Here’s what you’ll need to pack for labor and delivery and what you don’t need.
Your due date is quickly approaching and it’s time to pack your hospital bag. Here are some ideas to get you started.
When to pack your hospital bag
Ideally, you should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go around 36 to 37 weeks, just in case you go into labor before your due date.
Some items are essential, like a car seat, while others will make you feel more at home. They give you a lot of items when you get to the hospital so you may not need to pack as much as you think, but want to be sure that your bag is big enough to take all the goodies they give you.
What to pack in Hospital Bag for Mom
First pack a bag for yourself:
· Toiletries – The most underate items but the ones that will provide the most impact. After the strain and exhaustion of labor and delivery. Nothing will feel better than a hot shower. However, if you think using the hospital's 37-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash is going to make you feel better you are sadly mistaken. Pack some of your favorite toiletry items from home, to have a sense of normalcy and actually feel like a human after you’ve run your labor and delivery marathon. You’ll need body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, deodorant, and lip balm. If you wear glasses or contact don’t forget to pack those as well.
· A folder- You’re about to get a lot of paperwork. Having a folder will help you keep all f your important documents in place. Discharge papers, baby’s test results, and informational packets will be given to you.
· Nipple Balm- Trust me. Your nipples will thank you.
· Comfortable clothes. If you plan on breastfeeding you’ll want to bring a nursing bra and nursing tops. It can be pretty cold in the hospital so you may also want to bring a robe or wear long sleeves and comfy pants. It’s best to bring darker colored clothes. Sometimes the mesh pads adjust in the mesh panties and you may bleed through your PJ set, bring 2 just in case.
· Pillows and Towel. The pillows are as thick as a white t-shirt and provide the support of an al dente noodle. You’d be better off sleeping with a folded-up sweatshirt than getting comfortable with what they have. Bring your own towel from home will actually dry you iff instead of scraping water to the ground non-absorbent towel they provide.
· Adult diapers. Accidents happen. The mesh panties and pads they give you provide full coverage, but they don’t have wings and can be difficult to stay in place. Grabbing some adult diapers to throw in your bag will be easier to manage and prevent any accidental spillage.
· Extra-long charging cord- Brace yourself. You are going to be approximately 5,627 miles from the closest charger in your room. So you won’t have to keep getting in and out of bed to charge your phone pack an extra long charger.
Things to take from the hospital
· Bed pads. They are going to place bed pads under you in case you bleed through your clothes. You’ll want ot take a few of these homes, to protect your own bed as your heal.
· All the diapers and wipes.
What To Pack for Baby
· A car seat. This is mandatory. They won’t let you leave the hospital with it. It should already be installed. They’ll ask to see it before you are discharged.
· Pediatrician info. Have your pediatrician's info with youYou will have to fill out a packet with the information of who the baby will be going to for their first check-up in a few days. Include the email and fax number so the hospital can easily forward your baby’s medical records.
· A going-home outfit. Pack 2 different sizes. Newborn and 0-3 months. You don’t know how big or little your baby will be. I recommend grabbing one that has fold-over hand covers and footies. If not be sure to have some gloves and socks for them.
· Bottles. If you plan on formula feeding the hospital will provide you with bottle samples, but if you already have some that you prefer to use, 2 of them will be enough to bring.
· Do not bring diapers or wipes! Every time the nurse leaves your room, you empty out the container holding all the diapers and wipes and ask for a refill. Stock up.
What your support person should bring
· Food. You are going to be so hungry once things settle down. Bring your favorite snacks. Something salty, something sweet. Protein bars are great, and something healthy. Like nuts or dried fruit.
· Book/ iPad/ general entertainment – pack something to keep you occupied, but don’t be too occupied your partner will be needing your support not just physically, but emotionally as well.
· Pillow and blanket. The cot you receive isn’t going to provide you much comfort. Bring what you need to try to get as comfortable you can.