Packing for the hospital can be a daunting task. It is best to getsome things ready before your due date just in case you go into labora little earlier. This is a guide about things that many new moms havefound useful during their labor and deliveries.
Essentials(and a few non-essentials) for Mom
- Health insurance card
- Pre-registration forms from the hospital
- Nursing bra(s)- This supports swollen, tender breasts,and helps keep breast pads in place.
- Sports bra- Many women find these extremely usefulduring water birth or when using the birth pool; they are also good forsuppressing lactation if you are not planning on breast feeding.
- Breast pads- You will need these whether or notyou are breast feeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk.
- Nursing pillows- These can be used if you are breast feeding or bottlefeeding; either way they reduce the strain on your arms, neck, andback when feeding your baby.
- Nightgown and robe- Make sure they open in the frontif you are planning on breast feeding.
- Slippers- During early labor it is always recommendedto walk around. These will also come in handy as you make trips to the nursery to check on your new baby.
- Socks- Many women complain of their feet beingcold during the delivery, so have a couple of pairs in case onepair becomes soiled.
- Going-home outfit- Choose one that fit when you werearound 6 months pregnant.
- Toiletries- To be more comfortable, take a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant,chap stick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, hair dryer,etc.
- Sanitary pads- The hospital can provide you withthese, but many women feel more comfortable when they bring theirfavorite brand with them. Remember, you are going to need a paddesigned for a heavier flow.
- Hair clip or band if you have long hair- Womenwith long hair like to have it pulled out of their faces during laborand delivery.
- Pillow from home- This makes you more comfortable; justmake sure you have a different colored pillow case on it to distinguishit from hospital pillows.
- Extra wash cloths- These also need to be coloredto distinguish them from the hospital’s wash cloths.
- Magazines- You will not have a lot of down time, but therecould be a few minutes here and there when you could read.
- Mints or breath strips- Many women experience nausea/vomitingduring labor and delivery; these will help freshen your mouthor the mouths of your support people.
- Lollipops or other hard candies- These can alleviatedry mouth.
- Glasses and contact case
- Breast feeding book- Take along any reference books thatwould be helpful.
- Baby book- The nursery often will take your baby book andput your baby’s footprints in it. This will save you a lotof time and trouble.
- Large envelope /file folder- This may be used to store any loose paperwork.
- Tube socks that have been filled with tennis balls or rice-These can help alleviate the sore aching muscles during labor. Justtake a tube sock and place three tennis balls inside the sock. Tieor sew off the open end of the sock to keep the tennis balls inplace. Many women like to place these between their backs and thebed because the pressure applied makes them feel better. You canalso fill a sock with uncooked rice (but not instant). These caneither be heated or placed in the freezer and provide comfort duringpainful contractions.
Essentialsfor Baby
- Infant car seat and infant head support- You willnot be allowed to leave the hospital without one; make sure youbring the instructions.
- Going-home outfit
- Hat- Babies lose the vast majority of their bodyheat through their heads.
- Booties/socks
- Receiving blankets- Newborns love to be swaddled,and these blankets are perfect for swaddling.
- Newborn diapers- If they do not have the umbilicalcord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.
- Wipes- Begin with the wipes that are designed fornewborns or sensitive skin.
- Mittens - Many newborns willhave longer nails, so they can easily scratch their face and otherparts of their bodies.
Essentialsfor Partner
- Change of clothes
- Pajamas
- Bathing suit- This is important if you and your partnerare planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool during labor.
- Toiletries
- Snacks- Labor can be a long process, so you wantto be prepared.
- Cooler filled with drinks and sandwiches- Thiskeeps the partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips tothe hospital cafeteria.
- Quarters for the vending machine and/or pay phone-Remember not all hospitals allow cell phone use.
- Watch with second hand
- Video/still camera- Make sure you have extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc.
- Address book-This will help you contact friends and family about your new arrival.
- Massage oils-Many labor classes discuss the use of massage oils during class becausethey can help alleviate back labor.
- iPod/CD player- Soothing music may help you and yourpartner relax both during and after labor.
- Take out menus
Essentialsfor Siblings
- Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books
- Books
- Toys
- Snacks
- Special camera
- Gift from big brother/sister to the baby- Thiscan be something that was picked out prior to delivery by the oldersibling.
- Gift from Mom and baby to the big brother/sister-Many times older siblings tend to get jealous around the birth ofthe baby. A special gift can help alleviate this problem and allowthe big brother/sister to know that they are still important.
Last Updated: 01/2013
