by Joanna Wood

Created on: August 05, 2009

Packing your bags for a trip to labor and delivery may be the last thing on your mind when anticipating your baby's birth, but a well stocked maternity bag will keep you comfortable during your hospital stay. Planning ahead ensures you can simply grab your bags and go when the big day arrives, saving you the trouble of tracking everything down while dealing with contractions.

* Your parking pass, insurance card, pre-admission paperwork and a copy of your birth plan are essentials. Eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution are must haves for moms with vision problems. You'll want to get a good look at your baby after birth! When packing, place these items somewhere easily accessible (like a side pocket) so you don't have to dig through your bags in a frantic search at the admissions desk.

* Most hospitals will provide you with a gown to wear during labor. If you choose to bring your own, it should be something you don't mind getting stained. Cozy slippers and a bathrobe are optional if you plan to walk the halls or get cold easily.

* Depending on your birth plan, you may want to pack a small bag with comfort items to help ease your labor. Massage oils, tennis balls for rubbing pressure points, photos of family and friends or a cd you love can all help you relax and make birth a pleasant experience. Some women will want a book or magazine to read while they wait for the fun to start, but don't bring your entire home library.

* A camera is crucial for capturing the first moments after birth. Be sure to pack film or a memory card as well as a charger or batteries. Hospital gift shops do sell disposable cameras, but you risk missing great photo ops if you have to send someone out to buy one at the last minute. Cell phone use may be discouraged in the hospital, so pack a list with phone numbers of anyone you want to call to share the good news.

* Two or three clean nursing gowns or pajama sets will keep you comfortable after baby arrives, and you'll want multiple pairs of clean socks and underwear available. Hospitals usually provide new mothers with sanitary pads to deal with postpartum bleeding, but they often don't have adhesive or wings to prevent slipping, so you may prefer to pack your own maxi pads.

* Soap and shampoo are typically provided, but travel sizes of your favorite toiletries are a nice touch in the unfamiliar hospital setting. A toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, a hairbrush, hair ties and basic cosmetics should be brought from home.

* While choosing baby's going home outfit is exciting, you'll also want to pack a homecoming outfit for yourself. Few mothers fit into their pre-pregnancy clothes right after delivery, so your best option is to bring a maternity outfit. In addition to clothing for yourself and your newborn, a warm baby blanket and cap will keep baby from getting cold on the trip home.

* Make sure you bring an infant car seat along. You won't be allowed to leave the hospital without one, so have it readily available.

Keep in mind that over packing will only slow you down when it comes time to load the car and head home with your brand new bundle of joy. Bring what you need, and designate a helper to grab any extras you might want from home later.

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