What to Pack For Labor and Delivery

It is easy to find books on how to take care of your baby and what to do while you are pregnant. However, not too many books or advice is given about what you should pack for that trip to the hospital. This can be unknown territory for the first time parents. You never know how long you may be at a hospital when it comes to delivering a baby so you do need to be prepared. You need to know what to pack for labor and delivery and you should probably pack now.

The first piece of advice is don’t wait till the last minute. It is obvious that it is not something that you are going to want to do during the panic of labor. Another reason to do it early is so that you don’t forget. Most women have a general idea of when they are going to go into labor. These last days if not bed ridden can be very hectic. There can be all kinds of last minute preparation that you may need to do. It can be very easy to let this task slip your mind. It could also be that you will be restricted to bed rest in the last few days. During this time the last thing that you want to be doing is packing a bag. You also want to be smart about what you pack and not do it in haste.

Okay so you have the mother’s bag ready and it has been for sometime but what about the person who is accompanying the mother during labor. That person could find themselves at the hospital for an extended stay as well. You don’t want to have to leave during labor to get a book or a change of clothes and risk missing anything. It is also important to know that there will be one more person that you will be leaving the hospital with and so be sure not to forget to pack for the new baby too.

You should bring your personal toiletries like toothpaste and deodorant and soap. This is true for the mother and the companion. A change of clothes for both is also a good idea as well as slippers and socks. Mom might need to bring a nursing bra or two, some cotton panties, and a couple of nightgowns. A massager to help with back pains during labor is a good idea.

The companion should remember a few things particular to them to. Phone numbers and contacts to get a hold of everyone. A book to occupy you when the mother is resting is a good idea. Money to get snacks and meals at the cafeteria will be needed since it is only the mother that will have food provided. The most important thing to remember is the equipment to document this experience. You need to be sure to have your camera or camcorder, batteries, film, or memory cards, and all cords.

There are a lot of things that you will need. You won’t be in the frame of mind to do it at the last minute so make sure you know what to pack for labor and delivery and to do it now.