By the third trimester, you have all the baby’s items bought, your birth plan ticked off and your hospital bag ready to take all you need for the D-day. Having been warned that a baby might come as early as 2 weeks to your due date, many mums will prepare their bags with this day in mind.
Let’s explore what goes into this bag and why you need it:
What mum needs
- Paperwork – It may become difficult to get admission into a hospital without your paperwork. This is because there are laws and protocol that guides every medical institution. With the lack of a national data collection system, mothers in Kenya are advised to always have their papers with them, in case their baby comes early and someone with no record of their history has to attend to them. The papers to have with you include:
- Clinic notes/ card or booklet – This may hold your antenatal test results and reports following every visit of your antenatal care.
- Ultrasound report – Carry all ultrasounds including the date scan, and the anomaly scan. This will come in handy during your examination and in case of emergencies. At the point of admission, the doctors and nurses who will be delivering your baby will need a history of your pregnancy so that they may know which way to best handle you and your baby.
- NHIF and Medical Insurance card-Most if not all hospitals require your National health insurance funds (NHIF) details. An active NHIF card will cater for some of the expenses that you may incur during delivery. Carry your medical insurance card as well if you have an active medical insurance cover.
- Receipts for Previous payments – Any receipts that you may have been issued with if you made a booking for your hospital stay are also necessary.
- Identification card – Remember to pack your own and your spouse’s original identification cards for admission. Passports are also accepted as a valid document for identification purposes
- Going home outfit for mum– Most, if not all hospitals provide a loose covering while at the hospital. You will, however, need something to wear when checking out. Consider comfortable attire that you would wear at 5 months pregnant. This is because your uterus will only shrink to this point at first. Also, consider one with an allowance to breastfeed your baby.
- Nursing Bra & Pads
- Nipple Cream
- Toiletries – These include:
- Toothbrush
- Face towel
- Sanitary towels
- Extra panties
- Soap
- Slippers
- Towel
- Some lotion or oil and lip balm
Others
- Camera and charger – Your phone may be good enough if you have a good camera and memory
- Phone Charger – Keep your phone fully charged to keep your communication with family and friends constant.
- Lesos – This is perhaps a must have for every Kenyan mum. It may come in handy for you or your baby.
- Snacks – These may come in handy during the long hours of labour
- Breast pump – This may not be necessary if you plan to breastfeed your baby
Some hospitals provide some of these items and will most likely inform you. There’s however, nothing wrong with carrying your own in case there are delays etc.
What Baby Needs
- Clothes for baby – Your new bundle of joy or joys if multiple births will require the following:
- Infant gowns
- Onesies
- Vests
- Rompers
- Hat
- Mittens
- Warm blanket
- Socks or booties
- Diapers and wipes
- Baby Oil
After the delivery process you will need to take a shower. Some hospitals provide these items for the mother but you should also carry you own to avoid any inconveniences.
Preparing well for babies arrival will give you the confidence of a stress free delivery and nothings says you are well prepared more than a well packed bag.
Disclaimers:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another.
#Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: mumsvillage, pampers, pulselive
