Hospital/Birth Center Packing List

There are a million lists out there on the web as to what you should pack for "The Big Day"-Heading to the hospital or birth center for your Little One's debut. I was very surprised that all the lists I found were missing a thing or two. So I decided to add a list to my blog for you as well, along with some tips.

Tip #1 - It really is never too soon to pack. Okay, so you just got your double line or plus sign? Alright, go ahead and wait a bit. But I recommend being as completely packed as you can by 36 weeks. Most will tell you, including your doctor, that you most likely will go at least 40 weeks if this is your first baby. I knew my conception date with my Son so there was no question-I went into labor with him at 38.5 weeks, and my labor was 5.5 hours. Not a lot of time for packing!

Tip #2 - Some items, like your wallet, keys, makeup, and things you use daily will have to be last minute. So have a large ziploc, toiletry bag or purse set out in plain sight on stand-by and large enough to handle all the last minute items.

Tip #3 - Your partner/spouse/friend/mom/sister will probably be packing this bag as you are managing contractions so make it simple. Have a list of items that will need to be packed sitting right next to the bag.

Some Mamas like to pack two small bags. One with items they will need for labor, and one with items they will need after baby arrives. This helps ensure that she or her helper are not digging down to the bottom of a large bag to find chap stick. I used a small suitcase with a couple smaller bags inside to separate things and make it feel more organized. We set the suitcase on the floor near our bedroom door, unzipped, lid up, and a large purse next to it so last minute items could be tossed in either bag quickly.

Everyone has an opinion of what is essential and what is just over packing. My list will be more essential but includes things I wish I had remembered as well. If you are looking for a VERY detailed list I recommend babycenter.com. Here is my no nonsense list:

For Labor

• Place a thick towel or two on your passenger seat of your car in case your water breaks while en route to the hospital.
• Picture ID, Insurance Card, Hospital Paperwork (if applicable), Birth Plan 
• Eyeglasses, in case you have trouble with or don't want to deal with your contacts
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, hairbrush, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Contacts and Saline if applicable. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.
• Any prescriptions you take
• A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor and afterward, but you may prefer your own (I did). Choose a loose, comfortable gown that you don't mind getting dirty. It should be either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily. I also made sure mine was knee length just in case I had a modest moment. Slippers and a robe may come in handy if you want to walk the halls during labor.
• Whatever will help you relax: This is going to depend a lot on your birth plan. Here are some possibilities: your own pillow, music and something to play it on, a picture of someone or something you love, anything you find reassuring. I personally did not use any comfort items during labor. I used visualization techniques instead, so I did not pack these items.

For your partner/labor coach

• Electronics: A camera or video camera with batteries, charger, and memory card. (Note: Not all hospitals allow videotaping of the birth itself, but there's usually no rule against taping during labor or after the birth.)
• Toiletries: My partner was my husband so I packed a clean tshirt, a long sleeve button down, his toothbrush, comb, deodorant and made sure he had his sunglasses for the ride home the next day in the sunlight.
• Snacks/Drinks: I packed protein bars and bottled water for both of us and soda for my husband.
• Money for parking and change for vending machines: Check with your Doctor, usually you won't need parking money but cash is good for other snacks and incidentals.
• A bathing suit: If you want to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want your partner to get in with you to support you or rub your back.

After you deliver

• A fresh nightgown, if you prefer to wear your own: I stayed in the tshirt I gave birth in after having my Son as it was clean and we went home 4 hours after he arrived. With my daughter, I changed into one of the hospital gowns as my suitcase ended up being left behind in our car!
• Cell phone and charger
• Snacks again: After labor, you will be hungry, and you may not want to rely on hospital food. The birth center fixed us a lovely snack after my first, and the hospital food was quite good where I had my daughter. Whatever sounds good, order it. I had 3 milk shakes in the 24 hours I was at the hospital!
• Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras: Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in, which can happen anytime during the first several days after delivery. A good bra can provide some comfort, and breast pads can be added to help absorb leaks.
• A couple pairs of comfy panties: The hospital provides mesh one-size undies. Your own underwear will probably hold the HUGE pads you wear in place better than those and will definitely be more comfortable. The hospital also provides sanitary pads because you'll bleed after delivery. Make sure you have a supply of heavy-duty pads waiting at home!
• BRING YOUR BREASTFEEDING PILLOW: Why was this on no list I found on the web? Of course the birth center had these available, but when I asked for one for my daughter at the hospital I got deer in the head lights at first. So bring that Boppy! It will help to have the nurses helping you breastfeed your baby using what you will at home.
• Photos of your other children, if applicable: When they come to visit, they'll see that you haven't forgotten them.
• A going-home outfit:You will still be in maternity clothes, as you will typically still look about 5-6 months pregnant! I brought comfy sweat/yoga pants, a nursing tank top and a roomy hoodie to wear home. You may want something more formal. Don't forget shoes! 

For your Baby

• An installed car seat: Have the seat properly installed ahead of time and know how to buckle your baby in correctly. The hospital will likely require your baby exit their doors strapped into her infant seat. Please have the nurse confirm you have her in correctly.
• A going-home outfit: Your baby will need an outfit to go home in, including socks or booties if the clothing doesn't have feet, and a soft cap if the air is likely to be cool. Make sure the legs on your baby's clothes are separate so the car seat strap can fit between them. I brought my babies home in cute footed pajamas rather than a separates-type outfit. I feel it is more comfy for baby, especially with their sensitive cord stump.
• A receiving blanket: The hospital will provide blankets for swaddling your baby while you're there, but you may want to bring your own to tuck around your baby in the car seat for the ride home. Make it a heavy one if the weather's cold.
• Diapers: If you plan to use natural or cloth diapers you will want to pack them for your baby. The hospital will provide plenty of name brand disposables though.
• Car emergency items: You may want to pack a warm outfit (for winter babies) like a snow suit, hat, extra blanket in the case that God forbid your car breaks down on the way home and you have to wait with your baby in the cold car for assistance.  

Just remember: There are very few items that will present a disaster if forgotten! Probably the only item you would truly regret forgetting would be a camera, as of course you only have one chance to catch each moment. We had our camera available at both births but just were so caught up in the whirlwind and the exhaustion we got very few pictures, and I do regret that. At the time, you may feel ambivalent about it, but in hindsight you might be disappointed. So keep that in mind. And above all, enjoy those first precious moments and hours with your amazing Baby!

Are you 36 weeks or farther along? Then get packing, Mama!