In episode 14, Nicole Didizian, founder of Main Line Family Education and mom of two, gave us so many tips about how to prepare for postpartum life when you’re still pregnant. A Labor and Delivery, Newborn and Postpartum nurse with over a decade of experience, Nicole found a need in the community for a more family-focused approach to welcoming a new baby into the world.
She is thrilled to concentrate on education as the founder of Main Line Family Education. Her warm personality coupled with a deep understanding of pregnancy, delivery, and infant care, will provide families with the tools and knowledge they need to manage the journey through parenthood in the most positive way.
We asked her to share what you actually need in your hospital bag:
For Mom:
Early Labor is a lot of hurry up and wait. You’re definitely going to want distractions!
- A Playlist: Make a playlist that’s ready with your favorite songs is super important, as well as you know way to listen to them you can bring little Bluetooth speakers into your labor room, or if you want earbuds that’s another great way to really, you know, especially during your contractions zone out a bit. Music is a really powerful tool for that.
- A Focal Point: Some of my patients would bring in a picture of their honeymoon spot if it’s like your favorite beach or something that evokes a relaxed feeling from you, other moms and dads bring in a picture of their ultrasound and really focus on that so I always advocate.
- Baby Book: When you are just waiting for the action to happen, you are grateful for every distraction available. Bring a baby book, if you have one of those or a journal, along with a pen or two.
- Thank You Notes: If you have some thank you notes if you’re anticipating people are sending you gifts or maybe you’re a little delayed and getting those shower thank you notes out. It’s a great opportunity to be able to write some of those out when you’re in the hospital.
- Maternity Clothes: You’ll want some clean maternity clothes to wear home. A lot of people don’t realize you’re still gonna have a little bit of a belly when you go home and something with an elastic waistband something that’s super comfortable.
- Nursing Bra: That’s really helpful whether you’re breastfeeding or not.
- Robe: A lot of moms like to have a robe, so not a big fluffy heavy robe, but something a little lighter that’ll allow you again to put baby skin to skin easily and take on or off.
- Flip Flops
- Toiletries
- Wireless Phone Charger
- A Folder or Paper Organizer to keep all of your paperwork together
- Lip balm
- Ponytail holders/Headbands: To keep hair off your face during labor.
- Mints or Chewing Gum
- Sleep Mask/Ear Plugs
For Your Partner:
- Pain Reliever
- Toiletries
- Comfy Clothes
- Snacks
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