7 Things to Pack for the Delivery Room

Waiting for those first signs of labor is an exciting season of life for any new parents. In order to make this process go as well as possible, it is important to have your hospital bag packed to go at a moment’s notice. Here are 7 items to pack for the delivery room.

Car Seat

While you will not necessarily pack a car seat in a bag, you definitely need to bring this with you to the hospital. The hospital staff will not let you take the baby home without a properly installed car seat. You will want to practice using this a few times before the big moment arrives.

Comfortable Clothing

The name of the game is comfort when you are going through the birthing process and the days immediately after. This is not the time to worry about fashion. Instead, you want to pack comfortable clothing that will help you to get through the recovery.

It is important to pack comfortable clothes to wear home from the hospital as well as cozy loungewear to wear when you are in your room. Be sure to pack a pair of the best high-waisted leggings that you have so that you have something cozy to wear home. You should also bring a robe that you can lounge in while still in the hospital. This will prevent you from having to use scratchy and thin hospital gowns.

Nursing Bra

Another important item to tuck away in your hospital bag is a nursing bra. While it may take a bit for your milk to come in, once it does, you are going to need this special type of bra to stay comfortable. A nursing bra will give you the support that you need while making it easier for you to breastfeed at any time.

Outfit for Baby

If you are like most mothers-to-be, you are spending a considerable amount of time thinking about what to dress your baby in for the ride home from the hospital. There is no doubt that you will be taking a lot of pictures and videos to commemorate this special moment. Naturally, you will want your baby to look adorable. However, it is also important to choose an outfit that is comfortable for your new bundle of joy.

Nursing Pillow and Other Essentials

If you plan on nursing your baby, the hospital staff will be there on hand to help you to get started. You will also find a nursing pillow handy as you learn the ropes. Bringing this pillow with you to the hospital will make it easier for you to master this learning curve.

You should also pack any other nursing essentials that you think you may need. This includes lanolin cream for cracked nipples and a breast pump. It is a good idea to lean on the resources at the hospital to help you to learn how to master all of these tools before you leave the hospital.

Personal Hygiene Items

Although the hospital will supply you with basic personal hygiene items, you will enjoy your time more if you bring along your own favorites. Be sure to pack shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other essentials that will help you to feel better about yourself. These items from home will go a long way in helping you to feel more like yourself after you give birth.

Items for Labor

Do not neglect to bring along the things that you think will make the labor process easier. A phone with a stopwatch function to time contractions is always helpful. Although most laboring moms will not be allowed to eat anything until after the baby is born, you should bring snacks for the labor coach. Other items that may be helpful during this time include massage oil, chewing gum, a smartphone, and a charger. Some moms also find it helpful to bring an item to focus on during tough contractions.

Do not wait until the last minute to pack this bag. You never know when your new love is going to make its appearance. The last thing that you want is to be stressing about what to pack while you are in early labor.