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Weāve Got this in the Bag: Our Community Shares What to Pack for Birth
It can happen any minute now. Youāve done the birthing classes. The nursery is set up. You have the necessary items, all well organised to welcome your little treasure home. Now youāre waiting for your water to break. Thereās just one last thing: whatās in your hospital bag, baby?
Luckily, our Joolz community was happy to weigh in on this important topic. After all, having just been through this amazing journey, they know their stuff. Stuff beyond the usual tiny socks, wipes, creams, nappies and going-home outfit for baby. So donāt just listen to usālet these experts, part of our wonderful Joolz communityāgive you their best tips and hacks.
Mammaās got a brand new bag
Of course, it all starts with choosing the right hospital bag. Lots of secure compartments so you can find items fast, with enough storage to contain all the things you, your partner and the baby will need before, during and after the birth. Our backpack is another great solution for when you need your hands free (and trust us, that need comes up a lot!) that includes space for a 15ā laptop, which is especially helpful during long labour. Functional and stylishājust what youāre used to from Joolz.
All paperwork in one place
With emotions and excitement running high, the last thing you want to have to do is go searching for the relevant documentsāID, insurance papers, birth planāwhen itās go-time! One Joolz community member suggests bringing a folder containing all these things and keeping it in an easy-to-reach pocket of your hospital bag. That way, itās always at the ready and not covered in cracker crumbs courtesy of your snacking partner. š
Comfy and functional clothes for mum
Is there anything chicer than a hospital gown that opens in the back? Weāre kidding, of course. One Joolz mum mentions that her āgigantic comfy t-shirtā made her feel more like herself and less self-conscious. Pairing that with hair ties is always a good idea to keep locks out of your face when labour starts. Hospital floors are clean, and therefore slippery, so socks with anti-slip bottoms are a must. Ideally, theyāre warm as well, because hospitals arenāt just clean, theyāre also kept at a low temperature. A comfy bra and shower slippers (for showering during contractions) can complete mummyās look during labour, according to the Joolz community.
The tech of it all
How did mums-to-be survive without modern technology? Luckily, youāll never have to know! Members of our community stress the importance of an extra-long phone charger, because you donāt know the outlet situation in the hospital room. Noise-cancelling headphones can help mum zen out and can also come in handy for the birth partner. Some in our community were bummed out about the depressing hospital lighting, so they recommend a portable USB lamp. And once labour kicks off, every mum will be happy with a handheld electric fan to keep them cool.
Bits and bobs for a more comfortable birth
One recommendation keeps popping up time and time again: snacks! As one member puts it, āhospital snacks are not my vibeā. We get that, and totally agree that power bars, dried fruit and nuts provide the necessary protein to keep you going. While certainly not glamourous, one member declares that a peri bottle is oh-so-essential. An eye mask will help you block out the blinking lights of hospital machines. Finally, although we know you have much more on your mind than skincare, donāt forget to pack moisturiser and lip balm, because hospitals are notoriously dry.
Advice for your birth partner
If you have a birth partner, letās talk about it. Specifically, how they are the Keeper of the Hospital Bag. This means they know where it is at all times, and where every single item in it can be located. Bonus tip: make sure thereās some sort of toothbrush/mint/gum situation in the bag, because the last mum-to-be needs is her partnerās dragon breath in her face. A book or e-reader is also essential, for the very likely scenario that you will want nothing to do with said partner at various points during labour.
Thereās nothing we love more than seeing our community helping one another out. And now you can rest easy waiting for your newborn to announce their arrivalābecause baby, your bag is packed!
