Prepping our Hospital Bag in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Wonderings:

• What do I need to bring to the hospital?
• With the pandemic, what are some things I need to consider to bring/ not bring?

Some background Storytelling:

Our baby girl is due at the end of July 2020. When we found out we were going to welcome another little one into our family, we could not have predicted that she will be arriving during a really interesting time in history.

I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and my husband and I decided that we should begin packing right now. We also need to make a plan as to where we will bring T and we will also need to pack his overnight bag as well.

With my firstborn, I remember packing a lot of things that I didn’t end up using. It was also much easier because my husband was able to go in and out, and pick up things just in case we forgot them at home.

It was actually quite handy to review Van’s post about what she packed for mom, hubby, and baby. After two years, your memory kind of goes fuzzy with the details of prepping for your hospital stay. I may be repeating some of the things that she mentioned, but it is always handy to have another perspective and viewpoint. Especially during this super fun time.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Staying at the Hospital

With the circumstances surrounding the pandemic right now there is a lot of uncertainty regarding how it will look like, and what would the rules be in July.

At this moment, we know that my husband is able to be at the hospital overnight. However, he will have to remain in the room the entire time we are there. He is also told to wear a mask. This is much better news, because earlier in March/April 2020 – birthing partners were asked to leave 2 hours after delivery to make sure the health care providers and other patients are safe.

We also understand things change day to day, as we are still learning more and more about this virus every day – so we are open to anything.

I have also been following this instagram account made by the doctors at St. Mike’s Hospital @pandemicpregnancyguide

General Packing List: We wanted to keep things simple and not bring as much to the hospital as we can to minimize what we end up bringing home. We know that whatever we bring will need to be disinfected and cleaned the moment we get home (for our own sanity), so this was the list that we came up together.

• Big Plastic Suitcase (for easy wipe down afterwards)
• Mask for Dad and Mom: We know that we will be asked to wear a mask while we arrive into the hospital and until we go into the delivery room
• Hand Sanitizer (we may be going overboard with this, but it makes us feel better)
• Lysol Wipes (we may be going overboard with this, but it makes us feel better)
• Phone Charger

Hospital Stuff

• Folder with important documentation:
  • Birth Plan
  • Insurance forms
• Cells for Life Cord Blood Kit
• Health Card for Mama
• Hospital Parking Pass cards (Leave one in each parent’s car – just in case!)
• Pen and Journal/Notebook

Toiletries

• Disposable toothbrushes x2
• travel size toothpaste
• Mama’s favourite: body wash, shampoo, conditioner (best shower after delivery)
• Travel Size: Face wash, Face cream
• 2 Towels
• Disposable Face Wipes

Things to support Delivery

• Electrolytes: My ND recommended this. I found it extremely useful during labor. My husband will mix it into a cup of water and feed it to me to keep me hydrated throughout my labor.
• 2L Water Bottle
• Travel Thermos
• Plastic Straws (that we get from take out places in the past; can be thrown out)
• Speakers for Music

For Mama

• Robe – a warm one
• Flip Flops (for bathroom trips and walking around the hospital)
• Hair Ties & Headband
• Going Home Outfit: Maxi Dress (easy to put on after delivery and comfortable to wear)
• Nursing Bra
• 2 pairs of underwear (although I just wore depends my first time)
• Wrap Dress: something easy to breastfeed and nurse in
• Comfy Pyjamas
• Tower 28 S.O.S Face Spray: My friend said this came in handy as she is a front line worker. So, I just got a travel size to try it out if I needed to feel like I “cleaned” my face.

Post Delivery

• Witch Hazel Wipes
  • Tucks: I found this useful during my first postpartum journey. One of the RN nurses recommended this and I found it useful to use when I didn’t have access to a padsicle or if I was at a check up.
  • Frida Mom: Again, they did not have this in 2017 – but what an amazing concept. With my first one, I would line 2-3 Tucks wipes on a pad to help with the cooling. But this is just one long strip. I will throw this one in my hospital bag for sure.
• Peri Bottle: A Peri Bottle is key. It helps ease the pain and worry around peeing and pooping postpartum. It is important to note that you spray the bottle down there right when you start peeing. A friend of mine didn’t know what to do with it and only sprayed after she finished peeing – and wished someone told her…so I am making sure it is clear!
  • The hospital usually provides you with a Peri Bottle after delivery. Make sure to confirm with your OB if it is true.
  • Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle: I don’t know if it is worth the price, but I caved and ended up buying it. It is a Peri bottle where the spray is pointed up. The concept is that you don’t have to aim and put your hand inside the toilet as you spray while you do your business
    
    I am thinking it might be much easier – especially at home – with a busy toddler that I don’t have the time and luxury to stick my hand in the toilet as I squeeze the bottle.
• Alcohol Free Witch Hazel solution: A friend of mine found it useful to just put Witch Hazel directly on her Maxi pad for pain relief. Some friends have also used the Earth Mama Perineal Spray.
• Disposable Diapers
• Post- Partum Pads: Thick Maxi pads work as well, but while I was freshly healing, I liked the idea of having something organic down there. I used the Natracare Maternity Pads more as a treat to myself whenever I needed it.
• Padsicles (make your own) or Frida Mom Instant Ice Pads
  • With my first pregnancy, my partner was able to fill up a glove full of ice or a handful of ice wrapped in paper towels to help minimize the swelling and pain relief ovenight.
    
    With the pandemic, I am aware that he must stay in the room at all times. To feel in control during my stay, I decided to invest in this ready made, instant ice pad so that I can use it whenever I feel like I need relief.
    
  • I will still make my own padsicles for home, but the Frida mom product is something I will have in my hospital bag/suitcase
    
• Breast Pump
  • Bottles
  • Breast Pump Bra

For Dad

• One pair of sweatpants
• 2 Pairs of Underwear
• Sweater
• T-Shirt
• Flip Flops

Cooler/ Food Bag (Depending on whether or not there will be in/out privileges)

• Ice Pack
• Take out food: 2x Sandwiches
• Packaged snacks
• *Put Padsicles in the cooler*

For Baby:

• Newborn Diapers
• Wipes
• Baby Soap
• Baby Lotion
• Baby Hooded Towel
• Baby Diaper Cream: We wanted something non-petroleum for her first diaper change. We remember hearing the Meconium is very sticky and hard to wipe off, so we got the Burts Bees one to use for her first couple days
• 3 Swaddle Blankets
• 3 Baby Hats
• 3 Onesies (3 NB and 3 0-3 Months just in case baby is big)
• 3 Sleepers

Baby to go Home

• Infant Car Seat
• Over Baby Cover
• Cute Onesie
• Sleeper
• Hat

For our Toddler (His overnight back at his grandparents)

• 3 pairs of pants
• 3 onesies
• 3 shirts
• His Fire Engine Backpack filled with his favourite toys
• His Stuffies: Pig and Koala
• Diapers

This is all I have on my list for now.

Any mama’s delivering during the pandemic?
What is in your hospital bag?

For the mamas who have delivered during this pandemic, what are your recommendations?