Labor & delivery
Going to the hospital
You want to be as prepared as you can be when the moment of labor is at hand. You should have a bag of labor necessities packed and ready to go by week 36, which is the start of month 9. This is a trip you will never forget and having some of your personal belongings ready will help you feel more relaxed!
Here is a list of items that may be helpful during labor. Choose the ones that you think would make you feel most comfortable and bring them along.
For labor
- Insurance cards and pre-registration forms (present when you first get to the hospital)
- Massage lotions/moisturizers/aroma oils
- Petroleum jelly or lip balm
- Comfortable, loose fitting top
- Slippers or socks, especially ones with “grippers” on the sole
- Hard candy, gum, mints
- Mouthwash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Solution for contact lenses or storage container
- Eyeglasses and case
- Extra pillows
- Cool packs or warm packs
- Favorite music – CD/tape/radio
- Meditation objects or lucky charms
- Camera (check the battery!)
- Film
- Camcorder or video equipment
- Important phone numbers
For the rest of your hospital stay
- Bedclothes and robe
- Complete change of clothes – loose and comfortable
- Nursing bra/nursing pads
- Shoes
- Shampoo/conditioner/mousse/ hair spray
- Hair dryer
- Soap and washcloth
- Make-up
- Deodorant
- Perfume
For Baby
Some hospitals may provide some of these things… but it’s a good idea to come prepared. Your spouse, a family member or friend can also bring these items into the hospital after birth.
- Newborn diapers
- Baby wipes
- Alcohol prep pads
- T-shirt
- Socks/booties
- Outfit
- Outer clothes or pram suit (depending on the climate)
- Hat
- A cloth spit-up diaper
- Receiving blanket
- Pacifier
- Infant car seat (this one is required to bring your baby home!)
