Seven must-haves for your maternity bag

One of the things a lot of women, especially first-time mothers often wonder about is how to stock the famous maternity, labour or baby bag.

You are probably wondering what the maternity bag is. Well, the baby bag is the one bag you need to have with you when labour starts.

SOURCE OF ENTERTAINMENT

It is not given that the baby will pop right out the moment you get to the hospital. For the lucky ladies, it can take only a few hours but for some, this wait can go on for days. So you need to have your phone with you if the internet is your drug or a book or magazine if you do not want any distractions.

A LESO OR SHUKA

In case you do not know, once you get to the hospital you won’t be allowed to stay in your tight trousers or long dresses.

A shuka or leso is the easiest way for you to walk around while you labour and also it makes it easy for the medics to check the baby’s progress as you wait for the baby to come.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

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Trust me, after labour has passed and the baby has arrived the first thing you will do is take a hot shower and that will need a change of clothes, and clean clothes.

As you pack your clothes remember to slip in a towel and slippers. Also for our ‘extra ladies’, a little makeup won't hurt.

BABY CLOTHES

While someone might think packing baby clothes is obvious, many women have found themselves in hospital minus baby clothes and only a shuka to cradle their newborns.

As you pack your baby’s clothes do not forget to pack a baby shawl as well.

DIAPERS

Yes, another thing many women often forget about is diapers. You might have packed the baby clothes but without the diapers, you are back to square one.

Also, do not just pack one piece, pack enough for at least two days.

MATERNITY PADS

After your baby is born, you will experience bleeding for a few days when the womb is shedding and since your usual pads will not be able to accommodate the load, you will need to buy maternity pads.

Although women who go through caesarean birth may experience less bleeding, they too will need to have these maternity pads packed and ready.

PHONE CHARGER

Last but not least, remember to carry your phone charger. Many women often go off the grid after having the baby, not because they want to but simply because they forgot to carry their phone chargers. Do not be that woman!

Tip: Having a list is the best way to ensure you do not forget anything as you pack your baby bag.