List of Things to Pack for Labor
Packing a labor bag approximately two weeks prior to the expected delivery date will save you running around when labor starts, trying to remember everything you will need. When packing the labor bag, it should have items for your time in labor as well as the time you will spend in the hospital after the baby is born. You must remember to pack one for the baby and the person who will be spending time at the hospital with you. It will be helpful to pack two separate bags, one of you and one for your partner and put the baby's items in a diaper bag.
-
Mom's Labor Bag
-
During labor, you will find lip balm, magazines or a book give you something to do during a long labor. Many women walk during their labor so pack thick socks and/or slippers for walking through the hospital. A massage is often helpful to relieve the pain so take massage oil or lotions and a tennis ball or rolling pin. Take along a CD or mp3 player because music is also soothing.
Following the birth of your baby, the amount of time spent in the hospital varies among hospital and doctor policies as well as your individual recovery time but the typical amount of time is one to three days. During this time you will need comfortable pajamas or a nightgown, several pairs of panties, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner.
The majority of hospitals request the moms to take walks following the birth so you will need a robe and slippers to wear while walking through the hospital. If you plan on nursing, you will need to pack a nursing bra and a nursing gown or pajama top. For long hair it will help to bring a hair tie for keeping hair pulled up and out of the way during feedings. You will also need to pack a comfortable outfit and shoes to wear home.
Partner or Labor Coach
-
The person staying at the hospital with you will most likely be there the entire time you are. Their bag should have a camera and/or video camera, extra batteries, extra film and/or video tapes, a list of phone numbers for everyone they need to call following the birth, a cell phone and cell phone charger. They will also need a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Throughout the time you are in labor and following the birth, the person with you will need to eat, so pack plenty of dollar bills for the vending machines, favorite snacks and bottled water.
Baby Bag
-
While in the hospital, your baby will be dressed in hospital gowns but some hospitals allow moms to dress their babies in their own clothing. If you choose to put your baby in their own clothes, pack a few sleepers or infant gowns. You will need, onesie or t-shirt, an outfit or sleeper to take the baby home in and booties or socks, an infant hat, newborn diapers, receiving blankets and depending on the weather, mittens, possibly a winter cover-up or extra thick blankets.
You will also have to have a car seat. If your baby spent any time in the NICU, most hospitals require you to put the baby in the car seat so they can determine if the baby will sit comfortably in the seat you will be using. If the hospital does not require an inspection, prior-install the car seat in the vehicle that the baby will be coming home in.
-
-
Youve successfully made it through the cesarean and have a beautiful, healthy baby. While youve been taken care of in the hospital setting, your recovery at home will take more effort on your part. You must remember to try not to be superwoman. Your
-
The few days of preparing for you planed c-section can be exciting and stressful at the same time. You probably cannot wait to see your new little family member, but there is a lot of preparation to complete before he arrives. Depending on hospital p
-
I understand youre concerned about the safety of a baby during childbirth if the mother has herpes. Its important to have this conversation with your doctor. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about your specific situation.
