Pregnancy Checklist for the Hospital

As your due date approaches, your mind spins with the many changes you're about to experience. You wonder what childbirth will be like, who your baby will look like and how your life as a new parent will change. More immediately, though, you should focus on preparing for your hospital stay. Having the right items on hand when you're in the hospital saves your partner an unnecessary trip home and reduces stress during an already stressful -- but joyful -- time.

  1. Paperwork, Please

    • The last thing you want to deal with when you're in labor is red tape at the hospital. Place essential paperwork in an envelope, and stick it in your hospital bag to avoid any hassles. Bring your health insurance card and any pre-registration forms from the hospital. If you've written a birth plan, bring a copy -- or two -- to give to your labor and delivery nurse, obstetrician or midwife. Any books, handouts or notes from your childbirth preparation classes might come in handy as well. And be sure you or your partner has handy the phone numbers of anyone you want to call after the birth.

    Comforts for Labor

    • Labor might not be a relaxing experience, but you can pack some comforts from home to make your labor more personal. A robe and warm socks or cozy slippers can make you feel less exposed in your hospital gown. Scented massage oil or lotion can help calm and relax you as you move through the stages of labor. An MP3 player or tablet loaded with your favorite songs or Internet radio station can provide music during labor. A neck pillow or pillow from home might make your hospital bed a bit more comfortable.

    Post-Delivery Essentials

    • While the focus of your hospital stay is of course delivering your baby, you and your new bundle of joy can expect to stay in the hospital at least overnight -- if not longer -- once she arrives. Pack comfortable clothes to wear after delivery -- yoga pants, pajamas or loose-fitting tops are ideal. A nursing bra is essential if you plan to breastfeed. Bring some travel-sized toiletries because you will be ready for a shower after delivery. Cloth or disposable breast pads can help you deal with any leaking once your colostrum and milk come in. A few nonperishable snacks can satisfy your appetite between hospital meals.

    Baby Bundles

    • Bring essentials for your baby to the hospital as well. Bringing a few simple outfits -- sleepers and one-pieces, for example -- will work for your newborn. While many newborns fit in newborn-sized clothes, some larger babies might wear size 0 to 3 months after birth. Consider bringing clothes in both sizes for your baby. Receiving blankets, socks, hats and mittens are useful items for your new baby as well. A breastfeeding pillow can help those first few days of nursing go more smoothly. Your car seat base and infant rear-facing car seat should be in your car when you head to the hospital.

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