| Packing list for the hospital or birth center You may want to pack two small bags for the hospital or birth center: one for the items you'll need during labor, and another for items that you won't need until after you give birth. (See a scheduled c-section packing list.) We recommend packing your bags when you're eight months pregnant, since you could go into labor at any time in the weeks before your due date. Here's a list of things that experienced moms recommend packing: For Mom’s · A picture ID (driver's license or other ID), your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need Your birth plan, if you have one · Eyeglasses Even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you're in the hospital. · Toiletries. Pack a few personal items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own. · A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor and afterward, but most will allow you to wear your own clothes if you prefer. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that you don't mind getting dirty. It should be either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily. Slippers and robe may come in handy when you're walking around during the early stages of labor. · Whatever will help you relax For your partner/labor coach · A camera or video camera with batteries, charger, and memory card (or film or tape) · Toiletries · Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes · Snacks and something to read · Money for parking and change for vending machines · A bathing suit What you’ll need after you deliver For Mom’s
After many hours of labor, you're likely to be pretty hungry, and you won't want to rely solely on hospital food. So bring your own – crackers, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or whatever you think you'll enjoy. A bottle of nonalcoholic champagne might be fun for celebrating, too.
Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in. This can happen anytime during the first several days after delivery. Once it does, breast pads can help absorb leaks.
The hospital will probably provide you with a book, but you may prefer your own. Of course, the postpartum nurses will be there to answer questions and show you how to change, hold, nurse, and bathe your newborn if you need guidance.
When they come to visit, they'll see that you haven't forgotten them.
Some parents bring gifts for the new baby to "give" to big brothers and sisters.
Track your baby's feeding sessions, write down questions you have for the nurse, note what the pediatrician tells you, jot down memories of your baby's first day, and so on. Some people bring a baby book so they can record the birth details right away.
Bring something roomy and easy to get into (believe it or not, you'll probably still look 5 or 6 months pregnant) and a pair of flat, comfortable shoes. For your baby
You can't drive your baby home without one! Have the seat properly installed ahead of time and know how to buckle in your baby correctly.
Your baby will need an outfit to go home in, including socks or booties if the clothing doesn't have feet, and a soft cap if the air is likely to be cool. Make sure the legs on your baby's clothes are separate so the car seat strap can fit between them.
The hospital will provide blankets for swaddling your baby while you're there, but you may want to bring your own to tuck around your baby in the car seat for the ride home. Make it a heavy one if the weather's cold. What not to bring
Let your doctor know whether you're on any medications. The hospital will provide them for you if your doctor agrees that you should continue to take them while you're there.
The hospital will provide diapers for your baby while you're there. Leave your supply at home.
If you end up needing a breast pump for any reason, the hospital can provide one. Tips from moms who've been there "Bring both your glasses and your contacts, along with storage case and solution. I wore my glasses during labor with my first one, but it got so hot, the glasses just fogged up and I couldn't see what was going on – very frustrating. And just trying to wear glasses during delivery was annoying and one frustration I could've done without. So bring both. You may want to switch back and forth for comfort or convenience or whatever." – Anonymous "I brought a few changes of clothes since they usually make you stay a few days after the baby is born. With hormones and everything, I sweated like crazy after I gave birth, so it was nice to change into some fresh PJ's or some sweats or shorts during the day especially with people always coming to visit. Just something that made me feel better." – groovitha
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