Expectant parents can use this prenatal period to prepare for the upcoming delivery and the arrival of their baby. The following lists of items needed at the hospital before and after delivery, as well as baby essentials to prepare at home, serve as helpful references. Did you know these? Here's what you need to know.
Essentials for Expectant Mothers During Labor
1. Documents:
ID card, birth permit, medical insurance card, clinic card, prenatal checkup records, blood donation certificate, bank card, cash.
2. Clothing:
One set of loose pajamas, one set of nursing tops, one set of clothes for discharge, 2-3 nursing bras, 4-5 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of pure cotton socks, one pair of postpartum shoes with heels, postpartum hat, gauze belly band.
3. Nursing Essentials:
Postpartum sanitary pads, toilet paper, wet wipes, tissue paper, disposable paper underwear (multiple pairs), breast pads, disposable toilet seat covers, silicone nipple shields, nipple cream, manual or electric breast pump.
4. Hygiene & Care:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, tooth cup, comb, Safeguard soap for handwashing, facial cleanser, skincare products, one large and one small towel, basin, small basin for washing baby's bottom.
5. Daily Essentials:
Water cup, jasmine bud tea and chrysanthemum tea (can be consumed before delivery).Bent straw, lunch box, chopsticks and spoon, thermos, chocolate, brown sugar.
6. Diaper Bag: A practical, extra-large diaper bag with organized compartments for easy access. Ideal not only for post-birth outings with baby but also for hospital stays—no need for multiple bags!
7. Nursing bras:
Nursing bras are especially convenient for feeding your baby in colder weather. Designed for both pregnancy and postpartum use, they also make nighttime breastfeeding easy.
Familiarize yourself with the normal labor process beforehand. Natural childbirth involves three stages. Expectant mothers should understand the characteristics of each stage and actively prepare mentally to approach delivery with confidence and cooperate effectively with medical staff:
First Stage: Cervical Dilatation. This is the longest stage of labor, typically lasting 11-12 hours for first-time mothers and 6-8 hours for those who have given birth before.During the active phase of the first stage, contractions intensify. Expectant mothers can try breathing techniques and body relaxation to manage pain. It's also important to replenish energy and fluids, stay mentally alert, and prepare for the crucial tasks ahead.
Second Stage: From Full Cervical Dilation to Delivery. As the cervix nears full dilation, contractions become increasingly frequent. This stage typically takes 1-2 hours for first-time mothers and less than half an hour for those who have given birth before.Once the cervix is fully dilated, the descent of the fetal head triggers an involuntary urge to push downward. At this point, the mother should begin pushing in rhythm with contractions, guiding the baby downward and outward. As the head nears delivery, the mother should exhale forcefully to relieve abdominal pressure and minimize the risk of severe perineal tears.
Third Stage: The placenta and fetal membranes are expelled, typically taking 5-15 minutes, though rarely exceeding 30 minutes. Placental delivery triggers mild contractions, and the new mother can usually push it out with moderate effort. Within two hours postpartum, the new mother should rest in bed, monitor vaginal bleeding, consume semi-liquid foods for energy, and ensure timely urination.