With Dumpling, I only had to pack a few items because he spent the whole time in the nursery of Makati Medical City. But now I'm giving birth in a different hospital with a strict rooming-in policy so I have to be prepared!
Here is my list (mostly based from my first birthing experience and the lists of Topaz Mommy and Manila Mommy):
For Yummy Mummy:
1) Extra Pillows and Blanket
2) Nightgown with front opening (easier to breastfeed!)
3) Nursing Bra - I got mine from Marks & Spencer and H&M
4) Disposable Cotton Underwear - I got this from Watsons - they have good ones that feel like real underwear! Why disposable? This saves you from having to wash bloody underwear in the hospital (and hanging it on the bathroom for your guests to see!)
5) Cotton Underwear - You can use this when major bleeding has subsided
6) Abdominal Binder - Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it! Must have for yummy mummies undergoing C-section.
7) Maternity Pads/Adult Diaper - Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it! I use Modess Overnights since it has wings which I prefer.
8) Underpads - This like a big cotton pad which they place under your butt so you won't stain the hospital bed with blood. Better to bring your own so the hospital won't charge you an arm and a leg for it (I think they charge P50/piece! You can buy an 8pc pack for P145.75 in the supermarket!)
9) Breastpads and Breast gel - I use Lansinoh and Medela
10) Nursing Cover - lest you welcome your guests with a surprise peep show!
11) Slippers
12) Lipbalm and Mints
13) Glasses/Contact Lens/Contact Lens Solution
14) Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, face wash, shampoo, bath wash/soap, bath towel, etc)
15) Liquid Hand Wash - I prefer this to regular bar soap because I find it more hygienic.
16) Change of clothes/ Going home outfit
17) Breastpump - I used this when I gave birth to Dumpling to relieve engorgement. I still fed him directly but the nurses gave the expressed milk via cup feeding. Better to just bring yours if you have one anyway because MMC charged P100 per use of their industrial breastpump.
18) Breastfeeding Pillow/Boppy Pillow (optional)
15) Kidney basin (if you have)
16) Ear thermometer with Lens Filters - the nurses change the lens filter after every use. They take your temperature every 3 hours. It's P10/filter. You do the math!
For the little one:
1) 1 pack of newborn diaper - Again, bring your own so the hospital won't charge you
2) 4 Tie-sides/Kimono sets
3) 4 pairs of mittens (the ones you tie up, not the garterized ones which come off easily) and booties/socks
4) 2 receiving blankets
5) 1 Baby Wash
6) 1 Baby Towel
7) Burp Pads or Lampin
8) Baby Wipes
9) 4 Frogsuits/Footsie Pajamas - we stayed at St. Lukes BGC and it was sooo cold!
10) Going home outfit
For Daddy:
1) Pillow and Blanket
2) Toiletries
3) Change of Clothes
4) Bath Towel
5) Slippers
Others:
1) Camera with chargers and extra memory cards - make sure your batteries are fully charged before going to the hospital
2) Checkbook & Cash - some doctors only accept cash payment so check on this before the big day so you'll know how much to bring
3) 1 Gallon of Water + Paper/Plastic Cups
4) Paper Plates, plastic spoon and fork
4) Alcohol/Hand Sanitizer
5) Cotton - remember, each and every cotton ball the hospital uses on you and your baby will be charged!
6) 2 Pens - you will be filling up a LOT of forms!
7) Baby Book/Memory Book
8) Phone chargers
Documents:
1) Philhealth
- Philhealth ID
- Form 1
- MDR (Member Data Record)
- Contribution Certificate
2) Marriage Contract
3) Birth Certificate of Mum and Dad
4) Doctor's Admission Slip
5) Mother's Information Sheet - different nurses, doctors, residents will be asking for THE SAME information. Just hand this over so they'll leave you in peace!
6) La Maze Certificate (if normal delivery and you want daddy in the birthing room)
7) Birth Certificate Cheat Sheet
Hope this helps other yummy mummies preparing for the big day, too!
Is there something on your list that I missed out?
Please leave me a note so I can add it on mine!
