Pregnancy, TTC and Infertility

What to Bring to the Hospital

It may seem like a long list, but most things are what you would pack for any type of trip. Use your best judgement for each item. These suggestions are based off of personal experience from parents!

Miscellaneous Items
• Your health insurance card and identification card (drivers license, etc).
• Hospital registration forms.
  • Check your hospital's website a month prior to your due date. Many hospitals have pre-registration forms online.
• A copy of your birth plan for your doctor and birth coach.
• Camera and/or video camera.
  • Check with your doctor to be sure video is permitted in your delivery room. Some doctors do not allow this.
  • Extra camera batteries or charger, and film.
• Cellphone and charger.
  • List of phone numbers to call once baby is born. You may want to setup a phone tree prior to delivery to save you and your partner some time.
• A pen and paper.
• A Baby Book to fill in details about your newborn.
• Magazines for you and your support person to read between contractions in early labor.
• Massage oil or lotion so your support person can aid in your contractions with pressure point massage.
• Snacks for your support person.

Clothing
• At least two nightgowns and two nursing bras, or two nursing pajamas.
  • If you have a c-section a nightgown will be much more comfortable.
• Five or more pairs of cheap underwear.*
• A pair of warm socks.
• A bathrobe.
• A pair of slippers with a gripping sole.
• A going-home outfit for you.
  • Something that fit when you were five months pregnant.
• A going-home outfit for the baby.
  • A sleeper, a cotton cap and newborn mittens for hands.
• A receiving blanket.
• A blanket if it's cold outside for the ride home.

Toiletries
• A hairbrush.
• Shampoo and conditioner.*
• Soap.*
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Deodorant.
• Super-absorbent sanitary pads.*