Pregnancy and Childbirth: What to Bring to the Hospital

You're likely feeling anxious as your child's birth approaches. This is normal. To give yourself some peace of mind, pack a bag ahead of time. Do this about 1 month ahead of your estimated delivery date. Here is a list of things to bring:

• Personal care items (toothbrush, hair brush, lip balm, lotion, mints or breath strips, and shampoo)
• Eyeglasses (if you wear them)
• Nightgown (if you plan to breastfeed, pack one that allows for nursing)
• Nursing bra if you plan to breastfeed
• Nursing pillow and sleeping pillow
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Many hospitals provide maternity underwear, but you may want to bring underwear (or adult diapers) that can be soiled because you will have bleeding after delivery
• Comfortable clothes for you to wear home (sweatpants, yoga pants, or other stretchable clothes). Your pre-pregnancy clothes may not fit after delivery.
• Clothes for your baby to wear home
• Smart phone, camera, or video recorder
• Personal music player and headphones
• Coins for vending machines
• List of names of people to call after the birth
• Cell phone and charger
• Insurance information and any other paperwork needed for your hospital stay
• A list of baby names you are thinking of
• An infant, rear-facing car seat for bringing home your baby (this is required by law)

Add anything else that you don't want to forget:

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________