- The ever important insurance card. You should register with the hospital ahead of time, usually four to six weeks before, but you still need the actual insurance card. This will help facilitate the paperwork and get the insurance billing going so you don't have to worry about it later. This way everything is sent to your home.
- If you have a specific birth plan, bring a printed copy and put it in your hospital bag. Your coach or labor partner can instruct the doctor of your wishes and they will try their best to stick to your plan as much as possible. If you have specified wishes regarding the use of pain medication, epidurals and surgeries, these should all be clearly stated. It may even help to sign the paper to make it official in case you're not in a condition to do so later yourself.
- Take a change of clothing for yourself to go home from the hospital in. You'll still have a belly and look pregnant so choose something loose and comfortable. Also remember to pack an outfit for the baby to go home in; a onesie, socks, cap, mittens and so forth. Your coach or labor partner may or may not choose to bring a change of clothes as well.
- A toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton swabs, shampoo and conditioner, soap, brush and other everyday toiletries should be packed so you can clean up during your post-labor shower and feel better. Also remember to put heavy pads in your bag as you will be bleeding heavily for a few weeks.
- Take a book, movie, card game or other form of entertainment to keep yourself busy and distracted during the first couple stages of labor. This will help keep your mind off the contractions and pass the time more quickly.
- A few nonperishable snacks are a good idea, especially for your coach or labor partner who will get hungry during the process and you may or may not want to leave your side. While there are cafeterias and vending machines in the hospital, it's easier to have something on hand he can get to so he doesn't have to leave the room.
- Those memories are precious. You should have a camera of some kind on hand so you can take the all important first pictures of your baby, you with the baby and any family that comes to support you with the baby. Make sure the camera has extra batteries or is fully charged and has enough digital memory or film to get through baby's first photo session.
- Write or type out a list of names and phone numbers of those you would like to be contacted when you go into labor or right after the baby is born. You may choose to make some of the calls yourself or you can leave this up to your labor partner.
- You will not be allowed to leave the hospital in a car with your baby unless you have an infant car seat. Make sure the car seat is already installed properly in the car and you know how to do everything so you won't be fussing it with as you prepare to leave.
- Bring a pillow or two from home that you like. They will have pillows at the hospital for you to use, but they are often uncomfortable and it's nice to have something of your own to keep your relaxed during the long and painful labor experience.
- Bring a handheld massager or tennis ball so your labor partner or coach can massage your back during contractions. It's relaxing and therapeutic allowing you to breathe more easily.
