What to Bring to the Hospital

Packing for Labor and Delivery from PlanningFamily.com
The best advice I ever received about packing for the hospital was to pack two bags. One bag for everything I needed during labor, and the other bag for everything else (post partum stuff). Also, don't put off packing until the last minute. Having those bags packed and ready to go helped settle my nerves a bit about the big day.

Labor Bag
* Birth Plan
* Insurance Card & hospital info
* Eyeglasses ( try to avoid wearing contacts if you can)
* Hair Ties or your preferred method to tie back your hair
* Lip Balm
* Items for Relaxation - CD player & music, a book, a tennis ball to massage back pain during labor.
* Camera or Video Camera with charged batteries
* Washcloth - the hospital provides them, but you may want to bring your own
* Clothes for Labor - the hospital provides a gown, but you may want to bring your own loose fitting garment (no pants) to be more comfortable during delivery. Most hospitals allow you to wear your own nightgown instead of the one they provide. Also, make sure the nurses have access to your arm as they will need to take your blood pressure during labor. You should consider bringing warm socks as some women get cold during labor. Slippers might also be useful for walking around the hospital in your early stages of delivery
* Lollipops or hard candies and a snack for your coach
* Focal Point - Something you love for example a picture of your favorite place or a loved one. Anything reassuring.

Post Partum Bag
* Fresh nightgown
* Snacks
* Maternity Clothes - nursing bra and underwear that you don't mind throwing away. They might stain even if you are wearing a sanitary napkin
* Sanitary Pads - the hospital does provide these, but you might be more comfortable with ones you have chosen.
* Toiletries - mouthwash, toothpaste and toothbrush, shampoo
* Telephone book and prepaid phone card
* Outfit to go home in

Baby's Bag
* Car Seat - you can't get home without this!
* Outfit to go home in. Don't forget about socks and a hat!
* Receiving blanket
* Baby nail clippers and an emery board. Some hospitals do not provide this.

Coach's Bag
* Money for parking and vending machines
* Toiletries
* Bathing Suit - just in case you want to jump in the shower with mom if she chooses to take a shower during labor.
* Change of clothes
* Snacks - it could be a long day or night, or both.

DO NOT PACK
* Jewelry
* Lots of cash/credit cards

Now, that you are all packed and ready to go...good luck on the big day!