The day you get to meet your baby will be here before you know it. Getting your hospital bag prepped, packed and organized ahead of time, can make the wonderful occasion easier --- saving time and making the birth experience seamless.
While hospitals provide necessary items for labor and delivery, a packed "birth bag" gives an opportunity to bring along some "nice to have" items for the event.
"Good Morning America" caught up with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OBGYN at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, and chief medical officer of Verywell Health to get some of her best recommendations.
Fellow senior reporter, Nicole Pelletiere, who leads "GMA's" family vertical, and is also a mother of one, has pointed out a mix of several items she was lucky to have handy as well as some she wish she had during her own experience giving birth.
Below, check out some of the best products to add to your arsenal of hospital bag must-haves ahead of the arrival of your newborn.
By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These eCommerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Loose-fitting underwear
Shepherd advised that loose-fitting underwear are ideal after vagin*l delivery or cesarean section as these areas of your body will be sore.
Tight underwear, Shepherd said, can also be a cause of irritation.
Walmart
Macy's
Walmart
Comfy robe, PJs and slippers
To keep yourself warm and cozy, you can try swapping your hospital gown for a comfortable robe and pajamas. With medical staff and often family members, stopping by frequently during your hospital stay, these items will help you keep comfortable among the activity.
Brooklinen
Macy's
Jeffrey Campbell
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow offers great extra support for feeding and more. Shepherd also said a nursing pillow allows for the mother to explore different ways to hold the baby.
Nursing pillows can also be used for "tummy time" throughout the baby's first year.
Walmart
66% off
Macy's
Nursing Pillow with strap, 20" x 27"
$16.99
$50.00
Valid: 04/30/2021 to 05/02/2021
•
Cheer Collection
Bed Bath & Beyond
Editor’s Picks
Lavendar oil
"Rubbing lavender oil on wrists and inhaling amid labor can help clear the mind," said Pelletiere. Shephard also advised that anything that can calm the experience won't hurt to have.
Walmart
Walmart
Better Homes & Gardens 15 mL 100% Pure Lavender & Sweet Orange Essential Oil Blend
$5.87
Better Homes & Gardens
Bed Bath & Beyond
Going-home outfits for mom and baby
It can be easy to forget a going-home outfit. Make sure to pack something comfortable for not only the mother but also the new baby.
Etsy/TacomaCollective
Lululemon
Banana Republic
Etsy
Nursing bra
Shepherd said that breast size often changes after delivery. Having a comfortable nursing bra on hand is key.
Macy's
Nordstrom
Soma
Portable cellphone charger
One of the last things any mother wants to worry about during a birthing experience is a dead phone. You may want to reach loved ones, family, friends and take photos as well as videos to capture all the moments.
Pelletiere said she wishes she had a portable mobile phone charger during her delivery and afterward as outlets were across the room, and she said she had to constantly ask her partner to charge her phone.
Walmart
Walmart
Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Power Bank Portable Charger External Battery For iphone Samsung Android Mobile Cellphones
$11.99
Poweradd
Bed Bath & Beyond
Insulated water bottle
Mothers can avoid several unnecessary trips from the hospital bed for a sip of water by bringing an insulated water bottle. Plus, an insulated water bottle is more eco-friendly than using plastic hospital cups.
Macy's
Bloomingdale's
Athleta
Pillow for partner
Unfortunately, there usually isn't another bed available for the mother's partner during the birth experience. Offer a little comfort by bringing along an extra pillow or travel-sized blanket.
Brooklinen
Macy's
Macy's
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. I can assist you with questions and provide detailed information based on search results and my knowledge base. Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Hospital Bag Must-Haves for the Arrival of Your Newborn
The article discusses the importance of preparing a hospital bag ahead of time for the birth of your baby. It provides recommendations from Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OBGYN, and Nicole Pelletiere, a senior reporter and mother. Here are some key concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Loose-fitting underwear: After vagin*l delivery or cesarean section, loose-fitting underwear is recommended as it can be more comfortable for sore areas of the body. Tight underwear can cause irritation .
2. Comfy robe, PJs, and slippers: Swapping the hospital gown for a comfortable robe and pajamas can help keep the mother warm and cozy during her hospital stay. These items can also provide comfort when medical staff and family members visit frequently.
3. Nursing pillow: A nursing pillow offers extra support for feeding and allows the mother to explore different ways to hold the baby. It can also be used for "tummy time" throughout the baby's first year.
4. Lavender oil: Rubbing lavender oil on the wrists and inhaling it during labor can help clear the mind and create a calming experience.
5. Going-home outfits for mom and baby: It's important to pack comfortable outfits for both the mother and the newborn for their journey home from the hospital.
6. Nursing bra: Breast size often changes after delivery, so having a comfortable nursing bra on hand is recommended.
7. Portable cellphone charger: Having a portable mobile phone charger can be useful during the birthing experience to stay connected with loved ones, take photos, and capture important moments.
8. Insulated water bottle: Bringing an insulated water bottle can help the mother stay hydrated without making unnecessary trips from the hospital bed. It is also more eco-friendly than using plastic cups.
9. Pillow for partner: Since there might not be an extra bed available for the mother's partner, bringing along an extra pillow or travel-sized blanket can offer some comfort.
Please note that the information provided is based on this article, and it's always a good idea to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and recommendations.
Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!