What Should You Bring To The Hospital?

While this list can vary greatly from person to person, there are some basic items and ideas which will make your stay more comfortable. Make up your bag a couple of weeks before you're due, even if you are having a planned C-section (babies don't always like to follow our plans!). This way you won't have to worry about the details when the big moment arrives. Be sure your support person knows where this bag is as well!

• Insurance information
• Lotion or oil for massage during labor
• Toothbrush, mouthwash
• Hairbrush
• Other toiletry items for mom(shampoo, deodorant, etc.)
  
• Warm socks
• Relaxing music (check to see if your facility has a CD player, or bring your own)
• Bathrobe
• PJ's
• Bras (consider nursing bras if you are breastfeeding)
• Topical pain relieving spray such as Dermoplast for after vaginal delivery
• Change of clothes for your support person
• Clothing to wear home (something you wore in your 5th or 6th month of pregnancy)
• Camera
• From home snacks or change for the vending machine
• If you are breastfeeding, consider a Boppy style nursing pillow
• Deck of cards, books, movies (check if your facility has VCR or DVD players)
• Overnight maxi pads (hospital may supply these, but your own brand may be more comfortable)
• Several pair of underware you won't mind throwing out (post delivery flow can be quite heavy, you might ask your facility if they provide disposable underware)
• Body Pillow
• Two outfits for baby
• blankets
• Baby Book (ask the nursing staff to put in baby's footprints! Most nurses would be happy to do it . . . don't count on good hand prints though . . . those are tough to get!)
  
• Baby Mittens or socks to prevent baby from scratching face
• Baby nail clippers (hospital staff generally are not allowed to clip baby's nails, and NEVER use adult clippers)
• List of phone numbers of people you will want to call
• Cell phone, you won't be able to call long distance from most hospitals
• Car seat-be sure to try it out in your car first to be sure it fits properly!

Most hospitals will provide diapers, baby wash, baby lotion, etc. If there is a specific brand you would like to use however, be sure to bring your own.