What to bring to the hospital?

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. 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 labor

* 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

Here are some possibilities: your own pillow (use a patterned or colorful pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital's pillows), music and something to play it on, light reading material, a picture of someone or something you love, anything you find reassuring.


For your partner/labor coach

* A camera or video camera with batteries, charger, and memory card (or film or tape)

Someone has to document the big event! (Note: Not all hospitals allow videotaping of the birth itself, but there's usually no rule against taping during labor or after the birth.)

* 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

If you want to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want your partner to get in with you to support you or rub your back.


Postpartum

* A fresh nightgown, if you prefer to wear your own
* A list of people to call and their phone numbers, your cell phone and charger or, if you'll be using the hospital phone, a prepaid phone card

After your baby's born, you'll want to call family and friends to let them know the good news. Make a list of everyone you'll want to contact ahead of time so you don't forget someone important when you're exhausted after delivery.

* Snacks!

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.

* Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras

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.

* Several pairs of maternity underpants

Some women love the mesh underwear usually provided by the hospital; others don't. You can't go wrong with your own roomy cotton underpants. The hospital will provide sanitary pads because you'll bleed after delivery. Make sure you have a supply of heavy-duty pads waiting at home!

* A book on newborn care

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.

* Photos of your other children

When they come to visit, they'll see that you haven't forgotten them.

* Gifts for older siblings

Some parents bring gifts for the new baby to "give" to big brothers and sisters.

* A notepad or journal and pen or pencil

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.

* A going-home outfit

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

* An installed infant car seat

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.

* A going-home outfit

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.

* A receiving blanket

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


* Jewelry
* Lots of cash or other valuables
* Medications, including vitamins

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.

* Diapers

The hospital will provide diapers for your baby while you're there. Leave your supply at home.

* A breast pump

If you end up needing a breast pump for any reason, the hospital can provide one.