Planning for delivery and preparing for the advent of our little ones are exciting moments for both parents and even more for some of our family and friends. It is advisable to start preparing physically and mentally, and packing a bag of essentials you'll need during labour and after your baby is born, for both mommy and baby. You should start preparing when you are about 36 weeks pregnant so that you will not rush things off and left out some essentials. Here’s a guide for you to refer on:

Preparations tips

1. Purchase essential mother and baby items
   • Prepare a checklist and start to shop around when you are 6 to 8 months pregnant. (Click HERE for the list). It is good to make early preparation as you may deliver earlier from your expected due date.
       
2. Physical and mental preparations
   • Never be shy to ask your gynae or parents or surf the internet for useful and reliable resources about your pregnancy and childbirth.
   • Attend Ante-Natal classes provided by hospitals. It is vital for both daddy and mommy to learn and understand the process of labour and to obtain right information on normal and caesarean delivery, exercise for pregnant woman, post partum recovery process and etc.
       
3. Medical Check Up and preferred place to deliver
   • You should attend your monthly medical check up as advised by your gynae. It is important to monitor your baby and your health condition.
   • To make your first medical check up at your preferred choice of private hospital to deliver when you are 8 months pregnant. Private hospitals usually require patients to have their last 2 or 3 check up to be made at their hospitals.
   • For government hospitals, you will be required to perform medical check up at the government hospitals usually from 4th month onwards.
   • List of maternity hospital (click HERE)
        
4. Get ready your hospital bag (download checklist HERE)
   • Prepare your bag and put in the car starting from 8 months.
   • Make arrangement for babysitter or someone to look after your children should you are admitted to hospital during emergency.
   • To allocate aside some funds for delivery at private hospital (for those who are not covered under employer benefits) or for emergency cases.
       
5. To arrange for someone to look after you during confinement. Alternatively, you may like to get someone who can prepare food for you. Rest and nutrition are vital for you to regain your health.
       
6. For working mothers, do spend some time to look for suitable nursery or babysitter for your newborn baby preferably before delivery to ensure the babysitter/ nursery meets your requirement.
      

Your hospital bag checklist
Follow the downloadable checklist here to help pack your hospital bag. There’s no need to take too much, your stay should be quite short and, if you do need extra, friends or family can get things for you.
 
Hospital bag check list 
 
For Mommy (pre & post labour)

For Baby

• An infant car seat
• Going-home baby outfit
• Mitten & booties
• Hat
• Blanket (with or without hood)
• Feeding bottle
• Diapers

Understanding your needs, we at www.happymomnbaby.com provide all essential items for you, your baby and your family, modern and traditional items at our online e-specialty shop. Do shop at your convenience and we wish you happy parenting.