If you are in your last trimester of pregnancy, now is the time to thinking about what you intend to pack when you finally go to the hospital to deliver your baby.
You should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go four to six weeks before your due date. If you plan to deliver in a Nigerian hospital, these 10 essential items will help you have a better birth experience:
For mother
1. Maternity pads
You can expect to bleed heavily after birth. Maternity pads are bigger, more absorbent and softer than sanitary towels.These are also known as Sept pads or Comfit pads in Nigeria.
Many women however use sanitary pads. You will probably need to change your pad every couple of hours.
2. Toiletries
Soap, sponge, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush in any brand of your choice. Some women also take makeup so they can look nice in pictures.
3. Clothes
Many Nigerian women pack underwear, nighties, one or two wrappers, a pair of slippers as well as a comfortable going home outfit.
Note that you will probably still look 5-6 months’ pregnant after your baby is born so pick something that you know you will be comfortable in.
4) Phone and charger
Everyone will want to know how you and baby are and besides you will need to share your good news with us at Mamalette!
For baby
5) Olive oil
In most Nigerian hospitals or birthing centres, olive oil is used to clean babies immediately after birth.
There is a layer on the newborn called vernix caseosa and it’s lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in oil. Soap is not used initially because it can be harsh to newborn skin.
Basically a birth attendant pours the olive oil on a piece of flannel and cleans the baby with it.
6) Spirit and cotton wool
Surgical spirit and cotton wool is what is used to clean you baby's umbilical cord stump before it falls off.
7) Diaper changing materials
A pack of newborn nappies is all you need for now. Experienced Mamalettes would suggest that you should not buy too many diapers in one size as you do not know how big or small your baby will be when he or she is delivered.
In addition to diapers, you will also need baby wipes, vaseline and diaper rash cream (not absolutely essential).
8) Baby clothes
This will include, vests, body suits, caps, gloves, socks, shawl/blanket, burp cloth and towels.
9) Fold-able bed net (those with zip)
This is highly essential as it is not recommended to sleep on the same bed with a newborn. Also the bed net should protect your newborn from mosquitos.
10) Bath essentials
For bathing your baby you will need, bathing sponge or foam, bathing soap, baby oil, baby comb, baby lotion, disinfectant e.g. Purit, Savlon or Dettol, hooded towel, manicure set and a set of baby plastic bath (if required).
These will be useful to give your baby his or her first bath. If you are a new mum, a matron or nurse should be able to show you how to bath your baby.
Once you've got your hospital bag sorted, remind yourself of the first signs of labour so you'll know when it's the real thing!