Labor and delivery

Hospital birth? What to bring

By Jennifer Vanderlaan

Sometime around the end of your eighth month of pregnancy, you will begin the ritual of packing your bag for the hospital. If you are like most mothers you will pack, unpack, and repack a few times as you try to determine what items you should bring with you. There is no standard for what you need to have, and most hospitals can provide the basic necessities so you will be alright even if you arrive at the hospital with nothing but your purse.

It is normal to want to have your own stuff during a maternity stay in a hospital. What stuff that is will depend on you and what it takes you to feel comfortable. While you do not want to show up without an item you need, you are more likely to overpack for labor. Here are some ideas to help you pack confidently.

Use three small bags instead of one large bag.

Remember that you are packing for three specific purposes. One bag can contain the items you will need or want during labor, another bag can hold your clothes and items for use after the baby is born, and the final bag can house the things for your new baby. Using multiple bags makes it easier to find what you are looking for quickly, and it allows you to carry only one bag into the hospital while in labor.

Your labor support may want to pack a bag to bring as well. The bag could contain items needed to say fresh and comfortable while supporting you in labor. This may be snacks, a clean shirt, toothbrush, water bottles, and change for a vending machine.

Think comfort

Pack your labor bag with the tools you may want to use to stay comfortable during labor. Items such as massage tools, a special pillow, a comfortable T-shirt or gown, and your favorite music may help you labor well. Put in a few snacks and some fresh water bottles that can be used by either you or your labor support. An MP3 player, mini DVD player, or handheld game system may be appropriate if you expect stretches of time when support people will be in a waiting room. Some hospitals do not allow the use of cellular phones inside the hospital, so plan accordingly.

For your hospital stay bag, pay attention to the things that help you feel fresh and comfortable every day. Do you use a specific moisturizer or shampoo? What face wash do you like? Do you have a favorite toothpaste or mouthwash? Most personal care items are available in the hospital, just not in your favorite brand. So there is no need to panic if you forget something. Pack a pair of slippers and comfortable clothing. Plan to wear something that fit around your fifth month of pregnancy for the first few weeks, so choose accordingly.

Once in a lifetime

Think about the mementos you want from the birth of your baby. Do you want photos or video of the labor, or do you want to wait until baby is born? If you want copies of baby's footprints in a special book, put it in your labor bag. Baby will probably only need one or two outfits, so choose the ones you want the "going home" pictures taken in.

If you expect visitors during your hospital stay, you may want to be prepared for the gifts they bring. Packing an extra empty bag inside baby's bag will give you the space to take home the unexpected clothing, teddy bears, and blankets well-wishers bring to the hospital.

Because of the importance of the birth of a baby to a family, many hospitals have rooms allocated to new families, to allow them to stay together. If you intend to use one of these rooms, it can be helpful to have an overnight bag packed for any loved ones who will be staying with you.

Expect hospital food

While staying in the hospital, you will be paying for hospital food, but that does not mean you must eat it. Unless you are on a medically ordered diet, you have the freedom to eat food you bring into the hospital. Pack snacks, your favorite juice or water bottles, or even the take-out menus from nearby restaurants. But remember, you will only be there for a day or two and someone can always bring additional snacks if needed.

In addition to food, the hospital will help you maintain your regular medicine regimen. Keep a list of all medicines you are currently taking, including dose and frequency, in your purse and labor bag to make it easier to recall during admission. This ensures you do not miss a dose if the medicine is accidentally left at home.

Pack for the unexpected

It can be a good idea to pack a few things so you are prepared for any labor scenario. A deck of cards, favorite book, or writing materials can make the early hours of an induction less boring. A map and directions to your chosen hospital can help save time if your expected support person is unavailable or during a fast labor. A copy of your birth plan can help you communicate with the hospital staff regardless of the doctor on call. A list of important phone numbers, either doctors or the family you want to contact, can be helpful if you are not allowed to use a cell phone.

Above all, relax. In most cases, someone can bring you any items you discover you want. Remember it is almost always better to pack light than to be weighed down by over packing.