Before we went to the Hospital to deliver our little girl I looked at a couple of lists for ideas on what to pack for the Hospital. Check out my list here.
If you were to ask my husband he would tell you I am a bit of an over-packer. I believe I can be but I went ahead and packed most everything on those lists, items for mom and dad. It was all out on the bed and I thought "There is no way anyone needs all this stuff." As it turns out, I was very glad I had it.
I was going to be induced because we were overdue and have very low fluid. We got to the Hospital at 5 p.m. on Thursday night but we were going to have to wait because the nurses were all busy with moms in full labor. Every time a Dr. or Nurse came in and told me that they would start me shortly, some one would come back in shortly after and tell me that more moms were there in full labor. It took a full 24 hours before anything started. At this point I was very grateful that I had packed most everything on my list. I had nothing else to do except paint my nails, read, play some card games with my husband.
For next time I think I will pack two bags, one to grab and go if we have to head off to the Hospital in a hurry and another with all the extras so if it looks like we will be spending a little more time at the Hospital I'll have some stuff to keep my mind and hands going.
As a first timer my husband and I have no idea what to expect when we go to the hospital for the delivery of Baby Yeates. When I went to the hospital with my sister {almost 10 years ago} I took a pillow and my toothbrush with me ~ that won't really work this time around, I have a more central role to play. So I decided to make a list of what to take and get things ready before hand.
I went online to try and find a list of things that I need to be sure to have with me and and to help because I'm sure there are things I would not even think about if it wasn't pointed out to me.
As I'm looking at the list there are somethings on here I am thinking just sound a little overboard and other things that I know we won't need, like the list for the siblings, but I'm still including it for those who do have older children. If I have everything on my list I'll pack it all, just to be on the safe side, and let you know what I thought was a must have, nice to have and no need for. some of it might also be redundant, on both lists for you and your husband, but there is no need to over do it, that is just more stuff to keep track of. Many of the things I have found on these lists are also things that the hospital will provide but it might help the laboring mother feel more comfortable to have her own items from home that she is familiar with.
For
Her:
Health insurance
card
Pre-registration
forms from the
hospital
Nursing bra(s)- This supports swollen, tender
breasts, and helps keep breast pads in place.
Sports bra- Many women find these extremely
useful during water birth or when using the birth pool; they are also good for
suppressing lactation if you are not planning on breast feeding.
Breast pads- You will need these whether or not
you are breast feeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk.
Nursing pillows- These can be used if you are breast
feeding or bottle feeding; either way they reduce the strain on your arms,
neck, and back when feeding your baby.
Nightgown and
robe- Make sure they
open in the front if you are planning on breast feeding. They will get dirty. Any Clothes of your own that you wish to
wear, as an alternative to hospital gowns
Slippers- During early labor it is always
recommended to walk around. These will also come in handy as you make trips to
the nursery to check on your new baby.
Socks- Many women complain of their feet
being cold during the delivery, so have a couple of pairs in case one pair
becomes soiled.
Going-home outfit- Choose one that fit you when you
were around 6 months pregnant.
Toiletries- To be more comfortable, take a
toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chap stick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo,
soap, lotion, hair dryer, etc.
Sanitary pads- The hospital can provide you with
these, but many women feel more comfortable when they bring their favorite
brand with them. Remember, you are going to need a pad designed for a heavier
flow.
Hair clip or band
if you have long hair-
Women with long hair like to have it pulled out of their faces during labor and
delivery.
Pillow from home- This makes you more comfortable;
just make sure you have a different colored pillow case on it to distinguish it
from hospital pillows.
Extra wash cloths- These also need to be colored to
distinguish them from the hospital’s wash cloths.
Magazines/something
to read- You will not
have a lot of down time, but there could be a few minutes here and there when
you could read.
Mints or breath
strips- Many women
experience nausea/vomiting during labor and delivery; these will help freshen
your mouth or the mouths of your support people.
Lollipops or
other hard candies-
These can alleviate dry mouth.
Glasses and
contact case
Breast feeding
book- Take along any
reference books that would be helpful.
Baby book- The nursery often will take your
baby book and put your baby’s footprints in it. This will save you a lot of
time and trouble.
A
notepad or
journal and pen or pencil- Track your baby's feeding sessions, write down
questions you have for the nurse, note what the pediatrician tells you,
jot
down memories of your baby's first day, and so on. Some people bring a
baby
book so they can record the birth details right away.
Large envelope/file folder- This may be used
to store any loose paperwork.
Tube socks that
have been filled with tennis balls or rice- These can help alleviate the sore aching
muscles during labor. Just take a tube sock and place three tennis balls inside
the sock. Tie or sew off the open end of the sock to keep the tennis balls in
place. Many women like to place these between their backs and the bed because
the pressure applied makes them feel better. You can also fill a sock with
uncooked rice (but not instant). These can either be heated or placed in the
freezer and provide comfort during painful contractions.
Massage tools- (Oils, massage tool, etc.)
Waterproof pads- for the car ride
List of people to call
Focal Point- (If you want one)
Cell phone charger or prepaid phone card
For
Him:
Change of clothes- Maybe two sets
Pajamas
Bathing suit- For shower, this is also important if
you and your partner are planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool
during labor.
Toiletries
Snacks- Labor can be a long process, so you
want to be prepared.
Cooler filled
with drinks and sandwiches-
This keeps the partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips to the
hospital cafeteria.
Quarters for the vending machine and/or pay
phone- Remember not all hospitals allow cell phone use.
Watch with second
hand- my husband has never had a watch, he just uses his phone for everything so that's what we'll use here
Video/still
camera - Make sure you
have extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc.
Extra memory
card/film
Address book- This will help you contact friends
and family about your new arrival.
Massage oils- Many labor classes discuss the use of
massage oils during class because they can help alleviate back labor.
CDs/CD player/MP3 player- Soothing music may help you and your
partner relax both during and after labor.
Take out menus Cell phone charger or prepaid phone
card
For
Baby:
Infant car seat
and infant head support-
You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one; make sure you bring
the instructions.
Going-home outfit
Hat- Babies lose the vast majority of
their body heat through their heads.
Booties/socks
Receiving
blankets- Newborns love
to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect for swaddling.
Newborn diapers- If they do not have the umbilical
cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.
Wipes- Begin with the wipes that are
designed for newborns or sensitive skin.
Mittens - Many newborns will have longer nails,
so they can easily scratch their face and other parts of their bodies.
Cans/bottles of
formula- This will allow
you to begin with the formula that you have chosen to feed your baby.
Baby Book- for getting the foot prints
done by the nurse when paperwork is done.
For
Siblings:
Crayons, markers,
paper, coloring books
Books
Toys
Snacks
Special camera
Gift from big
brother/sister to the baby-
This can be something that was picked out prior to delivery by the older
sibling.
Gift from Mom and
baby to the big brother/sister- Many times older siblings tend to get
jealous around the birth of the baby. A special gift can help alleviate this
problem and allow the big brother/sister to know that they are still important.
Anything else you think you can use
(Candles, pictures, etc.)
Number of La Leche League or other
breastfeeding support
Number of diaper service (if you need to
arrange for delivery)
Car Seat with instructions
Make sure you have a supply of
heavy-duty pads waiting at home!
My list is put together compiling lists from the following websites:
