“Is it time? I think so. I’m pretty sure, though it could have been that hot dog I just ate.”
Thank my lucky stars I had prepared the month before in packing and repacking my labor bag. I didn’t need to say a word about what to bring because everyone knew what it was and where it was hanging. I’m going to share exactly what I packed, what I found useful and what I could have kept at home.
First of all, most women overpack this thing. I watched women and their partners come through the ER doors with matching luggage! Whattttt?! No need to stress. Let’s keep this simple. Here are my lists for ITEMS TO PACK and ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME
Items To Pack
- ID/Paperwork. Your photo ID (driver’s license), insurnace card and any important paperwork the hospital or your doctor may have given you.
- Snacks/drinks for your partner and doula. Your support group will get thirsty and hungry even if you are queasy. You don’t want them passing out on ya or leaving for 30 mins trying to figure out where the closest vending machine is.
- Eyeglasses/Contacts. Don’t forget contact solution too!
- Comfy clothes. The hospital provides gowns, socks for you but some women like to wear their own gear. I get it. Personally, I was in too much pain to care and things get messy/ruined during the process. I did want my own night clothes and going home outfit though. I packed a bunch of loose fitting yoga pants, nursing camis, hoodies, flip flops, socks and sneakers.
- Flip flops. While I didn’t use the shower at the hospital, I had the option to so I was happy I remebered to pack flip flops. You wouldn’t catch me in that shower without them. Ew.
- Cell phone/camera/photographer. Honestly, the cell phone was enough to capture a few images. Being a photographer, I knew there was no way anyone in my crew would be able to properly take a photo in such a dark room. I inlisted the help of my dear friend and fellow photographer to take some images. You can hire birth photographers who will happily photograph your entire or part of your birth story. (Don’t forget the batteries and chargers for all these devices.)
- Cash. Bring a small amount for parking, vending machines, etc.
- Baby Apps. These aren’t something to pack but instead of dragging around a notebook and pen to track baby’s feeding and diapers, these are awesome! My favorite was: Baby Tracker.
- Partner’s Meds. If your partner takes medication daily, pack it. If headaches are a possibility, pack the Tylenol. My boyfriend tends to get bad headaches when he gets dehydrated. The hospital will not give your sweetie anything because they are not the patient, even just a couple Tylenol.
- Personal Care Items. You may want to freshen up, comb your hair, put on deodorant, ya know feel human. Face wipes and lip balm were a life saver!
- Distractions. For some, labor means waiting a long time for things to progress. If you need some entertainment, bring along an ipad or laptop with some music, movies or a few episodes of your favorite show. (Don’t forget the headphones.)
- Baby book. This is nice to have for the sole purpose of having baby’s hands and/or feet stamped in the book by the nurse. (They do this all the time and were much more skilled than I could have done.)
Items To Leave At Home
- Your birthplan. This should have been talked about before labor begins. I went over it with my doctor, my doula and my boyfriend well before the first labor pains. They all knew my wishes. Ya know what? Labor stories shift and change every five minutes so my birthplan went right out the window.
- Your own pillow/blankets. The hospital provided plenty of pillows and warm blankets. It was one less thing to drag around. I didn’t miss them.
- Nursing bras and panties. Nursing camis were so much easier to use and I felt covered up (with belly tucked in). I didn’t bother with a bra until I went home. No panties you say? Well, bring one or two if you must but the hospital will give you these granny-mesh-balloon-panties. They are kinda awesome! Disposable, lightweight and loose they are perfect for the messiness that you will incounter. (I took a bunch home with me!)
- Maxi pads. The hospital provides extra large maxis. You will need a good supply at home but no need to stuff more into your labor bag.
- Diapers/wipes/baby cream. Any and all baby gear is often provided by the hospital. Again, no need to drag all of this along. A going home outfit is nice to have, especially for photos.