Pregnancy and Childbirth: What to Bring to the Hospital

 You may be feeling anxious as your delivery approaches.  Some anxiety is normal.  To give yourself some peace of mind, pack a bag ahead of time. Do this about one month ahead of your estimated delivery date. Here is a list of things to remember:

• Personal care items, like deodorant, a toothbrush, hair brush, lip balm, lotion and shampoo

• Eyeglasses (if you wear them)

• Nightgown (if you plan to breastfeed, pack one that allows for nursing)

• Nursing bra if you plan to breastfeed

• Bathrobe and slippers

• Hospitals provide maternity underwear, but you can bring your own if you would like.  Just make sure that it can be soiled because you will have bleeding after delivery.

• Comfortable clothes for you to wear home, like sweat pants, yoga pants, or other stretchable clothes, because your pre pregnancy clothes may not fit immediately after delivery of your baby.

• Clothes for your baby to wear home.

• Personal music player and headphones.

• Camera with new batteries or charger.

• Coins for vending machines.

• Telephone numbers of people to call after the birth.

• Cell phone and charger.

• Insurance information and any other paperwork needed for your hospital stay.

• A list of baby names you are considering.

• An infant, rear-facing car seat for bringing home your baby (this is required by law). This is not needed immediately when going to the hospital but you should have one ready for the baby when going home. 

• Car seats tend to take up a lot of space in your hospital room so it can be left at home and brought in by your partner, a family member or friend when you and your baby are going home.

Add anything else that you do not want to forget:

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