What Should I Pack for the Birth?

What should I pack for the birth?We get asked many questions as a doula service. Our clients want to make sure they are thoroughly prepared for baby’s arrival. One question we get asked most often is, “What do I need to bring to the hospital?”.Good parents-to-be condition themselves to research and make many decisions regarding their pregnancy, birth and postpartum times. In order to help lessen the load, so to speak, we at Nurtured Foundation Doula Services, have made up a childbirth bag checklist for parents.From our experience providing doula services, our own research, talking with other parents and finding a fantastic resource at www.thebump.com, the following is the checklist that we recommend for our clients.Happy Packing!Must-Haves:[ ] Insurance card and birth plan info (if you have one)[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, non-slip socks for walking around (that will be pitched)[ ] A warm robe/sweater that you wouldn’t mind possibly being ruined[ ] 1 to 3 nursing bras or maternity bras (if not nursing) and nursing pads—even if not nursing, you may have leaking in the early days[ ] Lip balm[ ] Toiletries — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup-if you are up for it, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case/solution- smaller sizes are better[ ] Eyeglasses[ ] Ponytail holder or sports headband[ ] Hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor[ ] Pen and notepad[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks in case cafeteria is closed.[ ] Cell phone, charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth[ ] Camera, memory card, charger[ ]Bag packed with a change of clothes and toiletries for your partner—snacks for the partner!Take it or leave it:[  ] Extra pillow with colored case so you don’t mix up with hospital pillow[ ] Going-home clothes (or, just wear the clothes you came in)[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely have a small, very thin one)[ ] Hairdryer/flat iron (if you feel adventurous)[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things if you prefer)[ ] A few pairs of “granny panties" (or Depends) that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (or use the lovely hospital gowns, but expect them to get stained)[ ] Slippers- that can get dirty…be prepared to torch them[ ] Very light reading (think magazines and newspapers)[ ] Phone (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)Leave Home:[ ] Any clothes, panties or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)[ ] Valuables like jewelry, watches & earringsWhat to Bring For Baby(ies):[ ]Car seat[ ] A coming-home outfit[ ] Blankets (for the ride home)—no snowsuits (babies overheat)[ ] hat, as seasonally appropriateHave you found anything to bring helpful that we have missed? Please comment below. We would love to hear!Nurtured Foundation Doula Services provides birth, postpartum day and night doulas, placenta encapsulation, infant massage instruction, child birth education classes, belling binding and parent education classes to the greater Cleveland and Akron areas. You can find additional information on www.nurturedfoundation.com.*List modified from www.thebump.com