List compiled by the Sistas
Don't forget insurance and hospital pre-registration forms. Filling them out ahead of time makes admittance a breeze. Pack a bag for the labor room. You could be there for a while, so the following things may prove useful:
A list for mom:
Bathrobe
Slippers
Socks
Extra underwear
Sanitary napkins
Lip balm
Hard candies
Lotion for massages
Toiletries
Snacks for your birthing partner
Change for phone calls and vending machines
Cell phone (if permitted)
Phone numbers for people waiting to hear the good news
Books
Tapes
A tape/CD player
Eyeglasses
A stopwatch for timing contractions
Paper and pencil
Camera with film and flash
Baby book for recording baby's first footprint
The Boppy or My Brest Friend breastfeeding pillow, to get used to using it right away, get tips from lactation consultant on how to position yourself and baby
A list for baby:
Infant or convertible car seat
(in many states, you can't leave the hospital without one)
T-shirt
Spare diaper
"Coming home" outfit
Receiving blanket
Snowsuit (in winter)
Hat or bonnet
Booties or socks
Bottle, nipples and formula (if you're bottlefeeding)
Later, for your hospital room, you'll want a fresh nightgown (with nursing openings if you're breastfeeding), a bra (nursing or supportive), underwear, basic toiletries, and your address book. For going home, bring a fourth- or fifth-month maternity outfit.
Also... Bring home EVERYTHING they leave in the room (except for blankets/tee shirts.) you are paying for them. that means the dry cotton wipes, the nasal aspirator (which is a good thing - the safety first ones don't work, IMO, and it is hard to find a "real" one in the store)
One piece of advice I got from a friend was to pack your bag as if you were going for the 1-2 day time period, but leave a separate sorted pile at home for your husband to bring in if you have to stay after a c-section. That way you're not relying on a husband�s sense of what you need!! She said her husband came with the most bizarre things, and clothes she hadn't been able to wear in months!
March 19, 2004
