What to Take to the Hospital for Childbirth
What will I need?
If you can, find out in advance what items the hospital provides for you during and after labor and what you will need to bring. You might want to talk with a member of the hospital staff or other women who have delivered at that hospital.
Consider packing the following items, unless you know the hospital provides them for you:
- Nightgowns with openings in front if you plan to breast-feed
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Bras (nursing bras if you plan to breast-feed)
- Underwear
- Sanitary pads (you will not be able to use tampons for 6 weeks after your delivery)
- Hair care and oral care items
- Cell phone
- Loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes to wear home
- Any prenatal reports, insurance information, and papers related to your stay at the hospital
- A list of the medicines you take. Try to bring your medicines in their original containers rather than in pill boxes.
- Do not bring valuables with you to the hospital. Remember that hospitals are a public place. You will have to keep track of things you bring with you. You may be too focused on your baby or too exhausted to read while you are in the hospital, but consider taking books or magazines as well.
What will I need for the baby?
Things you may need to bring for the baby include:
- A shirt and sleeper
- Lightweight blanket
- Diapers, wipes, and rubber or nylon diaper covers if you are using cloth diapers
- Pacifier (if you are planning to breast-feed, ask your healthcare provider about using a pacifier for your baby)
- Heavy blanket, sweater, and hat if weather is cold
- A car seat that has been installed correctly (it is against the law to hold a newborn baby in your lap while you are riding in a car)
Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by
RelayHealth.Last modified: 2014-07-30
Last reviewed: 2014-09-21
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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