What to bring to Hospital when giving Birth

First fill your bag with the things that the doctor or hospital suggested. This is the best place to start. You will then want to sit down with your partner and anyone else who will be at the hospital (other than medical staff) with you.

Documents relating to the birth and mother’s health should be brought with you. Have them in a simple binder so that they are handy and all together. You don’t want to find out at the last minutes something was misplaced or not received by the hospital. The following should be included:

· Birth plan and alternative (emergency) birth plan signed by you, your doctor, and your partner. Have a few copies on hand of this so the staff can have one of their own.

· Pertinent health record copies including list of current medications

· Names chosen. Having this on a separate piece of paper will reduce risks of misspellings on the birth certificate

· Hospital registration

· Insurance information

This is an important event that you may want a permanent record of. Include the following in one smaller bag:

· Camera and backup camera if you are able. Even a few disposable cameras can come in handy if there is camera failure

· More film, memory, and batteries than you think you will need. You will never regret having extra.

· Notebook to write down important info for memories and for medical history for family

Labor can take a long time. There should be music, reading material, and other things to do to pass time. These should be in a separate bag.

Your phone may or may not work in the hospital. Even if you bring a charger, it may not be convenient to charge it up if needed. The hospital will probably provide access to a phone. A long distance card may come in handy if you have family members out of town. Have all phone numbers on a piece of paper so you don’t rely only on the phonebook in the phone.

Clothing and toiletries will be needed for after giving birth. Have comfortable larger clothes. Your stomach may be quite large for a few days after giving birth. You will not be able to use tampons, so bring pads for the bleeding that may last for weeks.

Have baby clothes for after the birth and for going home. Include “accessories” that keep newborns warm like hats, mitts, and booties. Extras will come in handy in case of a last minute accident before leaving the hospital.

Have everything packed and handy weeks before you do date for a smooth exit out of the home when it is time to head to the hospital.