Sometime near the end of the third trimester, you will need to pack your bag for the hospital. A good way to get organized is to make three lists: one for labor, one for what you will need after the baby is born and the third with things you will want to bring along for your baby. This will help you focus and avoid forgetting anything important.
For Labor:
Bring along a copy of your Birth Plan. Ideally, you should give your health care provider and the hospital a copy of this before the time arrives for your baby to be born. Since they can get misplaced, be sure to pack a copy in your bag for the hospital.
If you have medium length or long hair, bring along something to tie it back, like pony tail holders, scrunchies or clips. You may want to get your hair out of your face during labor or tie it up if you get into the tub for part of your labor.
A robe and slippers are good to have. You may want to walk the hallways of the hospital during the early phase of labor. Slippers will keep your feet warm and a robe will cover your bottom, which will show with the hospital gown.
Comfort items for labor: these include anything that will make you feel more relaxed, comfortable or help with the pain of labor. These items are personal and will vary from woman to woman. Some ideas: soothing music, hypnobirthing CD, CD player with headphones, massage oil, aromatherapy lotions, tennis balls or a back massager, and your own pillow.
For After Baby is Born:
You may decide to wear hospital gowns for the entire stay at the hospital. On the other hand, you may want your own nightgown for after your baby is born. If so, bring along a few nightgowns to change as needed. Also bring along a few pairs of underwear, nursing bras and breast pads.
Pack anything you will need to freshen up after baby is born. This can include: shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup and a hair brush. I always like to shower and put on some make up after the babies are born, so I won’t look dead in the pictures later.
Throw a few snacks in the bag for between meals or when the hospital food is inedible. Pack some healthy choices like trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit and protein bars. On the way out the door, you can grab some fresh fruit, but you won’t want to pack it ahead of time.
Bring some magazines or a book to read during your hospital stay. Choose something that you will enjoy and that won’t make you think too hard.
You will need to bring along an outfit to wear home from the hospital. Your figure won’t be back, so choose something that is large and loose fitting. You will most likely look like you did in the second trimester, so use that size as a guide when selecting your outfit.
For the Baby:
You will need an outfit to bring the baby home from the hospital. The outfit should be suitable for the weather. If your baby is due at a time of unpredictable weather, like the early autumn or spring time, you may want to bring along two outfits, one for warmer weather and a sleeper or a second outfit in case the weather is chilly. Bring a sweater or snow suit, if you are due in the cold weather season. You will need to bring a blanket to wrap the baby in for the ride home. Also, bring a pair of booties or socks and a hat for the baby’s head. Don’t forget the car seat. You won’t be able to bring the baby home without one. Install the seat a few weeks before your due date to be sure it is installed properly and ready to go when baby comes.
You may want to pack a small bag for your husband or other support person. Include snacks for labor and change for the vending machine. Pack the camera and video camera in this bag. Don’t forget film, a memory card or tape for the recorder. Make sure you have extra fresh batteries. Throw in a change of clothes in case labor is long and your coach wants to freshen up after the birth.