Mom, do you know what you need in the hospital?
THE DATE IS APPROACHING AND THE DOUBTS HURST. SWINGING EMOTIONS OVERLAP THOUSANDS OF PRACTICAL THOUGHTS. INCLUDING THE COMPOSITION OF THE HOSPITAL SUITCASE. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR THE NEXT MOTHERS
If the birth of a child corresponds to the beginning of a new journey, the suitcase certainly cannot be missing. Beyond the metaphor, expectant mothers are normally invited to prepare a series of essential garments and accessories to face the first days in the hospital together with their little one. It being understood that each hospital or clinic provides a personalized list (also depending on the season), it may be useful to draw up a generic list of everything that could be useful for the mother and her child.
When to prepare it
It would be optimal to start gathering what you need from the seventh month of pregnancy, both in case the baby decides to be born early, and because in the last few weeks the mother could feel particularly tired. The suitcase itself should be ready at least one month before the expected date.
What does mom need
Linen and accessories
■ Three nightgowns (one short for childbirth and two for post, open at the front to facilitate breastfeeding);
■ a wool or cotton dressing gown, depending on the season;
■ one or two towels;
■ a pair of comfortable slippers;
■ hair elastics for childbirth;
■ bathrobe and slippers if you choose to give birth in water;
■ two nursing bras with openable and adjustable cotton cups;
■ high mesh underpants, to contain the essential sanitary pads due to postpartum losses;
■ a package of disposable absorbent pads to insert in the bra to avoid staining the nightgown with milk;
■ a bag for dirty laundry;
■ nursing pillow;
■ a change to go home.
Hygiene
Everything you need for personal hygiene: neutral soap, cleansing milk, shampoo, paper handkerchiefs and disinfectant solution for intimate hygiene; sanitary napkins (specific ones for postpartum are recommended), an anti-fissure ointment or a calendula oil cream to avoid redness and cracking.
The documents, the tests carried out during the pregnancy, the health card.
What does the newborn need?
Linen:
■ Five short- or long-sleeved cotton bodysuits, depending on the season;
■ five terrycloth or cotton overalls, with feet, press-studs or zippers;
■ a cap, socks and possibly a padded onesie for the return home.
Generally hospitals provide diapers, but it is good to inquire precisely at the maternity ward.
Hygiene
■ Oil and cleansing milk for cleaning the baby;
■ an anti-redness cream for the bottom;
■ nets for dressing the umbilical stump, if not provided
from the hospital;
■ a towel to be used exclusively for the newborn;
■ cotton wool and cleansing wipes;
■ possibly two pacifiers.
DON'T FORGET...
Check with the father how the egg or carrycot is secured to the car, to avoid unpleasant waits when leaving the hospital.
Curiosity
Instead of nipple protection creams, you can try silver disks, which exploit the natural healing properties of the noble metal.
