Baby Talk - Hospital Bag

My baby prep class has helped me by organizing the hospital bag contents into various categories.

• Mom – Labor and Delivery – Of course, you need to pack all your paperwork (ID, medical cards, insurance docs, etc.). A bathrobe, in the event you will be walking to move labor along, will keep you comfy. Hospitals are notoriously cold, so pack some socks (nonskid). Everyone’s labor varies, but some women get dry lips (pack lip balm), like a massage (pack lotion or oil), have back labor (pack a rolling ball), or can actually rest (pack ear plugs and an eye mask). If you have a slow labor, you may want to have a book, playlist, or other form of entertainment with you.

• Mom – After Delivery – A soft, front-opening nightgown will keep you comfortable after delivery. Accompany this with a few pairs of utility underpants, as the hospital generally provides heavy-duty maternity pads, and a nursing bra. You may want to take a shower after delivery, so pack some toiletries and your make-up, if appropriate. Your phone and charger are essential, so you can take pictures and reach out to family and friends announcing your new little one! Don’t forget to pack a comfy outfit to wear home.

• Birth Partner – Snacks and a bottle or two of water are not a bad idea to help your partner through a long labor. In the event of a long labor, a change of clothes and a few personal toiletries may be helpful. I got a good suggestion to pack a zippered hoodie to allow for your partner to participate in skin-to-skin contact time with baby.

• Baby – Generally, the hospital has policies on what baby wears, but you may want to bring a receiving blanket from home for skin-to-skin contact time. Of course, you need to pack a going home outfit and maybe even a cute outfit for baby’s first picture!

What did you pack in your hospital bag? Please, share.