Are you beginning to feel anxious about baby’s birth day as you dream of that golden time when you greet your baby with soft touches?
It’s no coincidence that many hospitals have renamed their Labor & Delivery units as “family birth centers” and have added many of the elements you’d find in your home or a comfy hotel; such as soft lighting, inviting décor, and a restful place for your partner to snooze along with you.
Experts know that stress only exacerbates how women feel pain and experience labor, while customizable, calming environments diminish anxiety and lead to better labors. Setting the stage begins with a tour of your birth facility – note the surroundings. Ask yourself as you go along, “What could I add to make this more comfortable for me? For my partner?” Then start your packing list. If an emergency is taking you into labor, have at least the essentials packed and ready to grab as you head out the door.
As you approach 36 weeks, this is a great time to pack your hospital bag – your baby could be born any day now or could take as many as 4 more weeks to make their final appearance.
Things to Pack for You
- A folder to organize your paperwork including ID, insurance card, hospital forms, and birth plan
- Your glasses or contacts along with your prescription medication
- Charger for cell phones and electronic devices (e.g., Bluetooth speaker)
- A robe you enjoy wearing and don’t mind destroying, especially if laboring in a hospital gown seems drafty at best; bring a spare to relax in post-birth, and undergarments that are comfortable for your recovering body
- Aromatherapy with a soft, pleasing fragrance and diffuser
- Bottled water and light snacks (e.g., granola bars)
- Personal care products like a towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, soap, deodorant, lotion, comb or hairbrush – and never underestimate the power of your favorite lip balm to soothe dry lips during labor
- Comfortable clothes (including a nursing bra) for returning home
- Your own pillow that can put you in a comfort zone
Things to Pack for Your Partner
- Distraction activities like games on a tablet, books and magazines
- Personal pillow and warm blanket
- More snacks! The hearty kind that can support a short or long labor
- Water bottle
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
Things to Pack for Your Baby
- Install baby’s car seat before you head to the hospital; you can’t take your baby home without a car seat
- The contact info for baby’s pediatric care provider
- Pre-washed outfits and accessories for any special photos
- Baby’s memory book or downloaded app to save baby’s first precious moments
The Basics
- Paperwork
- Medications
- Gown & undergarments
- Personal care products
- Going home clothes
- Baby clothes & products
- Baby car seat
For a Longer Stay
- Extra clothing
- Additional nursing bra & pads
- Lanolin
- Binder or large envelope for your records
- Longer phone charger cord
Little Extras
- Swimsuit for labor in tub or shower
- Stretchy bands
- Massage oil & tools
- Funds for vending machines & cafeteria
- Back-up cameras
