I’m 37 weeks pregnant! It’s crazy I know! Time has gone so slow and so fast all at the same time. Now I’m considered full-term and baby could come anytime! That means, I probably should pack a hospital bag. Micah came more than a week late so we were fully and totally over-prepared. This time, with moving and a toddler at home, I’m totally not ready yet and I’m ok with baby waiting a few more weeks to make an appearance.

What to Pack for the Hospital for Baby’s Birth!

An ID and your Health Insurance Card

More hospitals pre-register, so do that for sure! Then bring your IDs and insurance cards just in case they need them while you are there.

Your Birth Plan

If you have one. Otherwise, just communicate your hopes and hope-nots with your doctor.

Comfy clothes

Like a bathrobe and slippers. Trust me, the nurses don’t care what you are wearing and you will want to be comfortable. Those per-pregnancy clothes are not going to fit right away and you will be tired. Plus, comfy, loose clothes are a must for the first few days (weeks) of breastfeeding.

A Notebook and Camera

Most people use their phones for cameras now, so that’s easy. Bring a notebook or a baby book to record those first few memories. The baby book is awesome so they can put baby’s footprints right in it.

Money

Yea, the hospital will bleed you dry when they bill you. They will also likely charge you for food and parking while you are there.

Something to Read/Do

Labor is intense, but it can also be boring. And long. And slow. Bring things to do for you and daddy, during and after. But make sure they are easy-to-drop, ok-to-interrupt-every-two-minutes things to do/read.

Nursing bras and Comfy Underwear

Trust me, the next few weeks are not the time for sexy underwear. And the giant one-size-fits-all mesh underwear the hospital has isn’t so great either. Pick something in between that will hold a large pad and fit comfortably. And don’t be afraid to throw them away in 6 weeks.

Nursing bras are hugely important for nursing, and don’t worry, you can find cute ones!

Toiletries

Most hospitals will supply the basics, but having your own toothbrush and hair brush will make you feel a little cleaner. Plus, deodorant, hair ties, lip balm, lotion and whatever else you use daily. That includes glasses/contact case. You might want to even switch into your glasses during labor if your contacts bug you. Don’t forget the lip balm! A lot of hospitals don’t stock it and you’ll want it.

Phone Charger

You and daddy will definitely be on your phones calling, texting and taking pictures, so make sure you can charge them!

Snacks!

Daddy will want snacks during labor, though you probably won’t be allowed to eat much. Then, after labor, you’ll want to snack between meals, and all day long. Labor takes a lot out of you, and breastfeeding and waking up at all hours of the night does too. Comfort foods are good!

Nursing Pillow

Hospital pillows are hit or miss and probably not so comfortable for nursing. A nursing pillow will definitely help. The first few weeks of nursing can be rough, so anything to make it better is good!

A Going Home Outfit

For you, something comfy but cute that you can stand to be seen in. Again, if they barely fit before pregnancy, they won’t fit now. Try stretchy pants and a lose shirt.

For baby, whatever adorable outfit you choose.

If people are awaiting your arrival at home, go cuter of course!

An Installed Car Seat

Install the base and be ready to bring the car seat inside when you are discharged so the nurse can make sure baby can tolerate sitting in it and you can make sure she snugs is securely.

A Box of Chocolates

Or two. One for you guys, and one for the nurses. Because nurses are awesome! (I might be a little biased). Remember, you are bringing other snacks for you too!

Have Other Kids?

Don’t forget to pack a bag for them! Pack snacks and a picture of them for when they come visit in the hospital in your bag. Then pack a bag of everything they will need for wherever they are staying while you are in the hospital!

 

What Not to Bring to the Hospital

Jewelry, cash or anything of great value

Pre-pregnancy clothes (not kidding, they won’t fit right away, don’t get your hopes up)

The whole baby closet. Seriously, you’ll just need the going home outfit, otherwise baby can be just wrapped in a receiving blanket in the hospital. Skin-to-skin time is necessary, and changing diapers is way easier with no clothes on.

Diapers. The hospital will provide them while you are there. Leave them at home so they’ll be ready when you get there!