The birth of a child is definitely a very important and touching moment. Since you have looked this article up, this means you are interested in preparing this unique moment, which is very wise to do. When the time comes, you don’t want to be running around to get everything you need (and most probably forget things). That is why a checklist and its preparation in advance is a very useful and wise thing to do.

There are four different categories of things to pack, and it is probably a good idea to place them in different bags:

• For labor
• For your partner
• For your baby
• Postpartum

FOR LABOR:

• Documents – birth plan, insurance card;
• Toiletries –toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, brush, comb, lip balm, massage oil, hair band and barrettes. Hospitals will have soap, shampoo and lotion, but if you prefer your own brands you can pack that too.
• A T-shirt or nightgown for birth (one that you can throw away afterwards), a robe (for walking around) socks and slippers. Make sure the gown has either loose sleeves or short sleeves, so that your blood pressure can easily be checked.
• Music and something to read to pass the time, extra pillows if you think you might need them (if you do, use a colorful pillowcase so that you don’t lose your pillow among the hospital pillows.)

FOR YOUR PARTNER:

• Money for parking and change for vending machines;
• Some snacks and something to read during the early stages;
• A few basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant);
• A change of clothes;
• Camera(s), batteries, extra film or tape, extra memory card;
• Phone card for long distance calls (some hospitals don’t allow cell phones in) and address book.

FOR YOUR BABY:

• Newborn clothing (including cap and socks);
• Two receiving blankets;
• Extra newborn-sized diapers;
• Gentle baby wipes;
• Baby nail clippers (most babies are born with long fingernails and can scratch their face);
• Baby car seat.

POSTPARTUM

• A fresh nightgown;
• A nursing bra, breast pads, and maternity underwear;
• High absorbency sanitary pads (we recommend Anion Love Moon Sanitary Napkins) –the hospital provides some but you will need a lot of them;
• Some snacks;
• Clothing for the trip home (bring some comfortable clothes, such as some of your second trimester maternity clothes).

I hope you find this list useful. You can leave a comment if this has been of any help or if you have suggestions of things to add to the list.

Ruth Taylor

Once you’ve tried a tampon, you don’t want to use pads again. When wearing a tampon you can almost forget that it’s one of those days. Tampons are comfortable, discrete and much more practical than pads when you do sports. With tampons at hand, you won’t have to worry again about plans of doing some activities being ruined just because you are having your period. Another good thing about tampons is that they save you of the bad smell.

But is using tampons also healthy? The most serious risk about using tampons is toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but very dangerous illness. While with your pad you can see when it is time to change it, it is not the same with a tampon. When using a tampon, you will have to remember to change it every four to six hours. Leaving one in too long, like all day or all night, can cause TSS.

Many women tend to use the most absorbent tampon thinking that this way they won’t have to change it as often. But when you keep a tampon in too long, bacteria can grow. If tampons are kept in for a long time, that gives the bacteria plenty of time to grow. These bacteria can grow within the tampon, enter the body from inside the vagina, then invade the bloodstream, releasing toxins that can cause a very severe, and occasionally life-threatening illness –TSS.

Symptoms of TSS include high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, a feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, and a rash that looks like a sunburn. If you ever have these symptoms while wearing a tampon, remove it and go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

So, while tampons can be most useful in some cases, doctors recommend that they be used alternatively with pads in order to prevent TSS. Or, even better, use high quality pads that can offer you high protection and comfort without putting your health at risk.

Anion Love Moon Sanitary Napkins produced by Winalite are made of best quality materials, they provide high absorbency and disease protection. They have a special unique layer of negative ions, which helps eliminate odor, diminish inflammation, relieve fatigue and improve immunity. Anion Sanitary Napkins allow air flow and they are very comfortable.

In conclusion, consider using Anion Sanitary Napkins for your best comfort and health.

Ruth Taylor