A Pregnant Woman's Guide to Packing Your Hospital Bag

You will want to pack your hospital bag early so that you can grab it on a moment's notice. Parents have come to the hospital with nothing because the baby came before the due date, and there was no time to pack a bag. A well-packed hospital bag can help make your labor and recovery time a breeze. A poorly packed hospital bag can lead to frustration and calls for people to bring what you need, which invariably will be the wrong item when it arrives.

Camera: In the long run, this may be the most important thing you pack in your hospital bag. The hospital will provide you with gowns, mesh underwear, food, pillows, and blankets, but if you forget your camera there will be precious first moments with your baby lost that you will never get back. If you have a video camera or a digital camera with video capabilities, you may want to take a minute or two of you in labor. You do not need to show the baby coming out. You can just get video of you breathing and trying to manage the pain. This will be good to show the husband later on when he forgets how painful labor really is. Also, do not forget extra batteries, film, and memory sticks and cards just in case you run out.

Relaxation items: This varies from mom to mom. You may want your favorite robe to walk the halls in or a back massager. Some parents bring in CD players and their favorite CD, while others bring in books or pictures to distract them during the pain.

Phone numbers and a cell phone or calling card: At some point you will want to call somebody and share the good news about your baby, or maybe just order a pizza instead of eating the hospital food. You will be hard pressed to find a payphone anymore, so you will need to bring your own.

Beauty products: You will be in pictures, but after delivering a baby (whether vaginally or through C-section), you will not look your best (that is why it is called labor). Bring that something that gives you confidence whether it is a certain shade of lipstick or your favorite scent of perfume, and smile for the camera. Remember that years from now, your child will want to see his/her parents the day they were born and they will not care if you are not looking your best. You will also want your favorite beauty products after you take a shower and are getting ready to leave the hospital.

Snacks: Sometimes labor lasts for hours, and your labor coach will get hungry. If you do not want your coach spending precious time or money in the hospital cafeteria, then pack something they can snack on. Remember that some hospitals now have birthing suites and may even have a refrigerator for your favorite food or drink in the room. This will also benefit you after you are done with labor.

Baby's going home outfit: Make sure you pack two outfits for going home just in case the baby gets one messy before you even make it out of the hospital. This will also include blankets or car seat covers in you give birth during the winter months.

Car seat: Hospitals will not let a baby be discharged home without a properly installed car seat. Install your car seat before the baby comes and make sure it is done correctly. Most police departments have certified staff on hand to check and see if your car seat is safely installed. You will just need to call before you stop by to have it checked out.

Maternity clothes for you: You will still look like you are six months along in your pregnancy even after giving birth. So make sure you pack something that will fit. You will also want to pack something loose fitting if you are planning on having a C-section. You will not want tight clothes resting on your incision.

Cord Blood Kit: Many parents are now saving the baby's cord blood in a bank. You will need to make sure you have the kit with you when you go to the hospital. If you cannot afford a private bank, look into community cord blood banks. They will save your baby's cord blood for free for anyone who may need it including you.