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Preparing for the Delivery.
16 years ago
General
When preparing a bag for the hospital or birthing facility, you need to consider the things both you and your new addition are going to need. You need to remember that labor goes on for a while in most cases, and you will be staying there at least over night. What kinds of things do you need for your stay? What things are your baby going to need once he or she enters this world?
When packing, you should remember your valid ID (Drivers license), Insurance card, and any other paperwork the hospital might require.
Also, remember your eye glasses if you use them. Most women in labor don't want to have to deal with those pesky contacts!
Most women prefer to pack their own bags of toiletries, because they prefer theirs over the ones the hospital might provide. Tooth brush and paste, deodorant, hair bands or clips, lip balm, and makeup (if you wear it) are all good things to not forget. Most hospitals provide shampoo, soap, and lotion, though you may prefer to bring your own.
Night gowns, slippers, socks, and occasionally a bathrobe are also packed by women. Hospitals provide those little hospital gowns to give birth in, but who wants to wear those during the whole stay? Most hospitals will allow women to change into their own gowns. Slippers are useful if you want to walk around during your early labor, and after you've given birth if you are allowed to walk around. And DON'T forget those socks! We all know how cold those hospital rooms can get! Brr!
One, if not THE most important thing women remember to bring, are things that calm and relax her. There is nothing like the anxiety of labor, and excitement of getting that baby out, not to mention the pain, to work up your nerves in the bed! Some choose to bring their own comfortable pillows, music, books, or anything else you find relaxing!
The other important thing you should go to the hospital armed with is a birth plan. Make sure your doctor and nurses are aware of your birth plan. Tell them if you want drugs or not, and be prepared with a plan if complications arise and you have to be sent to have a C-section!
~
Now, there are things that your partner/birthing coach should remember to bring to the hospital as well! They are just as important to a positive experience as all the reassuring items you could bring!
If you want the birth to be captured on video or camera, make sure the labor coach remembers to bring that, and make sure they are aware of what you would like included on the tape, such as speeches from loved ones to the coming baby, the doctors and nurses, machinery, before and after, etc.
They'll also need to bring toiletries, comfortable shoes, and changes of comfy clothes, since they'll be spending as much time in that hospital as you will! Pillows and Blankets for them are also good to bring, since those little side beds are really uncomfy!
Make sure they have cash and coins for parking and vending machines as well! You want to be prepared for a case of the munchies or days of parking if you have to stay in the hospital a while!
Another handy thing that's smart to bring is a bathing suit for them! If you want to take a shower during your labor, you might want them to get in with you and either support you or rub your back to alleviate some tension!
~
After you give birth, there are some things postpartum mothers enjoy having with them.
A fresh nightgown is always nice to put on after you've given birth for some nice rest!
Most people like to call all their friends and family after the birth, if they aren't present at the hospital, so be sure to have a list of people you want to call, along with a cellphone and charger so it doesn't go dead.
Snacks snacks snacks! After hours in labor and pushing that baby out, chances are, you are probably pretty hungry. And really, no one wants to rely on hospital food alone! Granola bars, fruit, or anything you think you'd enjoy should be brought. And, if you are in the mood for celebrating, you could always bring a bottle of nonalcoholic champagne!
Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras, depending on if you plan on breast feeding. Your breasts will be tender as the milk starts coming in, so the comfier the better!
Maternity underwear. The hospital can provide you with mesh ones, but if you prefer, you can bring your own. the hospital will give you lining pads, since you will bleed after giving birth. (Make sure you have a supply of these at home as well)
A book on newborn care. Some hospitals provide there own, and the nurses are always open to answering any questions you may have!
If you have other children, remember to bring photos of them from home so they know you haven't forgotten them now that the new addition is here! Also, gifts for the siblings of the newborn is welcome, such a "big brother" or "big sister" shirts!
A journal and writing utensil should be brought so you can start taking track of your new babies eating schedule, questions you may have, things you want to remember about the first day, or anything else!
A going home outfit for you should also be brought to the hospital. after all, you don't want to go home in the dirty clothing you came in in, or one of the nightgowns you brought!
~
Your baby is also going to need things when he or she is born and ready to go home!
A receiving blanket is always a nice thing to bring. The hospital will provide blankets for baby during your stay at the hospital.
A going home outfit for baby! Many moms choose some outfit they really like to come home and show off baby in, but make sure above all else that it is weather appropriate!
