31-12-2008 - Great packing list

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

I found a great list online for packing our bags for the big day; just thought I would share in case anyone else needs this too.

Packing List for the Hospital
About a month before the baby is due, families will want to begin packing a suitcase for the trip to the hospital. There are several items that should be considered:

For Mom, during labor:

• Any childbirth class notes or guidelines and labor hints
• Eye glasses as well as contact case and solution
• Massage aids- tennis balls, rolling pin, frozen juice cans, wooden massagers
• Massage oil or lotion; powder or cornstarch
• Comfort aids- rice sock, herbal heat pillow, aromatherapy, socks for cold feet
• Tape or CD player and music selections to help with relaxation
• Lip balm or moisturizer
• Something to use as a fan (paper fan or small hand-held individual plastic fan)
• Hair brush, clips, ponytail holders, head bands and rubber bands
• Mouth care items: toothpaste, toothbrush, breath spray, sour suckers
• Two regular-sized bed pillows (in bright, distinctive, hard-to-lose pillowcases)
• Camera/video camera and film, digital card, extra batteries or battery charger…plus more film!
• List of names and phone numbers of people to notify
• Calling cards for long distance calls; cell phone
• For labor partner: snacks, drinks, drinking cup, mints, change for snack machines

For Mom, after birth:

• Comfortable clothes for lounging & sleeping: robe, slippers, nightgowns, sweatsuits
• Bras: If breastfeeding-nursing bras; if formula feeding- firm fitting or sports bra
• Underpants
• Shower cap
• Shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, comb/brush, other hair care items
• Make-up, deodorant, lotion, powder, toothbrush and toothpaste
• Baby’s “memory” book – for footprints or staff names and guest signatures
• Entertainment items (books, crayons, games) especially if children are to visit in hospital
• Clothes and shoes to wear home (a loose outfit; something you could wear at five months pregnant)

For Baby:

• Clothes for hospital baby photo
• Clothes for baby to wear home
• Clothes for in hospital if want more on baby than T-shirt and diaper
• Blanket(s) and outer wear for going home (as much as the season dictates)
• Car safety seat (By Georgia law you must have before we can discharge you)

The Hospital will provide:

• Pairs of disposable panties and sanitary pads for during the hospital stay
• Disposable newborn diapers, enough for the hospital stay; usually a few left to take home
• Cloth T-shirts and baby blankets, to use in the hospital (need own things for going home)
• If formula feeding: ready-to-use bottles, of formula ordered by baby’s doctor
• At discharge: gift bag from formula company with small supply of formula

Last few weeks, at home:

• As the delivery date gets closer, make sure these things are done:
  • A plan on how to get to the hospital, day or night
  • Telephone numbers for: OB Doctor, back-up rides and support people
  • Care arrangements for children left at home when mom goes to hospital, if needed
  • Arrangements for pet care, if needed
  • Items for mom care when come home: sanitary pads (One package of maxi-pads)
  • Items needed for immediate baby care: diapers, clothing, blankets etc.
  • Arrangements for help at home after delivery