Expecting?

Here’s a checklist of the basic items to pack and organize in preparation for the birth of your little bundle of joy:

Birth plan and important documents: Copies of your birth plan, identification card (Driver’s License), medical insurance information, pediatrician information, and a map to/around the hospital (if you haven’t already been to the hospital that you are delivering in).

For Labor Comfort:

• Night gown, robe slippers, socks (keep in mind these are items you don’t mind trashing at the hospital)
• Tennis ball and/or favorite pillow to keep you comfortable
• Snacks for you and your partner (trail mix, granola bars)
• Games, music, or a favorite magazine.  For me I will be carrying sudoku.

After Birth:

• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, moisturizer, deodorant, hair ties/clips to keep your hair out of your eyes during labor and lip balm (lips can get chapped during labor.) The hospital may have soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you may prefer your own brands.
• Eyeglasses/contacts if you wear them
• Cell phone and cell phone chargers
• Camera to capture this special moment
• Maternity outfit that’s loose fitting, you won’t know what will happen in the delivery room, so you don’t want to pack anything that will constrict you.
• Underwear (several pairs) that can support extra-absorbent maxi-pads (postpartum bleeding will be in full effect) and a maternity bra.
• Baby Outfit: undershirt, onesie, a sweater or light fleece jacket (in the winter), socks or booties, a receiving blanket, and a hat (even if your baby is born in a warm-weather month, it’s cold outside the womb). Also, don’t forget to pack extra diapers and wipes (the hospital will probably provide you with them, but you can never be too prepared!)
• Spouse/Relative/Friend who is staying with you throughout your delivery needs to bring extra clothing and toiletries.
• Cash for parking and vending machine.

Infant Car Seat: the hospital will not let you go home with the baby without this!

You can divide the items you pack into 2 separate bags, what will add to your  ”comfort for labor” and what you’ll need “after birth.”  Just bring the “comfort for labor bag” in first and your spouse/friend/relative can retrieve the “after birth bag” later.

Am I forgetting anything or is there anything that you used during your labor that you thought was helpful?  Feel free to comment below on anything I missed or what you thought was extremely helpful during your stay at the hospital!