Delivery Room Essentials for Expecting Parents

You've likely spent hours and hours thinking of baby names and decorating the nursery. But in the busy days leading up to delivery, don't forget to pack your own bag. To that end, here's a top ten list of delivery room essentials.

Becoming a mom isn't just about having a baby dropped on your chest at the hospital. Motherhood also involves preparation and planning. Use your time wisely before the delivery and pack a bag and set it aside for D-day. Once your water breaks or your contractions start, your head will be swimming.

Don't worry too much about baby. When baby first arrives, all he or she is going to need is love and maybe some breast milk (if that's the road you choose). The hospital most likely will have everything you need (diapers, wipes, etc). Here are some items you'll want to tote from home.

1. A pillow. Hospital pillows stink. They are synthetic and flat as a pancake. Bring yours from home in a think case that can be washed.
2. Your breastfeeding pillow (if you plan to breastfeed). I like My Brest Friend--it offers back support. Don't expect the hospital to supply these.
3. Thick socks or comfy slippers. Those floors are cold as ice.
4. Lip balm & hand lotion (for some reason hospitals are always dry).
5. A extra empty bag (or two) for gifts and goodies from your stay (the hospital will often supply a load of diapers, an aspirator, thermometer, etc.).
6. A smart going home outfit: Don't even kid yourself into believing you'll be back into your old jeans--bring loose fitting clothes for the ride home. If you're having a C-section remember to bring a two-piece outfit and slip on shoes-you won't want to tie laces with your stitches.
7. Your baby book--have the doctors, nurses and friends sign it.
8. Large briefs-Get some "granny panties"-something that will hold a large pad comfortably. Don't bring anything expensive as they will likely get bloodstained (sorry, not the most pleasant aspect of delivery).
9. Flip Mino digital camera. It's about 4" high and 2" wide. I'm no gadget guru and I mastered this digital camcorder in a flash. It's well worth the $180 price tag and makes a tremendous push gift.
10. Cell phone charger. You'll likely be calling all your friends with your joyous news. Don't let that battery die. And you might want to pack a spare battery for your digital camera too.

One note about baby: Don't forget the car seat! NY law demands that babies leave in an approved car seat. This is one area where you DO NOT want to skimp or cut corners. You'll definitely want to install the base BEFORE you leave for the hospital. You'll be nervous enough with new baby in tow post-delivery.

And for the mom who simply has everything and always looks exquisite: Consider Dearjohnnies. These are designer hospital gowns in trendy prints. Now I'm not saying at $72 that they are a necessity, but they sure are cute!

With these ideas in hand you should be ready to enjoy your experience and start bonding with bay. For more tips and trends, be sure to check out the Momtrends blog.