~
Things you shouldn't bring:
Jewelry
Medication
Valuables
Diapers
Breast pump
You may think bringing diapers and a pump would be necessary when having a baby, but everything you and your baby will need while your there will be supplied by the hospital!
When packing, you should remember your valid ID (Drivers license), Insurance card, and any other paperwork the hospital might require.
Also, remember your eye glasses if you use them. Most women in labor don't want to have to deal with those pesky contacts!
Most women prefer to pack their own bags of toiletries, because they prefer theirs over the ones the hospital might provide. Tooth brush and paste, deodorant, hair bands or clips, lip balm, and makeup (if you wear it) are all good things to not forget. Most hospitals provide shampoo, soap, and lotion, though you may prefer to bring your own.
Night gowns, slippers, socks, and occasionally a bathrobe are also packed by women. Hospitals provide those little hospital gowns to give birth in, but who wants to wear those during the whole stay? Most hospitals will allow women to change into their own gowns. Slippers are useful if you want to walk around during your early labor, and after you've given birth if you are allowed to walk around. And DON'T forget those socks! We all know how cold those hospital rooms can get! Brr!
One, if not THE most important thing women remember to bring, are things that calm and relax her. There is nothing like the anxiety of labor, and excitement of getting that baby out, not to mention the pain, to work up your nerves in the bed! Some choose to bring their own comfortable pillows, music, books, or anything else you find relaxing!
The other important thing you should go to the hospital armed with is a birth plan. Make sure your doctor and nurses are aware of your birth plan. Tell them if you want drugs or not, and be prepared with a plan if complications arise and you have to be sent to have a C-section!
~
Now, there are things that your partner/birthing coach should remember to bring to the hospital as well! They are just as important to a positive experience as all the reassuring items you could bring!
If you want the birth to be captured on video or camera, make sure the labor coach remembers to bring that, and make sure they are aware of what you would like included on the tape, such as speeches from loved ones to the coming baby, the doctors and nurses, machinery, before and after, etc.
They'll also need to bring toiletries, comfortable shoes, and changes of comfy clothes, since they'll be spending as much time in that hospital as you will! Pillows and Blankets for them are also good to bring, since those little side beds are really uncomfy!
Make sure they have cash and coins for parking and vending machines as well! You want to be prepared for a case of the munchies or days of parking if you have to stay in the hospital a while!
Another handy thing that's smart to bring is a bathing suit for them! If you want to take a shower during your labor, you might want them to get in with you and either support you or rub your back to alleviate some tension!
~
After you give birth, there are some things postpartum mothers enjoy having with them.
A fresh nightgown is always nice to put on after you've given birth for some nice rest!
Most people like to call all their friends and family after the birth, if they aren't present at the hospital, so be sure to have a list of people you want to call, along with a cellphone and charger so it doesn't go dead.
Snacks snacks snacks! After hours in labor and pushing that baby out, chances are, you are probably pretty hungry. And really, no one wants to rely on hospital food alone! Granola bars, fruit, or anything you think you'd enjoy should be brought. And, if you are in the mood for celebrating, you could always bring a bottle of nonalcoholic champagne!
Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras, depending on if you plan on breast feeding. Your breasts will be tender as the milk starts coming in, so the comfier the better!
Maternity underwear. The hospital can provide you with mesh ones, but if you prefer, you can bring your own. the hospital will give you lining pads, since you will bleed after giving birth. (Make sure you have a supply of these at home as well)
A book on newborn care. Some hospitals provide there own, and the nurses are always open to answering any questions you may have!
If you have other children, remember to bring photos of them from home so they know you haven't forgotten them now that the new addition is here! Also, gifts for the siblings of the newborn is welcome, such a "big brother" or "big sister" shirts!
A journal and writing utensil should be brought so you can start taking track of your new babies eating schedule, questions you may have, things you want to remember about the first day, or anything else!
A going home outfit for you should also be brought to the hospital. after all, you don't want to go home in the dirty clothing you came in in, or one of the nightgowns you brought!
~
Your baby is also going to need things when he or she is born and ready to go home!
A receiving blanket is always a nice thing to bring. The hospital will provide blankets for baby during your stay at the hospital.
A going home outfit for baby! Many moms choose some outfit they really like to come home and show off baby in, but make sure above all else that it is weather appropriate!
~
Things you shouldn't bring:
Jewelry
Medication
Valuables
Diapers
Breast pump
You may think bringing diapers and a pump would be necessary when having a baby, but everything you and your baby will need while your there will be supplied by the hospital!
