive oil on a flannel and cleans the baby with it. Spirit and cotton wool Another essential material you need is spirit and cotton wool. Get surgical spirit and cotton wool as it is used for cleaning baby’s umbilical cord before it falls off. Diaper changing materials Its advised that you don’t get too many diapers of same size as you don’t know how big or small your baby could be. Materials such as baby wipes, diaper rash cream and Vaseline are also essential materials for diaper changing. Baby clothes Get body suits, vests, caps, gloves, socks, shawl/blanket, burp cloth and towels. You also want to get these in different sizes as you don’t know how big or small your baby could be. Foldable bed net It is recommended that you sleep on the same bed with a newborn so its highly essential. The essence of the bed net is to protect your newborn from mosquitos. Bath Essentials Bath essentials such as baby oil, baby comb, and baby lotion, disinfectant such as Purit, Savlon or Dettol are also essential. These materials will be useful in giving your baby his first bath and just in case you’re a new mom, nurses and midwives can help in bathing your baby for you. TAGS: WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG FOR DELIVERY