Packing My Hospital Bag for Labor and Delivery
Today I packed my hospital bag. After taking our birthing class I feel like I’ve been given the keys to a new car, but have no idea how to drive. I don’t REALLY know what I’m getting myself into at the hospital do I? I’ve heard all kinds of stories and been given all kinds of advice.
Days & days of labor.
Abigail is a nice lady, but don’t hold anything she says during labor personally.
You are in for a “magical” experience.
You’ll think twice before doing that to her again.
I feel like I’ve forgotten something. There is a drug store near the hospital we will be delivering at and there will be family around to run an errand if needed. I still don’t feel properly prepared. Have any advice? My packing list is as follows:
- Insurance Cards
- Wallet
- Coffee
- Snacks
- Mints
- Gum
- 2 Changes of clothes
- Birth Plan
- iPhone w/Spotify Offline Playlists & Contraction Timing App
- iPhone Charger
- iPhone Speaker Dock
- Sound Connection Cord
- Computer
- Computer Charger
- Camera
- Camera Charger
- Swim Trunks
- Personal toiletries
- Lotion
- Tennis Balls
- Wash Cloths
- Bradley Method Workbook
Okay, I admit I may have over done it on the snacks. I am a worst case scenario planner. In case we have to be at the hospital for a long time and the kitchen can’t be bothered with what we need we have snacks and coffee for days. I keep hearing dad’s online say they wish they’d have “packed a sandwich.” I don’t know what time of day or night the baby might choose to arrive. It makes me feel better knowing that I’ve got “iced” coffee ready to go when I need it. Plus there is a mini-fridge in each of the rooms so it’ll be cold, just like I like it.
The baby’s bag is ready to go. I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around what is about to happen. I have a diaper bag packed for MY kid. When I leave for the hospital I’ll be coming home with ANOTHER person in my car. A person that will spend at least the better part of two decades living with me. That’s intense, exciting and exhausting all in the same thought. The baby’s bag includes:
- Take home outfit
- Onesies
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Baby Book
- Baby Blankets
- Baby Sling/Carrier
I’ve got a few items in the car as well. The car seat was installed at our local police department by a traffic safety officer. He showed me two ways to install it, via seat belt and anchor, and made sure I knew how to install it properly as well. I installed the car seat both ways and passed the inspection on the first try. That made me feel good. I can actually learn!
- Car Seat (Pre-Installed)
- Trash Bags
- Pillows
- Towels
- Blanket
- Bowl
I think I’m ready. Mostly. Is there anything you think I might need that I haven’t listed yet?