What to Bring to the Hospital for Delivery

Having a baby is pretty exciting stuff.  Going to the hospital can be pretty scary though and you might be wondering what you will need when you get there.  Know this, all you really need is yourself and a support person.  Everything else is just going to make you more comfortable.

 

#1: A Robe (or pj's) and Slippers & Toiletries :  The first day you might enjoy wearing the hospital gown, but having your own clothes makes you feel a little more human.  Did you forget you would be spending the night? A toothbrush, deodorant, and some shampoo might be nice.

 

#2: Nursing bras or Nursing Tanks: Nursing your baby is so much easier if you bring the right stuff.  I wore my yoga pants and nursing tanks the whole time I was in the hospital.

 

 

#3: Nursing Pads and Lanolin: Nursing can be challenging and painful at first, this stuff will get you through it.

 

#4: Stuff for Baby: You really don't need anything, but it is fun to have an outfit to take them home in, mittens, and a hat or two.  You could also bring a piece of paper to get an extra footprint when they do them at the hospital.  Baby has diapers, wipes, blankets, etc. at the hospital so you don't really need those until you go home.

 

 

 

#5: Boppy Nursing Pillow: I loved having mine at the hospital.  It helped prop baby up and made for more comfortable nursing.

 

#6: Camera: You are going to want some pictures to capture this special day!  Don't forget to bring your camera, or your phone if you use that to take pictures.

 

#7: Entertainment and Snacks: You might be there a while.  Bring your ipad, magazines, a book, etc.  You will also want some yummy snacks for after the delivery.  Trust me, Oreo's never sounded so good after 24 hours of no eating!

 

#8: Phone: Make sure you bring your phone and charger.  Everyone is going to want to hear about the birth and check on you and the baby.  You or your support person might want to send out a text to let everyone know how things went after the baby is born.

 

#9: Going Home Outfit: Don't forget to pack something comfy and clean to go home in. A loose fitting skirt or yoga pants, a comfy nursing bra, and a baggy t-shirt work great.  Trust me, you won't want to be showing off your curves just yet.  I actually had people asking me when I was due for over a week after I gave birth.  Uh, awkward, "last week?"

 

#10: Car Seat for Baby: You won't be allowed to leave the hospital without it, so make sure you install the car seat around week 35 just to be safe.  One more thing checked off your list early.

 

 

These are the things I found most helpful to have with me at the hospital.  A positive attitude and patience would be helpful too. My labor was over 24 hours and we ended up staying for 6 days because our little guy was in the NICU.  Expect the unexpected and try to think about the end result, they are totally worth it.

Check back tomorrow for tips on nursing essentials.