No, Mommy isn’t packing for an island cruise but she did a lot of planning when she prepared for her labor bag! And why not? These are the essentials that will make hospital stay more convenient and comfortable.

Mommy’s not really planning to stay for a few days in the hospital, one or two is enough. But well, the last thing she needed is to forget something important on D-day since it will be a no-no to go back home and get what’s forgotten when she’s in the midst of labor already. But, she’s trying not to be overboard as well.

Mommy’s sharing here the contents (and the nice things to have, if ever) of her labor bag, maybe you can compare notes with her.

For Mommy - Essentials:

1. Cash/Cards (spare change/coins may come handy too)

2. Health Insurance Card (yup, that’s Mommy’s PhilHealth) and documents

3. Clothing:

- 2-3 Nightgown/Pajamas (with front buttons for easy breastfeeding)

- Several changes of underwear (some hospitals provide mesh undies for lochia leaking, but I don’t think they do here, so Mommy’s gonna be bringing some soft old undies from home)

- Bathrobe (comes handy especially if Mommy wants to walk on the hospital halls while waiting for me to come out, it will be chilly to walk around in a nightgown!)

- Nursing Bra and Pads (essential for breastfeeding Moms – Mommy plans to breastfeed me so she’ll be bringing 2; nice for non-breastfeeding Moms too, nursing bras offer support and comfort)

- Slippers and Socks (Hospitals can be so cold, so this will keep Mommy warm)

- Going-home dress (something loose and comfortable – with front buttons – that Mommy will wear on our way home)

4. Sanitary Napkins (highly absorbent with plenty of coverage will do, Mommy will be bleeding, shucks!)

5. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, shampoo, hairbrush)

6. Lip Gloss or cream (to lessen dryness from breathing so much through the mouth)

7. Watch or Stopwatch (to time contractions)

8. Mobile phone (to spread the good news – the charger must be brought as well)

For Mommy - Recommended:

1. A camera/video camera/digital camera (to capture the moments) plus extra films, tapes and batteries (a charger shouldn’t be forgotten too)

2. MP3/MP4/battery-operated tape player (for Mommy’s favorite music)

3. Extra Pillows (these may be scarce in the hospital)

4. A small cooler with light and healthy food and drinks

5. Baby book (to record our first moments, it’s good Mommy loves to write)

For Mommy – Nice to Have:

1. Laptop (hmmm.. Mommy doesn’t have one now… she can’t send virtual birth announcement then)

2. Massage lotion/Aromatherapy items (Why not make Mommy relax right?)

3. Cosmetics (of course Mommy would love to look great in photographs – not that she needed all those cosmetics though, my Mommy’s a natural beauty, hihihi!)

For Me! (Yipee!):

1. Several changes of clothing (Mom, don’t forget my first picture outfit!)

2. Diapers for the trip home

3. Bottles and Milk Formula (in case Mommy can’t breastfeed)

4. Knitted cap (I have to look cool! Hihihi!)

5. Receiving blankets

I have just a few items since the hospital will be providing everything I will be needing during my stay. The above items are the one I needed for my trip home.