You are getting so close to that big day. As it approaches, make sure that you are prepared for your hospital stay. Who knows how long you will be there. Labor can be 5 minutes for could be longe4r than you care to sit in one place at one time. Think about some of the things that you will want while you are there.
You will probably want to have two bags with you. One bag should have items that you need before labor and the other bag should have things that you'll need after.
You probably should have everything ready to go by the time you reach eight months because you don't know when your baby is going to decide to come into the world.
Here's a list of things recommended by experienced moms:
For labor
- A picture ID (driver's license or other ID), your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need
- Your birth plan, if you have one
- Eyeglasses, you wear them. Even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you're in the hospital.
- Toiletries: Pack a few personal items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.
- A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor and afterward, but some women prefer to wear their own. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that you don't mind getting dirty. It should be either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily. Slippers and a robe may come in handy if you want to walk the halls during labor.
- Whatever will help you relax. Here are some possibilities: your own pillow (use a patterned or colorful pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital's pillows), music and something to play it on, a picture of someone or something you love, anything you find reassuring. If you're going to be induced, think about bringing some reading material because it may be a while before labor is underway.
For your partner/labor coach
- A camera or video camera with batteries, charger, and memory card (or film or tape). Someone has to document the big event!
- Toiletries
- Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
- Snacks and something to read
- Money for parking and change for vending machines
- A bathing suit. If you want to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want your partner to get in with you to support you or rub your back.
Post brought to you by cribsforcollege.com
information paraphrased from babycenter.com
