Home > It’s Here! Packing For the Delivery

Posted by Shannon M. on Thursday, March 15th, 2012

You’ve spent months thinking about – er, obsessing over – the details. You’ve nested and meticulously planned every detail of your new baby’s life. From the bassinet to the changing table, the color scheme of the nursery to the stacks of newborn diapers, everything is in order – except for your hospital bag. How can you anticipate what you’ll need on the most physically demanding and emotionally charged days of your life?

 

The essentials

I’d suggest keeping these necessary items in a centralized location, such as a clearly labeled manila envelope.

• Insurance card.
• Driver’s license, passport, or military ID. 
• Birth plan. Your birth plan will provide physicians, nurses, birth doulas, and midwives with your exact wishes during the birthing process.
• Contact list. Prepare a complete list of contact information, including telephone numbers for your partner/labor coach and extended family.

 

Mom’s bag

• Toiletries. For a stay at the hospital, you should bring all the essentials that you’d take with you on a trip away from home. I’d definitely include a toothbrush with paste, shampoo and conditioner, hairbrush and ponytail holders, deodorant, and mild and unscented soap (especially important if you are planning to breastfeed).
• Comfortable Clothing. Pajamas – and a few pairs of ‘em – are key to maximizing your comfort during an otherwise uncomfortable time (I’d suggest front-opening PJs if you plan to nurse). Also pack a robe, some casual, loose-fitting clothing for the ride home, and some for lounging, as well. Who knows if you’ll really feel like living in pajamas for three days?
• Undergarments. If you plan on nursing your baby, don’t forget the ever-important nursing bra and accompanying nursing tops. Extra pairs of underwear, especially the variety that you don’t really care about, are super important, too. Hospitals, clinics, and birthing centers are notoriously chilly so remember to bring socks, slippers, booties, and the like to keep your tootsies warm.
• Sanitary items. The hospital, clinic, or birthing center will likely have more sanitary pads than you can shake a stick at but, if you have a preference to a brand, I’d bring your own. It’s also likely that they will have nursing pads but you’ll want to bring extra for the ride home.
• Personal things. Personal items include any music, photos, special pillows, stuffed animals, or other creature comforts that may help you relax. If you wear glasses or contacts – don’t forget those, either!

 

Partner’s bag

• Daddy Scrubs. Hospitals require that you wear scrubs during delivery, so why not wear ‘em in style?
• Clean clothes. Because you never really  know how long labor will last, it’s best to come prepared with a few sets of clean, comfortable clothes.  
• Cameras and battery. This one seems a bit obvious but it’s the little details that so often slip through the cracks! After all, you don’t want to miss a moment on the big day.
• Snacks. Pack up on items such as gum, mints, fruit and veggies, and protein bars. Avoid anything that doesn’t travel well. Items such as
• Spare change. Chances are you’ll want to cut the long hours with a few trips to a vending machine.
• Swimsuit. If mom is delivering at the hospital, you’ll look pretty silly showing up in a bathing suit. However, swimsuits are essential for water births!

 

Baby’s bag