My maternity suitcase – The essentials not to forget
When we think of maternity suitcase, we obviously think of baby’s and all the essentials for his arrival. But as a future mother, you also have to think about yours. Your partner must also think of his! Here are some tips and a short list so you don’t forget anything!
When to prepare your maternity suitcase?
There is obviously no mandatory date to prepare your maternity suitcase, but assume that “the sooner the better” if you do not want to do it in a rush. From your 7th month of pregnancy, you can start thinking about it seriously, without rushing. That way, if your baby shows up sooner than expected, everything will be ready. And also, because often during your last weeks of pregnancy, you will have other things to think about and you may be less “efficient”.
How to prepare your maternity suitcase?
- Tip No. 1 : make a list of everything you will need and tick off as you have (that’s good, that’s the purpose of this article!)
- Tip No. 2 : pack 2 different suitcases. A bag for birth and a bag for your stay in the maternity ward.
- Tip No. 3 : organize your suitcases as well as possible, with for example small pouches or compartments to find everything as easily as possible.
The essentials to slip into your maternity suitcase for the birth
1 – Administrative papers: it may seem obvious, but in a rush, you don’t necessarily think about paperwork. However, it is essential for admission to maternity in the best conditions.
To remember :
- Credit card
- Identity card
- Insurance card
- Pregnancy follow-up medical file
- Blood group card
- Birth plan if you have one.
2 – A complete outfit for birth, the key word of which is comfort! Prioritize everything you have most cozy in your wardrobe.
- A loose-fitting nightgown or T-shirt
- A pair of slippers
- A pair of socks
- A cardigan or bathrobe
3 – Something to refresh yourself(and our little finger tells us that you will need it)!
- The classic atomizer for a sprit of freshness at any time
- A packet of wipes if you prefer this format.
- 4 – Something to snack on. Do not hesitate to approach your doctor beforehand to find out which food to favour according to your medical file.
5 – Something to keep you busy, the wait can sometimes be very long… So take with you everything that distracts you:
- Mobile Phone
- Music
- Book
- Knitting
- Crosswords
- etc..
6 – Your pregnancy/breastfeeding pillow or cushion. The maternity ward obviously provides a pillow, but you will surely prefer to have with you the one that has accompanied you throughout your pregnancy and can help you relieve certain pains.
The essentials to put in your suitcase for the maternity stay
7 – Your toiletries : if you’ve thought of everything you need to slip into your baby’s, such as diaper cream for the diaper ritual , don’t forget yours!
- Neutral pH shower gel
- Shampoo
- Intimate gel, essential after childbirth that can put your intimate area to the test. We recommend a soap-free treatment, with a neutral pH, in the form of a gel or foam. Depending on the course of your birth (episiotomy or tearing following the use of instruments for example), do not hesitate to ask your midwife the best steps to take care of your privacy.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Your usual face and body care (moisturizing cream, anti-stretch mark cream, etc.)
- Hair brush
- Elastics
- Sanitary protection in the form of pads or panties (disposable or washable, according to your preferences)
- Towel
8 – Outfits for the maternity stay. As for birth, choose comfortable clothes, with spare options in case baby spits up and stains you, for example:
- Two to three comfortable outfits (pajamas, leggings, nightgown or other)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Vest (in addition to that of your birth suitcase just in case).
- An outfit for leaving the maternity ward.
9 – Do you plan to breastfeed? It will then be necessary to provide two three small things in addition:
- Two or three nursing bras
- A nursing pillow (possibly the one you took with you for the birth)
- Pads
- Nursing balm
While preparing your maternity suitcase, do not hesitate to remind your partner to also think of his. Depending on the type of maternity you have chosen, he or she may be able to stay overnight, in which case pajamas, a toothbrush, a change of clothes, his mobile phone with a fully charged battery and something to take care of!
Once all the suitcases are packed, all you have to do is wait patiently until the baby arrives!