My Hospital Bag: What to Bring When You Go to Deliver Your Baby

Generally by the 8th month of pregnancy, most pregnant women have all the basics covered they will need for when they go to deliver their baby. This should include the bags you will bring with you when you go to the hospital or birthing center. Although it is true that most hospitals provide the basics here is a look at some items you will want to bring with you to make your visit more comfortable to ensure you have everything you need to make this exciting time easier!

You may want to consider bringing one larger suitcase or two smaller to medium size bags to ensure you are able to bring everything you will need. In your first bag you will want to pack things to help you during labor. This can include a book, a pack of playing cards, lip balm, a hair brush and hair ties, comfortable socks and if you feel comfortable your laptop. These items can greatly help pass the time as you labor. Depending upon your hospital's policies you may want to bring along some snacks and drinks as well.

In your next bag, you will want to bring along all the items you will need for after you give birth. You may want to plan on using a larger bag since there are quite a few items to bring along!

1. Slippers. After you give birth there is a good chance you will have a difficult time walking around and you may feel a bit wobbly for a couple of days especially if you have had a c-section. Slippers will work in not only giving you a bit more stability than socks but they will also give you more cushion as you try to maneuver around.

2. Your own pillow. Bringing your own pillow can really help your stay be more comfortable. Most hospitals give their patients pillows but they are often hard or very flat.

3. An old nightgown. Although it can be tempting to bring along a new nightgown or pajama set, unless you don't mind the fact it could get ruined you may just want to stick with an old nightgown or pajama set to bring with you. If you plan on nursing your baby be sure to bring along a gown or pajama set that you can easily unbutton or move around so you are able to breastfeed.

4. Toiletries. Again, the hospital may provide you with the basics such as soap, shampoo and in some cases even a small bottle of lotion. But most women prefer to bring their own items. I myself always choose to buy a small travel case that includes everything from a small toothbrush, toothpaste to shampoo and conditioner. You may also want to bring a long a small amount of makeup for pictures!

5. If you plan to nurse, bring along some nursing bra's and nursing pads. While you may not know the exact moment your milk will come in you should bring along some nursing pads just in case. It is also important to bring along two good nursing bra's.

6. A going home outfit for you! Although there are a few exceptions of women who immediately bounce back to their pre-pregnancy size with no problem, the truth is most women still look a bit pregnant when they leave the hospital. You always have the option of just wearing a maternity outfit home but if you are not thrilled with the idea then there are other options. Look to bring a pair of exercise pants and a cute over-sized t-shirt or a long, flowing dress. It still may not be your "normal" clothes when you are not pregnant but you will likely still feel better knowing you're not in maternity clothes anymore.

7. Clothes for the baby! This is the fun part! You may want to bring along 3 sleepers plus a couple of outfits for pictures and if you want to dress them up for going home, a special outfit for this. Remember to plan according to the weather. Other important items for the baby include little hats to help keep their head warm, socks and these special mittens they sell to help keep your baby from scratching themselves. Many parents enjoy these special gowns that are not only very cute but give parents easy access to change their baby's diapers often.

8. Camera! Although you may not feel up to playing photographer you can always have a nurse, friend or your partner take pictures. You will want these for yourself of course but they can also be put in your baby's baby book or their own special photo album.

9. Cell phone or calling card. If you do not have a cell phone or do not feel comfortable bringing your own to the hospital you can always bring along a calling card as well as a list of people you want to call to tell them about your baby's delivery. If not, be sure to check on the hospital's policies of bringing along your cell phone. Some hospitals will allow them while others do not.

10. A car seat. This is very important because hospitals will not allow you to take your baby home without one! If you have financial problems and are not able to afford one talk to the hospital beforehand as some will give them to the parents.