Congratulations! Your baby is almost here. Packing your bag for labor and delivery can be overwhelming but here's pack so you're prepared.
Instructions
1. The first step in packing will be to separate labor and delivery needs with post-partum needs. What you need for post-partum (after the baby is born) will be different than your needs during labor and delivery. Keeping things packed into two bags will help you access what you need quickly during labor and delivery. Any clothes you're packing for the baby and you to return home in should be packed in your post-partum bag along with any toiletries and makeup you may want for your stay in the hospital.
2. When considering packing for labor and delivery, a list of what you need starts to spring together quickly--but don't forget about things for your coach. Packing an extra change of clothes for your partner will be helpful. Don't forget a sweatshirt or other warm clothes if you're having a summer baby--often hospitals are air conditioned and long stays in shorts and T-shirts can get chilly. Stashing a few snacks and bottles of water in the bag will help if mom doesn't want to be left alone when hunger strikes. Including a bathing suit may also come in handy if you spend extended time in the shower and need support.
3. Consider your birth plan in helping you to choose what needs to be included and keep in mind that flexibility is the name of the game--often your choices for pain control will influence what you need to pack. If your plan is to use an epidural, pack items to help the time pass and keep you comfortable. If your plan involves natural child birth, pack items to help comfort and support you. Fill your bag with items that will help support you during the long process of labor and delivery--chapstick, toothbrush and deodorant should top the list. Items used as a focal point--perhaps a family photo, your iPod, socks, a deck of cards and clothing you want to wear in lieu of a hospital gown, camera and/or video camera, cell phones or lists of important phone numbers to help spread the good word are also a few ideas.
4. Most hospitals do have restrictions on what can and can't be brought into the hospital as well. Keep in mind that typically no candles are allowed in labor and delivery due to the oxygen in use in the hospital and that your food and fluid intake is likely to be restricted in a traditional hospital setting so bringing snacks and drinks for you may be off limits. Also, some hospitals have policies against the use of video cameras during labor and delivery so check with your health care provider beforehand. All hospitals have cell phone restrictions, so be sure to learn what the limitations are before dialing.
Tags: labor delivery, during labor, during labor delivery, hospitals have, what need, will help, items help