As a recent first time mother, I found the most daunting part of my pregnancy to be packing the hospital bag. I was frequently asked "have you packed yet?" with a chuckle in response. I knew I was secretly dreading it as I saw so many varied lists, read numerous blogs and articles that I would need this and that. The reality was after several trips to many retail stores, I couldn't find what I needed. Whether it was sold out or not even available, I still found myself spending hundreds of dollars to get all the items on the lists and I still didn't use the items.

When my water broke in my 39th week and I couldn't delay any further. I rushed to get additional items together in my bag so I could make my way to the hospital.

While at the hospital, I kept thinking "oh I forgot the mirror" or something else. Getting to the washroom meant unplugging machines, moving the couch (for my partner), moving the eating tray table then wheeling myself over to the washroom. I just didn't bother....so of course that first picture wasn't the prettiest...but really who's looking at me when they see a cute baby:-)

Looking back on my pregnancy, I wish it was one of those tasks that someone had offered to do for me, or I had received as a baby shower gift or even find it available as a kit for me to buy myself.

That's when ONE born Labour Recovery Kit came to fruition. I wanted to eliminate that frustration for expectant mothers. Thinking how I needed to recover quickly so I can take care of my baby girl, I curated the most essential items needed in a hospital bag. I also found there were items given to me at the hospital that were not easily available to the public but were very helpful for my recovery at the hospital and when I returned home.

As Canada's first and only solution to packing the hospital bag, ONE born's Labour Recovery Kits are filled with essential items for mom and dad to be comfortable as they await their newborn. Our kits are complimentary to various postnatal kits that may be on the market. However, we wanted to take care of all expectant mothers, so finding the right items were selected through numerous research, focus groups, midwives, doulas and healthcare professionals.

I strongly believe no woman should stress over getting basic items together and this way all new moms can choose to take care of themselves first by purchasing one of our deluxe or premium kits. With my partner being so involved, we didn't want to neglect expectant dads as they tend to get overlooked. The Dad's Labour Recovery Kit is filled with fuel and comfort to get him through the experience so he can be refreshed for when his newborn arrives.

So, whether this is your first baby or your third let us at ONE born take care of you first. Here’s to a smooth recovery!

Vijanti
Founder, ONE born