When you’re too big to bend over, you’ll find yourself contemplating when you’ll actually go into labor.  Will you be one of the fortunate few who actually go into labor on or before your own due date?  Or will you be induced a week after, when your ankles are so swollen they stay indented when you press on them?  Will you get so big that every well meaning stranger asks, “Are you sure there is just one baby in there?”

No matter what, you’ll want to have your bag packed ahead of time on the off chance that you’re water will break peacefully in the middle of the night. With my second daughter due in four weeks, my bag is packed and ready to go as I wistfully gaze at it every day hoping that packing in advance will payoff.  Following is my list of the essentials to take with you to the hospital to make your stay as comfortable and stress free as possible.

For Yourself:

1) A comfortable pair of jammies or two (ones that you won’t be devastated to part with), 5 pairs of underwear (bigger than normal because you’ll need to fit in a pad that will fit most elephants), grippy socks, & a pair of slippers.  The hospital will supply you with beautiful attire (almost see-through from multiple users) & some cheap gripper socks.  As you can probably imagine, this hospital ‘finery’ is lacking in ultimate comfort.

*Just remember, most of us bleed a great deal after delivering so there is a big chance your personal jammies will be ruined.  I strongly recommend PJ’s with a long shirt that buttons halfway down the front.  This way you can hike up your shirt past your belly button before returning to bed and have easy access for nursing, which brings me to my next essential item.

2) A nursing bra is an absolute must if you plan to nurse your new little one.  I didn’t have one of these with me after delivering my first child and this is not a mistake I will make again!  I recommend purchasing one about six weeks before delivery after being measured by a salesperson.  The most comfortable ones I’ve come across are from Motherhood, with underwire support & padding (padding helps prevent leak through. Yes, this happens even with nursing pads taped in place.) The underwire will support your sagging monstrosities right after your little dumpling has drained you dry. Here is a neat website with all sorts of breast feeding finds.

Usually your newfound ‘treasures’ will remain the same size they’ve swollen to during pregnancy because they will be full of milk.  Although typically your milk doesn’t ‘come in’ while you’re at the hospital, trust me, the lactation consultant will be in your room a million times ensuring that you’re attempting to nurse every 2 hours and teaching you millions of positions that you can try.  It’s most convenient to simply unclick your bra and expose yourself rather than to go without or hike your bra over your breast, painfully mashing it in the process.

3)  Most hospitals will let you pre-register to speed up the arrival process.  I strongly recommend that if you do this, which you should, that you should also print the documents and bring them with you.  Otherwise you run the highly likely option of refilling out all paperwork (possibly while you are actively contracting) because the hospital has somehow ‘misplaced’ them.  Having a copy ensures you won’t have to repeat this timely process.  Along with this, make sure you have your insurance card, ID, & list of important phone numbers (best to program this is in your  phone ahead of time).

4) Snacks are a good thing to have on hand too, even if you aren’t allowed to eat during certain times (ie. induction).  Ice chips are what you’re offered but pack lollipops to help alleviate dry mouth during labor.  You’ll want snacks after delivery & asking the nurse for anything is never immediate.  Brand new moms can be very hungry creatures!

5) Journal & Notepad. If you keep a journal, bring it with you.  It is amazing how many things get lost in the haze of pain, sleeplessness, cuddling time, guests, etc.  Bring a small notepad to track gifts/flowers you receive. Thank you notes are a must to everyone considerate enough to bring you and/or your new baby a gift.  If you’re very proactive, bring your thank you cards too!

6) Last but not least, don’t forget your camera! (Be sure to contact Adrienne for special newborn photos within the first two weeks.)  Photos are an essential for sure. You’ll swear your kid grows inches in the few days at the hospital!  Although you aren’t typically allowed to take pictures/video during the actual delivery process, you’ll want pictures of you holding your baby for the first time. A video camera is great for documenting baby’s first cries, first smile, guests holding your baby for the first time, etc.  Remember that just as important as the camera are the batteries that power it.  Pack spare batteries and/or your charger for your camera, camcorder, and cell phone.

For the Baby:

• Make sure the car seat is locked & loaded, ready for your precious miracle.
• If you’re delivering during the cold months, pack a blanket (this is the perfect time to showcase one homemade by grandmother, aunt, etc.).
• A one piece outfit, complete with footie’s & hat.  I recommend a preemie outfit along with a newborn outfit.  Oftentimes newborns (even 8 pounds and up) are too short for newborn clothing.  Preemie outfits are typically the best option to ensure your baby is warm & not swallowed alive by their new clothing.  (A bow is fun for pictures if you’re going to have a baby girl.  There is always a chance she’ll have a head full of hair & the bow makes pictures cuter and helps dumb-dumbs identify your obviously feminine child as a girl.)
• If you have a long ride home you may want to pack a diaper, some wipes, and a spare outfit.  Newborns are notorious for pooping A LOT.  Meconium is the first stool your baby will pass. It is a thick, tar-like substance that lines the intestines during pregnancy. It’s like glue that adheres strongly to every surface.  In fact, my husband and I invented the term gluedoo when referring our daughter’s first poops.  Seriously, we had to throw out clothing that even a pressure washer couldn’t help.

What you’ll need as soon as you get home:

Colace stool softeners

Epsom salt

Lanacane spray/ Soothie Pads

Tucks hemorrhoid pads

Super absorbent pads

Pan for sitz baths (swipe this from the hospital before you go)

Spray bottle filled with water

Diapers and alcohol swabs for your baby

Pure petroleum jelly (if you’re having a boy and plan to have him circumcised)