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Step 1
Pack clothing. You will want some loose fitting nightgowns and a bathrobe. During delivery, you will have to wear a hospital gown, but after the baby is born, you will want something more comfortable and less revealing. Pajamas are good, too, but if you are having a scheduled or wind up having an emergency c-section, having elastic at the incision will not be recommended. Also, there are many post delivery checks which will be easier if you are wearing a nightgown. If you have a favorite bathrobe or nightgown, you may want to think about getting a different one for your stay, as there is always the possibility of it getting stained. Also pack extra maternity underwear and nursing bras (if you plan to nurse). Don’t forget to pack clothing to wear on the trip home, something comfortable--think maternity wear as you will not instantly fit in your pre-pregnancy clothes. Slippers are a necessity or you will be stuck with only the slipper socks supplied by the hospital.
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Step 2
Add maxi pads and nursing pads. Even if you don’t plan to nurse, you may experience leaking and will need nursing pads. The hospital will supply maxi pads, but you may prefer to bring your own brand.
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Step 3
Bring your own pump. If you are nursing, you may want to pack a portable breast pump. If your baby should somehow wind up in the NICU and you are recovering from a c-section, you will not be able to breast feed right away. Pumping will provide the NICU staff with breast milk to feed to your baby. The hospital will provide a pump, but sometimes there is a wait time for this as other mothers are also pumping. Having you own on hand will mean your baby will still get your breast milk even when a hospital pump is not available.
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Step 4
Pack bottled water and snacks. Although the staff will bring you meals, you may want to keep some things on hand for in between. It will save you money as well as a trip to the cafeteria or vending machine when you are unable to get out of bed or are otherwise occupied with your new baby.
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Step 5
Pack some health and beauty items such as deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturizer, a razor, hairbrush, and any hair products and makeup you may need. Even though vanity may be far from your mind, a lot of people will be taking a lot of pictures and after a day or two, you may start to wish you had some makeup and styling products with which to spruce yourself up a bit.
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Step 6
Bring flip flops to wear in the hospital shower.
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Step 7
Add a list of phone numbers and contact people you will need. You will want to have the numbers of people you want to notify of the good news, but you will also need the contact information for your doctor, pediatrician and health insurance company, in case the need arises to have to call them. Don’t’ forget to bring any documentation you may need, such as your insurance card and any paperwork pertaining to you or your baby as patients.
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Step 8
Pack a camera, video camera and enough batteries to keep them working for two to three days.
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Step 9
Bring along things to read, a music playing device, a sleep mask and anything else you may use for comfort and relaxation at bedtime.
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Step 10
Carry some cash, but not a lot as you will not want to risk losing it. Just bring a few bucks in case you want to make a trip to the cafeteria or gift shop.
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Step 11
Throw in a notebook or journal as you may want to start documenting the special moments from the very beginning.
Comments
newstime1999 said
on 8/20/2009 Nice tips. You make it sound stress free. Getting ready for childbirth certainly can be stressful though. Thanks for the suggestions on what to bring to the hospital.
joni04 said
on 6/28/2009 You hit it right on! Don't forget stuff for Dad!
ashfeather said
on 6/2/2009 Beautifully written!
maryellen1001 said
on 3/31/2009 Great tips for packing a bag for child birth!
MIghtyDreamer said
on 3/21/2009 I haven't needed these tips but they sure sound reasonable for packing and being prepared for childbirth should one have to stay for hours in a hospital before and or afterwards