What Every Dad Should Know About Packing a Hospital Bag
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Marley & Moo™ Maternity loves preparing moms for the journey to motherhood. But this one is for all of the dads out there! That’s right — I’m a dad myself and I wanted to take a few moments to let you in on some essentials you’re going to want in that hospital bag, both for you and your partner because you should be thinking of these things too. Let’s get started.
Don’t Have a Bag? Get One ASAP!
As my partner entered her third trimester, I wasn’t really worried about a bag. I mean, we had plenty of totes around the house, so couldn’t we just pack one of those? Well, I was so wrong because there are quite a few items the mother of your child will need to feel comfortable at the hospital. You’ll need a few things, as well.
One thing she will definitely need is practical clothing for during and after labor. You’ll want to pack that bag with a soft delivery gown, cozy nursing pajamas, at least one nursing bra, and underwear to ensure she’s comfortable.
If you don’t have a roomy overnight bag, go out and get one. Trust me, you’ll use it in the future if you plan on going on any trips with your little one. Look for something with compartments, so that you can keep your hospital supplies well-organized.
Go Through Your Checklist Together
You’ve got the bag, now start putting together a checklist of things to put into it. Sit down with your partner and ask for her input. After all, she’s the one who will be doing all of the hard work in the hospital. (And yes, giving birth is definitely hard work, no matter how it happens. Think of it as the toughest workout you’ve ever attempted and multiply that by a thousand.)
Just like any workout, staying hydrated is going to be critical. The hospital can provide cups and water, but you should think about packing a reusable bottle too. Make sure it’s a big one and maybe bring along coconut water to help replace electrolytes.
Another thoughtful addition is to bring along her favorite snacks. You could include healthy and filling choices, like greek yogurt or nut butter. These foods also provide a little energy boost that can make labor a little easier. Also, bring comfort foods for after the delivery.
Buy an Extra Charger — You’re Going to Need It!
When my partner’s water broke, things moved pretty quickly. We had our bag in hand and were out of the door in minutes. Of course, we were also so preoccupied and excited that we forgot to grab either of our phone chargers. Many hours later when we wanted to take photos of our baby and share them, we realized our mistake only to realize both phones were at about 5%.
You’ll want to take plenty of pictures too, so do yourself a favor and buy at least one spare, or even a wireless one that you can keep in the hospital bag. They’re pretty inexpensive if you buy online. If you go with a corded one, look for an extra-long cable. Hospitals are notorious for placing outlets as far away as possible from the bed, so trust me on this one.
Speaking of selfies and photos, your partner is going to want to look her best in all of those pics. This is why, if you want to score extra points, think about packing self-care goodies into her hospital bag. Think dry shampoo, lip balm, and face mist — things she’ll actually use and love!
Helping your partner pack that all-important hospital bag will be such a relief. You’ll know you both have everything you need, and she’ll know she can count on you to provide the extra love and support she will need during this major life event. Be sure to keep those lines of communication open and work together to prepare for this amazing journey.
Whether you’re looking for childbirth education, doula services, postpartum support, and other parenting resources, Marley & Moo™ Maternity has you covered!
-Josh Moore
