How to Pack a Labor and Delivery Bag
Birth Information About Must-Haves for Moms in the Delivery Room
During the last weeks of pregnancy, expectant moms will start to pack their labor and delivery bags for the hospital. Here's birth information to help gather essentials
Packing for the birth of a first child is tricky. Underpacking can be incredibly frustrating since there’s no time to run out during labor and delivery to grab what was forgotten. On the other hand, a stack of suitcases will only slow couples down, clutter their small hospital room, and make a big unpacking job for the very busy first days home. Hospitals provide much of what couples need during their stay, but here are the things no mom will want to be without.
Birth Information on Items in the Labor and Delivery Bag
- Hospital paperwork and insurance card – Couples should pick their paperwork up from their hospital of choice and fill it out early. They will want to make certain these papers are one of the first things to go into the delivery bag.
- Robe – Hospitals provide gowns, but if expectant moms plan to be walking the halls to keep labor moving, they will probably want a little extra coverage. Since the robe may be stained during labor, moms won’t want to buy an expensive wrap for the occasion.
- Slippers – Comfortable slippers with good traction are a must for women walking the cold, tile hospital floors.
- Massagers and massage oil – These come in especially handy if women experience back labor.
- Music and CD player – If couples are fortunate enough to enjoy a private delivery room, music can give the hospital a homey feel and provide distraction from the labor. Couples may want to mix their own CD of soothing tunes.
- Books, magazines, games, or shower thank you cards – Labor for a first-time mom is likely to take a while. During the first stage, couples will probably want something entertaining to pass the time.
- Stopwatch or watch with second hand – The labor coach will be interested to track the labor’s progression by timing contractions.
- Notes from child birth class – A last minute refresher may be handy on the big day.
Birth Information on Items for the Hospital Stay
- Telephone numbers of family and friends – Make a list of everyone to call with the good news.
- Calling card – Since there are likely to be fees for long distance calls from the hospital, couples can bring a calling card to contact friends and relatives living far away.
- Nursing gown and nursing bra – If moms plan to breastfeed their new babies, they’ll want to come prepared. Doctors, nurses, and well wishers visit at all hours, so nursing gowns and bras offer the best way to cover up while feeing the baby.
- 2 maternity outfits – Moms will want to be comfortable after the hard work of delivery. Tight clothes won’t be wanted for at least a few weeks.
- Toiletries– Expectant moms and their husbands should pack tooth brushes, tooth paste, makeup and whatever else they would need for a short trip.
- Treats for the delivery staff – It’s a common practice to bake or buy tiny gifts for any doctors, midwives, or nurses who assisted with the delivery.
Birth Information on Items to Pack for the New Baby
- Camera and video camera – These should be fully charged and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Couples should be certain to also remember chargers and extra batteries, tapes, and memory cards.
- A few outfits – Hospitals provide clothes for the baby during their stay, but if moms want to dress their new babies up for photos or the ride home, they’ll want to bring a few comfortable outfits.
- Blanket, cap, and booties – It’s likely the hospital provides these, but if the weather is going to be cold, moms may want to toss them in just to be sure.
- Carseat – The new family won’t be leaving the hospital without one. Staff generally accompany parents to the car to see whether a seat is properly installed, so parents will probably want to research this ahead of time.
Packing a labor and delivery bag with all the essentials will help moms feel prepared when the big day arrives. They also may want to check out articles on choosing a doctor, hospital, and birth classes, what labor and delivery will feel like, and tips for making it all the way if they’re hoping for a natural birth.
The copyright of the article How to Pack a Labor and Delivery Bag in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Marcy Paulson. Permission to republish How to Pack a Labor and Delivery Bag in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Labor and Delivery Room after Birth
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