You may want to pack two bags for the hospital: a small overnight bag for the things you'll need during labor and a larger bag for everything else that you'll need later. That way you or your partner won't be lugging the big bag out the door in the midst of your contractions. Here's a list of things experienced moms recommend packing. You may also want to ask the hospital staff or your childbirth educator for tips on what to bring.

For labor

• your birth plan.


• your eyeglasses, if you wear any. Even if you usually wear contacts, you'll probably need or want to take them out at some point during your stay. You might also want a hair band and lip moisturizer.
* a bathrobe, nightgown, slippers, and a couple of pairs of socks hospitals generally offer you a hospital gown during your labor, but most will allow you to wear your own clothes if you prefer. Choose something loose and comfortable that you don't mind getting ruined. You'll need to wear a gown instead of pants so that your practitioner can check your cervix. Opt for short or loose sleeves so you can get your blood pressure checked easily. You might also want to bring your own slippers and robe for walking around during the early stages of labor.

• something to read, if you're so inclined. One husband we know spent the early stages of labor reading "the lion in winter" while his wife read "the english patient." "in retrospect, I should have brought the national enquirer or vogue," she says. (of course, it's unlikely that you'll feel like reading while you're having contractions unless you have an epidural.)

• massage oils or lotions, music, an extra pillow, whatever you need to help you relax. You might consider bringing tennis balls or a rolling pin in case you have back labor (when the baby is facing upward and pressing against your spine) and need them for massage.

• talismans, picture of someone or something you love, anything you feel brings you luck.



For your partner / labor coach

• a watch with a second hand to time your contractions.

• a few basic toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant.

• a change of clothes

• some snacks and something to read during the early stages.

• a camera / video camera and film or tape or a memory card and batteries. Someone has to document the big event!

• a bathing suit. If your partner wants to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want to jump in with her.

Postpartum


• a fresh nightgown.

• snacks! After many hours of labor, you're likely to be pretty hungry. And you don't want to have to rely on the hospital's food. So bring your own crackers, raisins, and granola bars or at least change for the vending machines.

• a nursing bra, breast pads, and maternity underwear (if you'd prefer not to wear the bizarre net panties they'll give you at the hospital). Chances are, whatever underwear you do wear the first few days will become stained, even with sanitary pads (the hospital usually provides pads, but you can bring your own if you want).

• toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm, deodorant, and makeup, if it's important to you. Hospitals will usually have soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might want your own brands.

• your address book and cell phone (or a pre-paid phone card). After the baby is born you'll want to call family and friends to let them know the good news.

• a going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into — believe it or not, you'll probably still look 5 or 6 months pregnant — along with a pair of flat shoes. The last thing you'll be worrying about when you go home is whether your outfit is fashionable.

For your baby


• an infant car seat. You can't drive your baby home without one!

• a going-home outfit (one-piece stretchy outfits are easiest)

• a receiving blanket (a heavy one if the weather's cold)

• a pair of socks or booties

• a cap (although they'll usually give you one at the hospital)

• baby nail clippers or emery board — "the hospital where my son was born didn't supply clippers for fear of liability, and as a consequence my son gouged his face before he was 12 hours old," says jen morin of vancouver, british columbia.

What not to bring


• jewelry

• lots of cash, credit cards, or any other valuables


just thought I would post this because some of you are getting ready to have your little ones soon!

Kristin