Mother to be Hospital Bag - the extra things you can take to make things easier

Everybody tells you what to put in your hospital bag for when you finally go to give birth, like comfortable clothes, underwear, baby clothes, etc... They also tell you to get this ready in advance, just in case. All of this is a great, but they are only the basic things that you must take... But what about other things that you could take to make things easier, to make things go a little bit less stressful and maybe even less painful?

Well, some things are pretty basic now, and some of them less known by many, but in my experience, they have definitely helped. It does also depend on how your time at the hospital go, for how long, the discomfort you are in, etc...

The most useful extra things you might want to add to your hospital bag:

-Mobile phone. You need to check if it is allowed in your hospital. Ask your midwife. But if it is, during the waiting period, when things are going smoothly initially, can help some women by keeping in touch with people, listening to music, playing games, etc...

-Of course, if you are taking your mobile, don't forget a charger.

-MP3 player, ipod touch, etc...If you don't have a mobile phone that can play music or play games. Might not be able to use it for long, but you never know. I have seen and known couples that had a childbirth playlist on their ipods and listen to that for most of the time, even when things were getting a bit serious...

-Snacks. Some of these you might not be able to prepare them in advance, but some of them you will. For example, if you like nuts, get a couple of small bags of cashew nuts, or peanuts, or something.... If you like them, you might feel like having some and they are good source of energy, etc...

-Drug free pain relief - like Babycare TENS. This can be purchased or even hired sometimes. Helps release own pain-relieving chemicals known as endorphins. You will feel a pleasant pulsing sensation by the four pads applied on your back.

-Soothing lotions or moisturiser creams, like Bio-Oil, Lanolin lotions, etc... Hospital environment is quite warm and dry. You might feel better as will soothe and protect sore and dry skin and other more sensitive areas. Make sure that they are not too greasy and quickly absorbed (you can take the one you have been using to avoid stretch marks, for example).

-Make-up and small mirror. I know it sounds silly but although most mothers only care about their new baby, some of them don't feel that comfortable when visitors come after giving birth at the hospital, and just a couple of touches of quick and mild makeup might make you feel more comfortable.

-Prenatal heart listening systems. Although most of these are used, as the word says, before birth, at home, some people take them to hospital as they are not always connected straightaway to a machine or monitor and listening to the baby's heart rate and movements, make them a bit happier and relaxed.

-And of course, don't forget to take your hairbrush, toothbrush, and your partner, if he has not fainted by then!!! :):)

I really hope that this helps and that it goes very well for you all. Good luck!!