by JennM

Created on: August 04, 2009

When going to the hospital to deliver your baby, not only do you need to pack a bag for yourself, but you will need one for your baby as well. Actually, just one bag will do with both of your items in one. I suggest having your bag packed about a month before your delivery date and in a place (either in your home or your car) where you can easily grab it or your spouse (or whomever) when the long awaited day comes to get to the hospital. Waiting to pack a bag while you are already starting the beginnings of labor could cause you to forget items amongst the pain and excitement of what's to come.

These are the items I suggest should be packed for mom:

Pajamas - hospital gowns are provided of course but after taking a shower, you might prefer to put on something more comfortable. Keep in mind if you are going to be nursing....if so, make sure your pajamas are made for nursing or are easily adjusted to do so. Undies - these are important especially since you may have a lot of bleeding after the delivery (and up to several weeks after). The hospital will provide you with pads to control the bleeding...but you never know when you might need to change your undies. Robe - especially if you decide to stay in a hospital gown the entire stay. With so many nurses and visitors coming in and out of your room, it is nice to be able to cover up without being entrapped with blankets. You might also want to walk down to the nursery or just get some fresh air....putting on a robe over your pajamas or hospital gown can make you feel more "appropriately" dressed. Slippers/House Shoes - hospital floors are not the cleanliest so I highly suggest wearing some sort of slippers (or at least socks). Brush/Hair Tie - labor can do some crazy things to your hair. You could be lying down for hours on end and you could sweat. Eye Glasses (if you normally wear contacts) - there's nothing wrong with wearing your contacts, but it is so much easier to skip the whole contact thing and just put on a pair of glasses while in the hospital. Going Home Clothes - take a pair of clothes, maybe a soft cotton dress or jogging suit that you can leave the hospital in. You need to keep in mind that your stomach will be smaller than it was when you entered the hospital, but far from when you first got pregnant. Camera - you don't want to miss those first few moments with

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