Congratulations, moms-to-be! You're about to embark on the most beautiful journey of your life. Whether you're delivering at a hospital in Kathmandu or a clinic in Pokhara, preparing your "hospital bag for delivery" in advance will make the entire process smoother and more comfortable.
Why Prepare a Hospital Bag?
In Nepal, hospitals usually don’t provide many personal essentials for new mothers. Preparing your hospital bag ahead of time ensures that both you and your baby have everything you need during your stay, without your family having to rush around. That’s why putting together a well-thought-out Nepal Hospital Bag for Delivery is an important step before welcoming your little one.
Essential Hospital Bag Checklist for Moms
1. Documents & Cash
- Identification: Your Nepali Citizenship Card, passport, or other valid ID.
- Medical Documents: All prenatal check-up reports, ultrasound scans, doctor's prescriptions, etc. These are crucial for hospital admission and doctor's rounds.
- Cash: Keep some Nepali Rupees on hand for small expenses or snacks around the hospital.
2. Comfortable Clothing
- Labor Gown/Nightgown: Choose a loose, cotton, front-buttoning nightgown for easy examinations and postpartum breastfeeding.
- Jacket: Nepal's temperature can vary greatly between day and night. Bring a light jacket or cardigan to avoid catching a chill.
- Underwear: Pack several pairs of cotton underwear and a few breastfeeding-friendly bras.
- Slippers: A pair of comfortable, non-slip slippers for walking around the ward and going to the bathroom.
3. Personal Hygiene Items
- Maternity Pads: Nepali hospitals may not provide these. We recommend bringing plenty of highly absorbent maternity pads.
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste: To keep your mouth clean.
- Towels: Pack one for your face and one for your body.
- Wet Wipes: Bring a pack for easy cleaning.
4. Breastfeeding Supplies
- Nipple Cream: To help soothe nipple soreness in the early days of breastfeeding.
- Nursing Pads: To prevent milk leaks from staining your clothes when your milk first comes in.
Essential Hospital Bag Checklist for Newborns
1. Comfortable Clothing
- Newborn Outfits: Prepare 2-3 sets of cotton, front-buttoning onesies or two-piece outfits for easy changing.
- Hat, Socks & Mittens: Some parts of Nepal can be cool in the mornings and evenings. A hat, socks, and mittens will keep your baby warm and prevent them from scratching themselves.
- Swaddle Blankets: Bring 1-2 soft swaddle blankets to provide your baby with a sense of security.
2. Feeding Supplies
- Bottle & Formula: While we advocate for breastfeeding, it's a good idea to bring one newborn bottle and a small can of formula just in case.
- Burp Cloths: Prepare a few small burp cloths or muslin squares to wipe your baby's mouth.
3. Diapers & Cleaning
- Newborn Diapers: Nepali hospitals don't provide these, so please pack enough newborn diapers.
- Wet Wipes: Bring baby-specific wet wipes for diaper changes.
- Diaper Rash Cream: To prevent diaper rash.
Don't Forget These Little Extras!
- Phone and Charger: A must-have to stay in touch with family, track contractions, or capture the moment your baby is born. Make sure it’s fully charged! Oh, and don't forget to record the very first moment of your baby's life!
- Thermos/Insulated Bottle: You'll need to drink plenty of warm water after delivery, and a thermos ensures you always have some on hand.
- Snacks: Pack some high-energy snacks like nuts, chocolate, and biscuits to refuel.
- Eye Mask and Earplugs: If you're sensitive to sound and light, these can help you get better rest.
Hospital Bag Checklist Chart
For your convenience in checking at any time, we have prepared a clear checklist chart. If needed, you may save or print the image below.
A Gentle Reminder for Moms
Stay Relaxed (Dherai sochnu hunna): Even if you forget something, try not to get too anxious. In major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, it’s easy to find what you need. The most important thing is to stay in a happy mood.
Prepare Early to Avoid Panic: We recommend packing your hospital bag starting from your 8th month of pregnancy, especially if you live in a mountainous area where transportation can be challenging. This way, you won't be caught off guard if labor starts unexpectedly. Make a checklist and check off items one by one to make sure you haven't missed anything.
Adjust as Needed: Even if you're planning a home birth, it's still a good idea to have a hospital bag ready in case you need to go to the hospital in an emergency. Different hospitals may have different requirements, so it's a great idea to call ahead and ask if you need to bring any extra items. For example, some hospitals might provide formula, so you won't need to bring your own.
We hope this list helps you! Wishing you a smooth delivery and a wonderful new chapter with your baby!
