The big day is almost here.  As you wait for labor to start, this is a perfect time to start packing your hospital bag.  Get a suitcase or big bag that you can start putting items in as you think about it.  It’s easier to pack over a week’s time rather than to throw stuff in at the last minute while you’re in labor. I’ve put together a list of items that you may want to pack.  You can pick and choose what’s right for you. I hope this gets you thinking and gives you some ideas.

Let’s Get Packing

The Baby Outfit

This was my favorite item to pack.  Think about what you’d like to bring your baby home in.   It helped me to keep my eye on the prize by hanging a cute baby outfit in my bathroom that last month. I looked at it every day with great anticipation. Then when it came time to pack my hospital bag, it went in there first.

Slippers or Comfy Socks

Think about what you want to wear in labor.  Do you want to be barefoot or wear your favorite cozy socks?  Also, you will want to have non-slip slippers or socks for those cold hospital floors.

A Top to Wear During Labor

I decided to wear my favorite running bra in labor.  Those hospital gowns are droopy and made me feel more naked than what was required to have a baby. I liked knowing I had a workout top on for the workout that labor is.

Birth Ball

If you’ve purchased a birthing ball, don’t forget to bring it to the hospital with you. If you haven’t bought one and you still have time, you can find them at Walmart in the exercise section.  The birthing ball is nice to sit on while you are in labor, instead of laying in bed. Let gravity help your birth along with a ball.  My hospital had one for me to use.  But if you want to make sure it’s available then it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Pajamas

A gown is going to work better for this hospital stay, trust me.  If you have a nurse or doctor come in to check on you, it’s easier to have a gown on than to take off pajama pants.

Snacks/Drinks

If you want some light snacks or drinks for labor, make sure to pack them.  Otherwise, you will be at the mercy of the hospital menu that may or may not have what you want.

Music

If you want your own music on while you are in labor, make sure to pack it.  Music can help some women calm down and focus better on labor.

Mobile Phone with Charger

If you’d like to stay in contact with your friends and family during labor, especially the easier early stages, remember to pack your phone.  You’ll probably want to share photos right away of your new bundle of joy too.  Just don’t forget to pack that charger!

A Going Home Outfit( Yours) 

You’ve packed your baby outfit.  That was easy.  Packing your own outfit might be a bit harder since you are going to have to guess on the size.  Never in your life will you lose as much weight in one day like this!  But remember, you may not fit into those skinny jeans that you wore before becoming pregnant just yet.  Stretchy clothing is a good choice.  Yoga pants or stretchy jeans would work too.  Your uterus will still need time to shrink down to normal size so give yourself a break and pack stretchy stuff.

Toiletries

Your hospital should be very stocked up in this area, but just to be sure, you might want to pack some of your own items.

Camera

Unless you are going to use your cell phone for photos, make sure to pack your camera for those first baby shots.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Brush, and Shampoo

This is another area that the hospital should have for you, but it doesn’t hurt to throw in your own bathroom items.

Baby Blanket

Blue, pink or whatever you choose, make sure to pack a comfy blanket for the ride home.

Baby Hat

The hospital will most likely give your baby his or her first hat, but if you have a special one planned, don’t forget to pack it.

Car Seat

Most hospitals will check to make sure you have a car seat.  Unless you are very ambitious and are walking home, don’t forget to pack the car seat.  Also, make sure to have hospital staff check to make sure it’s fastened securely.  Most likely they will want to check it for safety, so take them up on this service.

 

I hope that these tips can help you feel prepared for one of the happiest days of your life!