There’s nothing more exciting and stressful than that journey to the hospital when you know the little one is ready to come out and greet the world You will have stories for a lifetime. How? When? Where? Who?
Here’s a list of things you want to have ready for your trip to the hospital. These are things you’ll need. The baby items will be a different post.
- Birth plan: Put together a short and sweet birth plan describing your preferences for the birth.
- Medical insurance card
- Drivers license
- Phone numbers: Doctor, friends and family you want your significant other to contact.
- Nursing bras
- Cute gown with a zipper: The hospital gown is awful looking and you will have visitors and photos to take. Make sure you look good for the memories. Front zipper makes baby feeding easier.
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Robe (Barefoot Dreams) or sweater: You’ll get cold at the hospital. They’ll ask you to walk up and down that hall. Bring one you know you can clean easily.
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Socks with the rubber soles (3 pair): They keep those rooms cold and you don’t want to slip.
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Makeup and a mirror on a stand (Frasco): You’ve got to look good for all the oohs and awes your baby will get. Don’t forget your lip balm.
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Toiletries: Tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo (if you just want to fluff up your hair), skin lotion and creams, contact solutions and cases. Try to bring everything in small travel size containers. You won’t be there long – just a few days.
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Hair dryer and curlers/curling iron: You’re going to feel better if you do your hair. It’s the last thing on your mind, but a quick dry or curlers and you’ll feel better and ready to face the world.
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Headband and pony tail holder
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Extra maternity underwear: Once you give birth, you’ll still be bloated and some women hate the disposable, hospital underwear.
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Sanitary pads
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Water bottle that keeps water ice cold (Hydroflask or Takeya): It’s a pain asking for more water and ice. If you keep a nice big bottle near you, you can drink to your heart’s content. Hospitals are very dry and you will be dehydrated.
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Eyeglasses, if you wear them
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Breast pump: Bring it if you’re going to use one. It will help the milk come in faster.
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Phone, headphones and charger: Music will help sooth you.
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Book or magazines: For light reading.
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Massage goodies: Oil, rubbing tools, etc.
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Cute outfit that you can fit into when you are coming home. Remember, you won’t be back to your old self for a while.
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Change: For the snack machine.
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Clothes, underwear, toiletries for your significant other. This is so he can stay a night or two with you.
You should have these items ready in a bag. When you water has burst or contractions have started, the last thing you will need is the added stress of searching for these items.
Good luck!
