All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go! Yes, I’ve already prepared my hospital bag just in case I give birth earlier than my due date, April 1. Preparing for childbirth isn’t totally new to me and it’s so much easier this time around, being one of those been-there, done-that mommies. First time moms get too excited and take almost everything with them to the hospital (I was guilty of this), but now I’ve come to trim down my hospital bag checklist to just the basics.

During this third trimester, I had to go through a bunch of difficulties like pelvic pain, leg cramps, fatigue, frequent urination, sleepless nights, and just recently, abdominal pain. I almost had a pre-term labor a couple of weeks ago due to the insistent pain. The doctor ruled out appendicitis (fortunately) so we were all relieved. I’m also physically stressed out for not having a house help for almost 6 months. My OB prescribed Duvagen (a tocolytic), to help me get through to my pregnancy’s full term. Still, I prepared my bags early to make sure.

• Important Documents. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, SSS and PhilHealth forms, insurance cards and health cards.
• Comfy clothes. Bathrobes, sweaters, loose shirts, pajamas, socks, and undies. Hospitals are generally cold so I need to bundle up.
• Nursing bras and breast pads. For leak-free breastfeeding. I’m bringing with me both disposable (Pigeon brand) and washable breast pads (cheap brand). Breast pads are available at SM Baby Company.
• Lip balms. I can’t live without them. I’m taking with me my current favorite lip balm, Maybelline Baby Lips.
• Books and eyeglasses. Okay, maybe just one book about motherhood.
• Breast pump and glass baby bottles. For milk storage. I still have my 3-year old Pigeon breast pump and it works just like new. I would be pumping excess milk just to relieve engorgement, and store the milk inside the freezer for later use. I plan to exclusively breastfeed my baby for as long as I can.
• Digital cameras and video cameras. With spare batteries and memory cards, plus chargers for capturing moments.
• Cellphones with chargers. For spreading the good news to family and friends. Make sure all contact numbers are stored in your cellphones.
• Basic toiletries and personal effects. Soap and shampoo, facial moisturizer, cotton balls, cotton buds, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush.
• Maternity pads. Not going to make a description for this. LOL.
• Extra pair of slippers or flip flops. Just in case I don’t like wearing the provided hospital slippers.
• Pineapple juice and prune juice. Stool softeners to ease the pain of the first post-baby pooping.
• Swaddling blankets, diapers, and soft towels. Receiving blankets (for swaddling) and soft cotton towels for cleaning. 
• Newborn clothes. Side-snap shirts, onesies, pajamas, socks, and mittens.
• Infant girdle or bundle (“bigkis“). Most doctors do not allow the use of “bigkis” but I’ll bring a few pieces anyway.
• Stuffed animal. Will serve as a welcome toy for the baby.
• Diapers and nappy rash creams. I haven’t bought any cloth diapers so I’m taking disposable ones with me.

Published: 2013-03-16 18:31:53