Weeks before our scheduled Caesarian Section Delivery, I started packing up our stuff (me, baby and daddy) for our 4-day hospital stay (estimated). So here’s how I packed ours.

Zipper pouches and packing cubes

I learned from one mommy groups the beauty of using zipper pouches especially for the needs of the baby.  This is because the daddy can just get one pouch that contains all the essentials and hand it over to the nurse (or for him) whenever the baby’s clothes need to be changed.

I also maximised the use of packing cubes that was given to me last Christmas.  Packing cubes helped me put things alike such as daily clothes, extra clothes and extra things that we need to bring to the hospital.  I also bought one more set of six because I needed more big cubes.

Color-coded labels

I used different coloured sticky notes and my Demo LetraTag label maker in labelling the pouches.  Pink is for Baby Aeda, Teal is for me, Yellow is for Dann, and Brown for general things.

Labels per pouch and bag

Since I will not be able to move for 24 hours, I put labels on each pouch and bag so daddy can easily find the things he and we need.  The labels are also color-coded accordingly.

I used ID jackets with our names and at the back are the contents written in coloured stick note.  Used rubber loops so the labels can be attached to the bags.

Delivery room bag

I packed everything that we will need at the delivery room and put them all in one ecobag so that we will just give it to the nurse.  One zipper pouch for baby’s needs and one zipper pouch for my Dale binder.  I prefer to use the Dale binder immediately as this is more effective in postpartum binding.

For baby’s need, I included one set of clothes (tie side and pajamas), diaper, blanket, socks, mittens, and bonnet.

Baby needs

Baby has the most essentials packed because I included lots of extras in case she needs to change clothes more than twice a day.

For the complete set, I have included top (tie side or onesie), PJs, mittens, socks/booties, bonnet, lampin, wash cloth, swaddle/blanket, and diaper.  Every day, baby needs to be washed/wiped so this set will be used (why there’s a wash cloth per set).  I also labeled the complete set from Day 2 to Day 4. A separate pouch is for her going home clothes. These are all inside the large cube.

Of course, baby needs to change clothes during the day so I packed a clothes set.  This includes just a top and PJs per zipper pouch.

Extra clothes are also included just in case she needs to be changed more than twice a day.  Included are PJs, sleeveless tie sides, long-sleeve tie sides and frog suits.

These extras are inside the medium cube.

Extra socks, mittens and wash cloths are are packed inside the small cube. Yes, lots of socks because they might just get lost during the day.

Extra blankets, towel, lampins and a swaddle are also packed.

A baby pillow!

All the above are inside baby’s bag using Jujube Super Be Tokipops.

I also packed a separate diaper bag essentials for her that I can use while inside the car going home.  These include a clothes set (onesie, diaper, socks, mittens, bonnet, baby blanket), lots of lampin, extra diapers, grooming and health kit (nail clipper, nail scissors, tweezer, nasal aspirator), ring sling (for baby wearing), alcohol and changing pad (included in the diaper bag when bought).

For the health and grooming kit, it is better to have a hook so I can hang it anywhere when needed.  This makes the stuff easy to get, especially if I am holding my baby.

Yes, I included the shampoo here. I have no more space in the other bags. 🙂

A Shadrach Collection’s Maharlika Ring Sling that I will be using during discharge.  This will make it easier for me to move.

Here is the diaper bag (Jujube Convertible Bundle):

Mommy needs

Aside from clothes, I also need some additional essentials in breastfeeding, toiletries, robe, and towel (shared with daddy).

For my daily clothes, I just packed few pairs of shirt and shorts (since I expect I will be using the hospital gown), undies, socks and napkin.  One pouch is still good for one day.

But I also have separate pouches for just undies (one pair with socks) so I can change daily.

Other essentials are hot and cold compress, more napkin, antibacterial wipes, and a facial tissue.  I also included the breast pads here.

All the above essentials are packed inside the large cube.

Breastfeeding essentials (nipple butter inside the toiletry bag):

Toiletry bag includes tooth brush (one for me, one for daddy), tooth paste, mouth wash, deodorant sachet, cotton pads, cotton buds, hair ties, shampoo in small gel-pump bottle, soap in lockable dish, lotion in small gel-pump bottle, 1 coreless tissue roll, powder, nipple butter (for breastfeeding), sanitising spray (Human Nature), and a toiletry bag with hook.  This hook will be helpful since we can just hang this bag inside the CR.

Indoor slipper but I just bought thick hotel slippers, which we can still use at home. They are inside the shoe carrier.

Of course, bath towel, robe for me, 2 hand towels (mainstay in CR and another extra), face towels, and 2 blankets (one for me, one for daddy). I will also include 1 eye mask. I still need to sew one. 🙂

And they are packed inside our luggage. Packing cubes are really helpful!

Daddy needs

Daddy has the least stuff packed.  I only packed his daily clothes and going home clothes. His toiletries are included in my toiletry bag but he only needs the basics such as shampoo, soap, tooth brush, toothpaste and mouth wash.

All of these (plus the gadget bag below) are inside the daddy bag (Jujube Mini Be Tokidoki).

Other needs

Aside from our needs, there are also other needs that we need to bring such as those that we can use for eating.  So I included 2 mugs, 4 pairs of spoons and forks, 1 stainless steel straw, 4 lightweight ceramic plates, 1 doz coffee and 1 doz milo. I will also put a microwaveable food container (not yet included). Our ever reliable Rove Stainless Steel Tumbler will also be inside the bag (we are still using it).

I also packed other essentials such as inter folded tissue, 2 coreless tissue rolls, sponge, 3 trash bags, different sizes of zipper pouches in case we need to bring home something from the hospital, and dishwashing liquid in small gel-pump bottle.  They are all in one big zipper pouch.

Of course we will be bringing our gadgets so we need chargers, cables and power bank.  I put them in a travel organiser.

Food is life! So I packed some chips and cookies as they are not perishable.  I will buy bread and spread when we are near the date.

I packed disposable cups, extension cord, and 5 eco bags/katsa bags.  This will help us pack our things when going home especially if there will be big items that we will bring home from the hospital.

I put everything in one big ecobag with a tag of contents. Additional content here is our Starbucks Brew by the Cup (coffee dripper). We’ll just buy the filter and bean/grounds at St. Luke’s since we are quarantined until I give birth.

 

Documents

There are also important documents to prepare such as laboratory and ultrasound results, PhilHealth form, mommy’s birth certificate, marriage certificate (just in case needed), hospital package form, and admission documents from OB.  I also included photocopy of our IDs.  A sample birth certificate of baby is also included in case I will not be able to write when the form is need to be submitted.  Daddy will just copy the details with the correct spelling of Aeda’s name. 🙂

Here are all our hospital bags just for 4-day stay. It’s like we’re going to the province for one month!

For the complete list of items, you can access it here. Hope this helps expecting moms and dads!