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Help - Birth
The following is a checklist of items you may need to bring to the hospital for the labor and birth and for the expectant mother, family and newborn baby. |
Print out this list in a form.
- Documents
- Your birth or labor plan, if you have one
- Your health insurance card and hospital paperwork, if needed
- Your driver's license or photo I.D.
- Address and phone book to contact family members
WHN TIP: Some hospitals do not allow cell phones, so it’s important to make a list of numbers before you go - A phone card and quarters, since you may not be able to use your cell phone.
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- Insurance company's phone number to add the baby to your policy
- Manila envelope or folder to keep loose paperwork together
- Paper and pens/pencils (to write down questions or notes for hospital staff)
- Camera, film, video camera
WHN TIP: Remember to check with hospital about photo and video policies. - Comfort items
- Bring a book and/or magazine to read to pass the time
- Bring your own pillow(s)
- Bring your own large towel (or two) for showering. Some hospitals only supply small towels. Consider bringing dark-colored towels, in case of stains.
- Baseball hat (or any hat) for hair, in case it’s a while before you get to wash it.
- A comfy robe and jammies. You may be walking the hallways.
- Consider bringing two or three front-opening nightgowns.
WHN TIP: Bring an old gown for labor. - Choose gowns with shorter sleeves so staff can easily check your blood pressure. Cotton material tends to breathe the best.
- Extra pairs of maternity underwear, nursing bras and pads.
- Extra set of comfy, loose clothes and shoes to wear when you leave the hospital. (You’ll still feel a bit pregnant.)
- Family photos
- Favorite music or radio
- Mints, hard candy (to help with dry mouth)
- Slippers and socks
- Snacks (for you and your partner), water bottles
- A watch with a second hand to time contractions
- Toiletries
- Deodorant
- Eye glasses/contact cases and solution
- Facial sponge to use before and during labor
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties and clips
- Lip balm (for chapped lips)
- Make-up
- Massage oils or lotion, tennis balls (for a massage)
- Maternity pads
- Necessary medications
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Soap/body wash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Extra set (or two) of comfy clothes
- Eye glasses/contact cases and solution
- Medications
- Pajamas, robe, slippers
- Quarters for phone calls, parking and vending machines
- Small amount of money to buy anything birthing mom may need
- Snacks and beverages
- Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Coloring books and crayons
- Books
- Stuffed animals, toys
- Snacks and beverages
- Other special needs items: medications, toiletries, etc.
- Gift for the baby (chosen by the big brother/sister)
- Gift from mom or partner for the big brother/sister (to help with jealousy)
- Baby book (hospital staff may be able to put baby's footprints in the book for you)
- Baby nail clippers (newborns have longer nails, so they may be able to scratch themselves)
- Booties
- Cans/bottles of formula
- A car seat (this is required by law)
- Going-home outfit and undershirt
- Hat
- Jacket (if cool weather or winter)
- Newborn diapers
- Outside blanket (extra warm one for winter)
- Receiving blanket
- Wipes
- Jewelry
- Any important valuables
- Lots of credit cards or cash. Instead, take one card or a small amount of necessary cash.
Have advice on what to bring to the hospital? Head to Stories and share tips with others.
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