Pregnant? Here's What to Pack for the Hospital

There are so many things to worry about being a new mom. I know the last thing on my mind at the time, was if I had packed the right stuff to take to the hospital. I wasn't quite sure what to even pack! I brought a change of clothes for myself, and an outfit for the baby, that was pretty much it! Needless to say, the clothes I brought for myself were too small. They were too small because I thought I was going to magically loose that belly, and a bunch of weight, right after the baby arrived! Boy was I wrong! Then only bringing one outfit for the baby was a pretty big mistake, because the outfit I brought for him ended up not fitting! This article is being written for all the new mom's out there. It's for those mom's that are like me, and have no clue what to bring, and also for those mom's that are well prepared, but may have forgotten something. This is a checklist, if you will!

Here's a list of some of the things you may want to pack for yourself, for the trip to the hospital. You will want to bring clothes for yourself. Pack loose fitting clothes; loose pants, (because no, that belly doesn't just disappear!), loose fitting shirts, even maternity shirts will work, comfortable panties, bras, (a nursing bra if you are going to nurse, otherwise, bring at least two bras because your milk will soil them fast!), and nursing pads as well, socks, and slippers. You will also want to bring your camera, and little things such as chap stick, (of yes, your lips will chap!), gum, toiletries, (toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo, conditioner), a ponytail holder if you have long hair, extra maxi pads, (big, thick ones), and maybe your favorite snack too, (but that's for AFTER your deliver your baby!) Also, don't forget to pack phone numbers of people you will want to call, to let know the baby has arrived! Now, I ended up being in the hospital for awhile, because my water broke long before I started having contractions. I was in the hospital a good twenty four hours before they had to induce labor. In those twenty four hours, I was bored out of my mind! I suggest packing a good book, or maybe some crossword puzzles, just in case! If your husband or boyfriend is coming with you, pack him a change of clothes as well. Have him pack some change, and singles, so he can get stuff from the vending machine for himself as well.

You will also need to pack some things for the new arrival as well. You will want to bring baby blankets, either light or heavy, depending on the weather. You want to pack the little 'mittens' that they make for babies hands. Newborns have very sharp little nails, and seem to scratch themselves a lot, especially in the face. Bring a few pairs of clothes for the baby, as well as a nice 'going home outfit too! If it is cold outside, pack a baby hat as well, and don't forget the babies socks, and booties! You might want to pack some extra diapers too, in case the hospital doesn't supply enough for you. The most important thing to bring for the baby, is the car seat! Make sure it's in the vehicle that will be taking the baby home. You might also want to make sure that you know how to strap it into the car, and how to strap the baby in too.

I am hoping this article will help some of the new mom's to be. I was clueless, and unprepared, and I don't know if I am the only one or not, but just in case there are more new mom's out there that need a little check list, I think this is a pretty good one to start you out!