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As we conceive, regular visits to our gynec is a common thing. USG Scans, blood tests, pre natal yoga, dietitics consultation etc. become familiar terms. Infact hospitals these days provide us with such amazing experiences through our pregnancy and post partum journey, that we feel like visiting hospitals for wellness not illness.

With so many of my friends turning new moms soon, I wanted to make sure that they should not feel jitters as soon as they realise that this surreal feeling of holding their baby for the first time is soon turning into reality.

I have worked in some renowned birthing centres, no matter how many deliveries my team and I've witnessed in my career, or how many difficulties I've seen those mom to be undergoing and of course those postnatal issues, a and our team in Obstetrics and Gynecology used to label a new mom as "fussy". Only now, I am able to understand to walk in the shoes of motherhood, truly there ain't no hood like motherhood.

How should one prepare for the delivery and resultant stay in hospital post?

How should one prepare for the delivery and resultant stay in hospital post?

While we get impatient to hold our bundle of joy in our hands in times to come, we should not forget to be prepared well in advance for our requirement at the time of stay in a hospital.

Hospitals with renowned Obs & Gynec department provide everything you'll need in those 3 to 5 days (in fact, many boutique birthing centers provide medical and wellness facilities tailor made for new mothers: viz. prenatal package, delivery, postnatal packages, baby immunization packages etc.), not all mothers are so lucky to get to choose the most luxurious places. So, you must and always be prepared.

Postpartum, whether you have a normal delivery or a C-section, first few days are more or less same, while the recovery from stitches and continuation of antibiotics is prolonged in the latter, a mother is just exhausted all the time especially for the first 30 days. You'll feel tired and hungry and at the peak of emotional breakdown (even more heightened than those during pregnancy).

My list for both the mother and the new born preparedness goes as under. Hope you all #newmothers and #motherstobe would find it beneficial.



Mother Kit essentials:

1. Feeding gowns/tops

You shall be provided with a maternity gown in hospital, but for your own comfort you must always carry atleast 3 sets of feeding gowns (they are available in market with same name) or nursing tops. These clothing are special as they are made of cotton and have front openings

2. Nursing bra and breast pads

These will prevent your clothes from getting soiled by excess of milk oozingout in initial months post partum. Dont worry about excess milk secretion, your body will adjust milk production in 2 to 3 months as per your baby needs

3. Special postnatal pads or XXL Sanitary napkins

This is a must to have beforehand. You haven’t had any bleeding for 9 months so either get extra large ones piled up or be ready to use the ones hospitals provide you with. In those3 to 5 days anyway you wouldn't bother about what brands are being given, you wouldn't want to feel clumsy that's all.

4. Panties (plus in size than your normal ones, preferably disposable)

It'll be a bliss to have disposable panties because from the time your water breaks till at least 7 days postpartum, you'll bleed so much (normal v/s C-sect alike) that you'd wish to throw away those soiled under garments.

5. Postnatal waist belt

This would be such a blessing for you...atleast for good 4 to 5 months till the time you get back to your full strengths. It can be worn after 2 to 3 days post delivery after consultation with your gynec. It helps relieve the nerve wracking pain in your back and lower abdomen, puts enough pressure in the internal organs so that you are able to sit or turn around and even sneezed or cough without hurting your body. Trust me this is a life saver, it made me get to stand on my feet with much ease and lesser pain.

6. Scarf

If you are delivering in India, all the #femaleclan suddenly will be all motherly and force you to put many of the ugly clothes turned around your head and ear, its better you keep one of your favourite scarves handy. This is just a precaution and it actually works if delivery is taking place in a relatively cooler environment. If your body temperature is regulated, your younger one (who has only you to look up to for every need) will automatically have a controlled temperature

7. A thermostat flask

Try to drink luke warm water, it'll make your GIT functional, reduce lower abdominal pain and prevent bloating. To find hot water would be very tiring so a thermos would prove very handy.

8. Medical kit

In your last OPD visit, ask your doctor to provide with list of medicines you'd require post delivery and keep this kit handy. Also, keep protein powders like mama proteinex with you.

9. Sanitizer and moisturiser

Whenever visitors come the most alarming thought which creeps a mother is the hygiene of baby, insist your visitors on hygiene and using Sanitizer before handling your precious one. You need your skin to be hydrated, keep a set of nipple softening creams, lip balm and stretch marks cream (this can be used a lil later though)

10. Heating and cooling pads

Breast massage and formenting with heating pads or not water pack in the initial 2 to 3 postnatal days help to loosen breast muscles and produce breast milk easily.

Cooling pads will be helpful in case of C-sect deliveries. You could use it on the areas where you're given painkiller injections.

11. Natural essential oils to de-stress

You can get a head or back massage to get relieved of the tingling pains you are going to suffer in first few days.

Baby kit essentials

1. Baby clothes

Set of 3 to 4 changeable clothes pre washed and sanitized with baby skin friendly detergent.

2. Warm liners

Remember, new born babies are unable to regulate their temperature. They need to have an optimal temperature everytime. Not too hot not too cold. A thumb rule is to dress your baby with one extra layer of than you would wear in the given temperature.

3. Caps, booties, mittens and socks

4. Formula milk for infants

Because after delivery you wouldn't be with your baby immediately (getting back to your senses is prolonged if its a C-section like mine) and your baby would be starving. So first few days your baby should be given both; formula milk and breast feed till the time your milk production increases. Ask your gynec to refer you to a pediatrician well in advance for all your queries.

5. Baby oil, cream and cleanser

When you touch your baby for the first time, you will realise why they call the softest of touches as "baby soft". Babies are so delicate that you would want nothing but the best and mildest of products for them. I used #bioderma products for my baby, if it is unavailable in your region , you can choose from the best available options. Do keep in mind that it shouldn't have a strong fragrance, should be baby skin friendly and hypo allergic.

6. Cotton wool or Baby wipes for cleaning

7. Diapers for new born (I have published a blog dedicated to diapers & potty training already)

8. Diaper rash cream

Just in case there is hot and humid weather at the time of your delivery, or even after. If your baby wears diaper there's no harm to take precautionary measures.

9. Bath towel

Infant size super soft towels come in so many varieties that you'll get spoilt for choices.

10. Washable utensils (water bottle, bowl and spoon)

For formula feeding your baby, just in case.

11. Infant thermometer

12. Swaddler

These are specially designed piece of clothing to tie around your baby safely and tuck them in to sleep.

I hope this list proves helpful to mothers to be and they have got all the necessary information here. I've tried as much to cover every topic of concern to a new mother.

For rest of the post natal days , especially the first trimester, try to eat healthy foods with lots of carbs, proteins and fibres.

Enjoy reading and keep giving your feedback.