| The birth of a child is definitely a very important and | | | | • Money for parking and change for vending |
| touching moment. Since you have looked this article | | | | machines; |
| up, this means you are interested in preparing this | | | | • Some snacks and something to read during the |
| unique moment, which is very wise to do. When the | | | | early stages; |
| time comes, you don’t want to be running | | | | • A few basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, |
| around to get everything you need (and most | | | | deodorant); |
| probably forget things). That is why a checklist and | | | | • A change of clothes; |
| its preparation in advance is a very useful and wise | | | | • Camera(s), batteries, extra film or tape, extra |
| thing to do. | | | | memory card; |
| There are four different categories of things to | | | | • Phone card for long distance calls (some |
| pack, and it is probably a good idea to place them in | | | | hospitals don’t allow cell phones in) and address |
| different bags: | | | | book. |
| • For labor | | | | FOR YOUR BABY: |
| • For your partner | | | | • Newborn clothing (including cap and socks); |
| • For your baby | | | | • Two receiving blankets; |
| • Postpartum | | | | • Extra newborn-sized diapers; |
| FOR LABOR: | | | | • Gentle baby wipes; |
| • Documents – birth plan, insurance card; | | | | • Baby nail clippers (most babies are born with |
| • Toiletries –toothbrush, toothpaste, | | | | long fingernails and can scratch their face); |
| deodorant, brush, comb, lip balm, massage oil, hair | | | | • Baby car seat. |
| band and barrettes. Hospitals will have soap, shampoo | | | | POSTPARTUM |
| and lotion, but if you prefer your own brands you | | | | • A fresh nightgown; |
| can pack that too. | | | | • A nursing bra, breast pads, and maternity |
| • A T-shirt or nightgown for birth (one that you | | | | underwear; |
| can throw away afterwards), a robe (for walking | | | | • High absorbency sanitary pads –the hospital |
| around) socks and slippers. Make sure the gown has | | | | provides some but you will need a lot of them; |
| either loose sleeves or short sleeves, so that your | | | | • Some snacks; |
| blood pressure can easily be checked. | | | | • Clothing for the trip home (bring some |
| • Music and something to read to pass the time, | | | | comfortable clothes, such as some of your second |
| extra pillows if you think you might need them (if | | | | trimester maternity clothes). |
| you do, use a colorful pillowcase so that you | | | | I hope you find this list useful. You can leave a |
| don’t lose your pillow among the hospital pillows.) | | | | comment if this has been of any help or if you have |
| FOR YOUR PARTNER: | | | | suggestions of things to add to the list. |