Having a baby is an exciting time, full of changes and anticipation. Preparing a labor and delivery hospital bag makes your birthing experience less stressful. HospitalBag.org recommends packing your bag at the end of your second trimester. Packing your bag a little early keeps you prepared in case your baby makes an early appearance. The contents of your hospital bag depend on your unique needs, but starting with some staple items will get you on your way to an organized birthing experience.
Registration Information
The hospital will need to make a copy of your insurance card, so take it to the hospital with you. Other items you need for registration might include your driver's license, list of medications and list of drug allergies. Some hospitals offer pre-registration services to cut down on the time and paperwork required when you check in to deliver.
Comfort Measures
A clean tube sock filled with tennis balls or rice helps to relieve the pain of back labor. You may also want to bring your favorite pillow to the hospital with you. To distinguish your pillow from hospital property, mark it using a colored pillowslip or sewing a small nametag onto the pillow.
Gown and Slippers
Many women complain of cold feet during labor. Pack treaded socks or slippers in your hospital bag to keep your feet warm. Hospital staff might ask you to walk, if your labor progresses slowly, so pack footwear that will not slip on the smooth hospital floors. If you prefer to bring your own nightgown, keep your breastfeeding choice in mind. If you elect to breastfeed, bring a gown that opens in the front.
Going Home Outfits
Both you and baby need an outfit to wear when leaving the hospital. Many hospitals offer a photography service to parents. If you elect to use the service, remember to pack the outfit you want your baby to wear in her first photo debut. Pack loose clothing for yourself to accommodate a possible C-section incision and swelling of the breasts.
Car Seat
The car seat will not fit in your bag but remains a very important item on your list. Installing the car seat before you go into labor saves time and gives you time to install it securely. In 2010, HealthyChildren.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that infants ride in rear-facing car seats, in the back seat of the vehicle.
Toiletries
Using your own toiletries can make your hospital visit feel a bit more like home. Pack your lotions, lip balm, deodorant, cosmetics, sanitary pads and hairbrush. Initialing your items prevents them from getting confused with the property of others.
Phone List
Take a list of all the friends and family you want to call when your new baby arrives. Include the phone number of sitters used for the baby's siblings, if applicable, so that you can check in on your other children.
Camera or Video Equipment
Pack your camera or video equipment and bring extra batteries or chargers. Ask your hospital or birthing center for their policy on video recording and taking pictures. If your camera requires film, bring more than you think you will need.
Birth Plan
If you choose to use a birth plan, pack it in your hospital bag. Going over your birth plan with hospital personnel and your birthing care provider helps ensure everyone understands your preferences and needs.
