My paper from my doc says pack slippers, robe, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, clothes to change into when you leave, hats for the baby and a blanket for the baby
[ ] Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)[ ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause[ ] 2 maternity bras -- no underwire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)[ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)[ ] Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution(remember, travel-sized products are your friends)[ ] Eyeglasses[ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they’ll probably poke you)[ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)[ ] Pen and paper[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)[ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)[ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger[ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner Take it or leave it:[ ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospita white)[ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)[ ] Hairdryer[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospita supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)[ ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one[ ] Slippers that can get dirty[ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)[ ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)[ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects(honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!) Leave Home:[ ] Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)[ ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions) What to Bring For Baby:[ ] Approved car seat[ ] A coming-home outfit[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)[ ] Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat, as seasonally appropriate (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)-
Wow, I just got totaly intimidated! I don't think I have a bag big enough lol All great ideas though. I just bring a change of clothes. Two outfits for baby. My I pod with music I like for labor. Couple pair of undies. pads. Car seat and stocked diaper bag.. I don't go in though till im further along. No pacing down halls, and Im on my way home as soon as im ready to go. If its night I sleep there. If not I head home after 5 6 hrs. The place I go has nice towels, shampue cond, all the stuff you need though. This kinda stuff makes me glad im going to a birthing inn and not a hospital. I think I forgot how nice it really is. Took it for granted! Good luck ladies!! Don't stress too much about forgetting stuff though. You can always send out your man for stuff, or have a friend or family member bring it by
Don't forget your pregnancy journal and baby book, if you're doing them. Things are crazy when you get home, but at the hospital/birthing center you'll have some downtime and all those memories of what you just experienced will be fresh.
@kmose77 you are definitely lucky to be going to a birthing inn. We don't have those around here..not that I know of anyway.... it must be much better than a hospital
Whats a birthing inn? Lol and no need for a diaper bag. The hospital will provide you with all the diapers,wipes,etc you need while in the hospital and will also send you home with a ton.
I would pack now...just in case! Bring 2 sizes of baby clothes & diapers if there's ANY chance you could have a large baby- my first never fit into newborn size- I was just lucky that I happened to bring a 0-3 mo onsie as well & the hospital staff rounded up some size 1 diapers!... Also remember YOUR going home clothes should be about the size you were at 6 mo preggers & COMFY! I brought jeans & a tee & I could not bear to wear the uncomfortable jeans & ended up wearing the dirty sweatpants I wore when I came in in labor... fun! Good luck honey! The best days of your life are just ahead!
@vette_devil thanx I was so confused on whn to start packing. This is my second baby but with my first I didn't have a baby shower so I didn't have much but now I know so I'm going to start packing right away:))
Yes iknw that. How did u feel when u went into labor. I feel like something's going on but I'm not sure. This will be my first that I deliver naturally. Cesarean with my first
@Brileighsmom The Birthing Inn is a great place. Im so lucky to have found it. Its run by Certified nurse mid wives. Basicly all the qualifications of a Dr. but they only do births. It has 3 queen size suits, Queen beds, full huge walk in shower, jet tubs, very nicly decorated feels like home. But with the security of knowing if there are any complications or anything they have it covered. They have all the equipment there, and if there is a seriouse imergency the hospital is less then 10 min away. But its very relaxing. Very nice. I love it. Had both my kids there, and will be having this one as well. I've also had 3, other friends go there Its surrounded by landscaping, green lawns. So if you want walk around outside you can. They have a kitchen where you can keep or make food, coffee etc. You family can come and stay there while your in labor, there is a huge living room like area. Toys for kids, tv, kitchen, big couches. Its really great. I love it. And they provide all the usueal, towels, diapers, wipes, hats, baby blankets...
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Also remember YOUR going home clothes should be about the size you were at 6 mo preggers & COMFY! I brought jeans & a tee & I could not bear to wear the uncomfortable jeans & ended up wearing the dirty sweatpants I wore when I came in in labor... fun!
Good luck honey! The best days of your life are just ahead!