Packing Your Labor Bag
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For Labor
____ Birth plan , Did you create your birth plan yet?
____ Bathrobe (if hospital or birth center doesn't supply one, or you want your own)
____ Slippers
____ Socks
____ Tennis balls or rolling pin (for back labor massage)
____ Massage oils or lotions
____ Ponytail holder or Hair band
____ Lip moisturizer
____ Camera and film/tape
____ Relaxation materials: books, magazines, games, music, candles
For Coach
____ Watch with a second hand, to time contractions
____ Toiletries
____ Change of clothes
____ Snacks Postpartum
For You
____ Going-home outfit
____ Nursing bra
____ Nursing Pads
____ Sanitary napkins
____ Nightgown
____ Toiletries
____ Address book
____ Help List
For Baby:
____ Infant car seat - see our article on car seat safety
____ One outfit for the trip home (one-piece stretchy outfits are easiest)
____ Receiving blanket (a heavy one, if weather is cold)
____ Diapers (if you're using cloth, include your own diaper pins or a bar of soap to make using the hospital's pins easier)
____ Baby nail clippers
____ One pair socks or booties
____ Infant Cap
____ Bunting or snowsuit for winter
Further Reading
Packing Your Labor Bag
Packing Your Labor Bag
Preterm Labor & How To Avoid Preterm Labor
Q&A: When Will I Go Into Labor?
Labor Day for Dads
From around the web
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Great list but i will just throw one detail in... if you are delivering at a hospital you can't light candles. there are wonderful battery operated candles that are nice for soft lighting.
Thanks for the advice i have everything packed thankful for my husband being with me threw out the whole experience yes i have everything packed
15 1/2 weeks preggo, and i feel like he/she's never gonnna come :( this is my 3rd, and all those items are such a great reminder as to what are necessary for the short hospital visit, vs sending him back and forth for the things you will need.
Im seven months when should i begin packing my bag and my baby's bag?
I'm so happy i packed my laborluxe kit! it had lip balm, disposable slippers, a massage ball, aromatherapy, a headband, and hot/cold packs-- all of which really helped me get comfortable and through labor. the spiky little ball is brilliant--you can use it as a massage ball earlier, and grasp it in your hand later, the spikes gently poke your hand which (for mean) sort of distracts you from the contraction pain. and my hair was driving me crazy during labor before i put the headband on-- which is extra wide and stretchy so it didn't fally off during labor. i think the name of the kit is a labor comforts kit (well named)-- my friends got it for me on amazon.
Your own pillow(s). hospitals are almost always short on them. just don't use your best pillow cases.
It really helps for the 1st time mom...thanks a lot
Hint # pack , wet toilet wipes . keep them in the fridge in hospital after u have baby they are a lot nicer softer to use than toilet paper and keep u cleaner .
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Before packing your bag, check with the policies of the hospital where you plan to deliver. many maternity wards do tours and introduction meetings so you can prepare for the big day. some of the stuff on the list above (candles, for example) were not allowed at my hospital. other items were available at the hospital and given to all patients (in my case, baby diapers, slipper socks, and menstrual pads). don't bring any clothing (or pillow cases) for labor that you're not willing to have to throw out. you might want to pack an "in case" bag of items to leave in the car for your partner to fetch. i wound up not using my own nightgowns - the hospital johnny was more comfortable and easier for breastfeeding. but i did want my pj bottoms so i didn't feel so exposed. many hospitals encourage you to take what's left in your recovery room - diapers, maternity pads, etc, because otherwise they'll have to throw them away before stocking for the next patient. your personal going home outfit should be something you wore mid-pregnancy (and preferably very loose and comfy... you'll likely be sore).
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