Packing for the hospital can be a tough assignment. It is wise to have some things organized before your expected date, so you will be prepared for early birth.  This is a tool about topics many new moms saw useful in their labor and child birth.

Essentials for the New Mom

_ Pre-registration forms the hospital gives you

_ Health insurance card

_Sports bra- A lot of women use these during water birth of pool birth, and to hold back liquid if not planning on breast feeding.

_Nursing bra(s)- This helps inflamed, weak breasts, and helps the breast pads stay in place.

_Nursing Pillows-   Used if breast feeding or bottle feeding; they lower tension on your arms, neck, and back during your time in nourishing the baby.

_Breast Pads- These are a need for breast feeding or not since they will stop leaks by absorbing milk.

_Slippers- In early labor, it is required to walk around.  These will be beneficial when walking to the nursery to see your child.

_Nightgown and robe-  Keep the fronts of them open if wanting to breast feed.

_Socks-  A lot of women fuss over their feet going cold in delivery, so bring a few pairs if one might get dirty.

_Toiletries-  To secure comfort, bring toothpaste, a toothbrush, chapstick, deodorant, hairbrush, makeup, soap, shampoo, hair dryer, lotion, etc.

_Going-home outfit- Find one that suited you at 6 months pregnant.

_Sanitary pads-  The hospital can service you with these, but several women feel more secure when they take their #1 brand along.  Remeber, choose a pad with a heavier flow design.

_Pillow from home- This will make you more at ease; just be sure not to have a similar pillowcase compared to the hospital pillow cases.

_Hair clip or band for long hair- Ladies with long hair want it pulled away from their faces in labor and delivery.

_Extra wash cloths-  Have contrasting colors from the hospital’s wash cloths.

_Mints or breath strips-  Many women go through nausea/vomiting in labor and delivery; these will keep your mouth and breath fresher or your support groups mouths.

_Magazines-  There will not be a lot of downtime, but you may be able to fit a few minutes in for reading

_Lollipops or other hard candies- these can relieve a dry mouth.

_Breast feeding book- Bring with you reference books that are helpful.

_Glasses and contact case

_Baby Book-  The nursery, most times, will get your baby book and place your baby’s foot prints in it.  This will save time and distress.

_Tube socks that have been filled with tennis balls or rice-

These can aid in relieving sore throbbing muscles while in labor.  Take a tube sock and put three tennis balls inside.  Tie or sew off the outlet of the sock, keeping the tennis balls inside.  Several women prefer to place these in the middle of their backs and the bed due to the enforced pressure, which makes them feel rejuvenated.  You may also put rice in your sock (uncooked but not instant).  These can be heated or put in the freezer and provides relaxation during severe contractions.

_Large envelope/file folder-  This can be used to file any stray paper work.

Essentials for Baby

_Infant car seat and infant head support- You can not leave the hospital with it, so make sure to bring the directions.

_Going-home outfit

_Hat- Babies oust the large percentage of their body heat through their heads

_Booties/socks

_Receiving blankets- Newborns enjoy being wrapped-up, and these blankets are perfect for wrapping.

_Newborn diapers-  If they do not have an area for the umbilical cord, be sure to crease them down.

_Wipes-  Start with wipes made for newborns with delicate skin.

_Mittens- Lots of newborns will come out with longer nails; they can freely scratch their faces and other sections of their bodies.

_Cans/bottles of formula- This will let you start with the formula you choose to nourish your baby.

Essentials for Partner

_Change of clothes

_Pajamas

_Bathing suit- This is crucial if you and your partner plan on water birthing or having labor in a birthing pool.

_Watch with second hand

_Video/still camera- Try to bring extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc.

_Address book- This will aid you in contacting friends and family on your new baby.

_Massage Oils-  Many labor classes speak about the need of massage oils in class because they help soothe back labor.

_CDs/CD player- Relaxing music could help you and your partner cool down both in and after labor.

_Take out menus

Essentials for siblings

_Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books

_Books

_Toys

_Snacks

_Special camera

_Gift from big brother/sister to baby- Can be something the older sibling picked out before the delivery.

_Gift from Mom and baby to the big brother/sister-  Many times older siblings get envious around the baby’s birth.  A thoughtful gift can help lessen the dilemma, letting the big brother/sister see that they are still valued.