Hospital Bag Checklist

The Hospital Bag Checklist for delivering in Singapore

When should you pack your maternity hospital bag?

Try to pack at least 3 weeks before your due date, as it's better to be ready-to-go instead of panicking when the water bag breaks unexpectedly or if the painful contractions finally visits you and by then you won't be able to think properly of what to bring to hospital. 

What to pack in your hospital bag?

Well, it depends on what amenities and items are already included in your hospital maternity package though. I will be delivering at Mount Alvernia Hospital, and these are the stuffs that's included in the maternity package...

Mount Alvenia Maternity packages include the following:

• Lodging, inclusive of meals (Normal delivery - 3D2N / C-Section - 4D3N)
• Labour Ward charges or Operating Theatre charges (depending on type of delivery)
• Nursery charges
• Daily treatment fee for Nursing services
• Baby's immunization (BCG, 1st dose of Hep B and Vitamin K)
• Baby's blood test for G6PD, TSH and Blood type
• 1 Complimentary Group Parentcraft session at Parentcraft Centre (Mon - 10am to 11am, Wed & Fri - 2pm to 3pm)
• 1 Complimentary Lactation Consultant visit during hospital stay
• Maternity loop pads (1 packet)
• Baby diapers (1  packet)
• Baby wipes (1 packet)
• Baby's bathtub
• Maternity discharge bag
• Basic toiletries (comb, shampoo, shower gel, shower cap, toothbrush, toothpaste, face towel, pen)

Items NOT included in package price:

Histology, X-Rays, Blood cultures, Haemoglucotest, Blood Transfusion, OT Assistant fee, Surcharges, Baby Hearing Test, Metabolic Test, Abdominal Binder, CTG Monitoring and Use of Labour Ward facility before Emergency Caesarean, Use of Pessary of the Induction of Labour, Antibiotics, Blood Test and Phototherapy for babies with jaundice, and drugs that are not commonly used are not included in package price. Accordingly, such excess will be billed to the patient.

So, I packed according to what's not included in the package and other necessities...

Admission

• Hospital paperwork: Admission documents, Antenatal package bills for Medisave claim, Birth plan (if you have one, which you're supposed to discuss with your gynae beforehand).
• NRIC/Driving license (not in photo)

During & After Labour

• Snacks: pack some snacks so you don't have to go out to buy any when you go hungry during the hours of labour. Buy and pack along isotonic drink too as it might help replenish the energy loss and be ready to push when it's time!
• Things to help you relax or kill time (not in photo): drama series or tablet/iPad to keep yourself entertained.
• Socks: useful when the room is cold (especially for Chinese who believes the old wives' tale of wearing socks postpartum to avoid cold wind).
• Open-toes slippers: convenient for you to get on and off the bed, in case you wanna walk around etc. I suggest open-toes slippers or bedroom slippers is because you can easily wear them even with socks on. 
• Stay-in pyjamas/nightgown: to wear after your delivery while staying in hospital. I was advised to wear front-button nightwear for easy access to breastfeeding. And also, choose dress over pants, so that the nurse can change the pads for you and clean you up easily. (Update: i didn't get to wear my own pyjamas. I wore their hospital gown. Its actually much more convenient, as the gown let them have easy access to clean me up and it comes with front opening for nursing when necessary!)
• Nursing bras: in case your milk supply comes in early and has leakage.
• Maternity pads: I know, 1 packet is already included in package, but bring some extras (like 3-5 pieces) in case what they provide is not enough and you don't want them to charge you for an extra whole pack. 
• Disposable mesh underpants: heard these are comfortable & really useful after delivery. 
• Postpartum shapewear/binder: to tighten your belly!
• Sterilization tablets: to sterilize breastpump equipments. 
• Breastpump set: to help bring on milk if baby latching fails. The lactation consultant at the hospital can also guide you with your breastpump usage. (Update: Mount Alvernia Hospital allow usage of personal breast pump, but the milk pumped out of it cannot be given to newborn in the hospital due to policy. If you wanna pump out breastmilk to feed newborn in hospital, have to rent a set from them at about $50+)
• Nursing/Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Fish oil & Vitamins
• Eye mask: for light sleeper to sleep better
• Mouthwash (optional)
• Baby diaper rash cream (Update: not necessary)
• Handphone charger
• Earphone (not in photo): if you're not staying in Single-bed ward.
• Medications (not in photo): for your own health condition (eg. Asthma inhaler for my case)

Day of Discharge

• Mummy's going-home outfit: a sleeveless long dress and a cardigan
• Baby's going-home outfit: newborn rompers (I'm bringing 2 rompers of different sizes, just in case), hat, mittens, booties, swaddle.
• Car seat (optional): "under Singapore's Road Traffic rules, anyone below the height of 1.35m will be required to be secured with a child restraint appropriate for a person of that height and weight, use a booster seat to supplement the seat belt or an approved adjustable seat belt. However, taxis are exempted from the child restraint requirement as it would not be reasonable or practical for public service vehicles to carry a number and variety of child seats of different-sizes that are suitable for children of different ages. Children or persons below the height of 1.35m shall only ride in the rear of the taxis." So, that saying, if you are travelling home in private car (including Grab), a car seat is required. Otherwise, get a taxi if you wanna hand carry your newborn home, in the rear seat please. 

Hope you have a smooth and safe delivery!