It’s never too early to pack your hospital bag, labor comes at the most unexpected times. It is hard enough trying to remember your purse while racing out the door, let alone your tooth brush, hair brush and deodorant. Packing your bag well before your due date could also be helpful if hospital treatment is needed during pregnancy. We recommend that you pack a bag for labor and leave a separate packed bag for postpartum in the car or with someone else. This prevents you from leaving items behind and dragging all of your stuff around the labor and birth wing. Keep in mind that some of these items will be provided by the hospital, however every hospital is different. Besides it’s always better to pack your personal items and be safe than sorry. Here are a list of items recommended for your hospital trip, feel free to add or delete items that you may feel necessary.
Your Labor Bag
Pillows from home that you will be able to identify
Music to relax you with a CD player
Camera with film and batteries
Camcorder with charged batteries and accessories
Signed copies of your birth plan
Your own colored wash cloths
Waterproof pads for the car ride
Nightgown or big shirt to wear during labor, although a hospital gown will be provided
Lip Balm
Massage tools (Oils, massagers, etc.)
Baby Book for getting the foot prints done by the nurse when she does the paperwork
Focal Point (If you want one)
Socks for mom
Snacks or drinks for labor support (suckers or hard candy)
Your Postpartum Bag
Nursing bras and pads
Breastfeeding book
Going home outfit with cap and booties for baby
Receiving blanket (bring a warm blanket if cold outside)
More film (gift shop film is pricey)
Your own personal robe and maternity gown
Sanitary pads (buy the super absorbent for the first few days), and several pairs of roomy underwear
Slippers
Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo and Conditioner
Hairbrush
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Any other toiletries, cosmetics or hairstyling equipment you want
Car Seat with instructions
List of people to call after the baby is born
Calling Card for Long Distance Calls
Going home outfit for mom (You want to make sure you wear something loose and comfortable. It is common to wear what you came in with some nursing shirts)
Birth Announcements, stamps, envelopes
What to leave at home
It is just as important to remember to pack things as it is to leave things. You never want to take any valuables because you never know who will go in your room when your stepping out to go to the nursery, restroom, or shower. Some of these valuables that you might not think of may include:
Jewelry
Cash
Credit Cards