The BB bag - everything you need (and don't need) to pack
Checklist BB bag (the essentials)
Regardless of whether you have a planned induction, caesarean section or are waiting for labor to kick in, you can prepare a bag with good things to bring to the birth. We have chosen to keep the list short, but if you feel that you still want more tips, we have collected some advice from new parents further down the page that you can pick from, but first comes the basic list.
1. If you intended breastfeed then nursing bras and nursing pads are obvious things on the list. Many people experience pain in the beginning when breastfeeding, so an ointment or nursing cover (a protection for the nipple) can be the rescue in the first few days.
2. Do you think bottle feeding from the start, bring your own replacement and bottle so the baby doesn't get different milk replacements at BB for when it comes home. Which milk substitute is best is different from child to child. However, many neonatal units use NAN.
3. Toiletry kit with everything you usually take with you when you're going to sleep over somewhere. Some people can't live without their 10 different skin creams, others are happy with just their toothbrush, so start with yourself.
4. Surely you have them with you four p's ? Passports, pesetas, birth control pills and tablets - and prit! Using letters as a memory trick is not so crazy. Passport (yes or something that you can identify yourself with). Pesetas (may be some purchases at pharmacies and candy machines during the stay). If you take any medicine, don't forget to bring your pills. (you can leave birth control pills at home with a clear conscience). Dots may symbolize any birth certificate, bring it with you if you have chosen to write one. Last out of the P's, prit. Yes, in pandemic times, own hand sanitizer can never be more right.
5. Entertainment . Mobile phone, charger, portable speaker (if you want to play music) and pack a computer/pad if you intend to watch a series (if there will be a long wait). Now it sounds like you're going out and traveling and we're fully aware that entertainment might be the last thing on your mind right then and there BUT for some there will be a lot of waiting (regardless of whether it's a planned caesarean section, induction or labor that has kicked in) and then entertainment can make it easier. And what goes better with entertainment than good snacks. There are no restrictions on how much good you can pack in there 😉
6. Clothes for stay and return journey. Now you might laugh and think we're making you look like an idiot, but a tip from one mother to another is to bring really comfortable clothes that don't chafe or stretch your stomach (especially if you're having a C-section). As for the baby's outfit, the little ones are usually happy as long as they are warm (pack blankets and outerwear for the journey home). But in addition to blankets, you can pack 2-4 changes. Opt for bodysuits with buttons at the front (so you don't have to pull everything over your head) .
7. Memories . What will you take with you from the birth (apart from the baby and the county council's fishnet panties)? Many parents testify that in retrospect it is difficult to tell what actually happened and when. So if you have a partner or a friend who is with the birth, make sure that they take a picture at least once per hour and write down 2-3 lines about what happened, something funny that was said, etc. If you have a planned caesarean section, make sure to document a lot before and during, write down feelings and quotes that come out of everyone's nervous mouths. Now comes the advertising for the book, because of course we hope that the pictures and the text will then end up in it fill-in-the-book under the Childbirth spread and become a memory not only for you but for the child later in life.
Tips before childbirth (from other parents).
1. It was chaos for us to find the right and park when labor has started. So, in retrospect, we would have taken a trip a few weeks before the birth and checked where you park, pay and go in to the birth.
2. Own pillow . All three births, I have always brought my own pillow, not only an incredibly comfortable feeling at home, but also perfect for the baby to smell the mother's scent.
3. Battery-powered candles provide the same cozy glow as ordinary candles , but without any fire risk . It was something that we really appreciated during the birth. We turned the lights off in the room and had the lights on, which contributed to the feeling of home and calm.
4. We have never used babynest very much, but when we had our second child we were advised Cocoonababy , which was developed in a hospital environment, originally for premature babies. It resembles a baby nest but is more bowl-shaped so the baby lies more like in the stomach. Worked so much better for us and was the one we used the most out of all the purchases.
5. I'm probably being chased by other mothers now but something I thought was very nice was having my own luxury shower soap which smells like a spa instead of the county council's unperfumed soap. I remember when I showered for the first time after giving birth it made me feel like I wasn't in a hospital and that was good for me.
