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Packing Checklist for Labor and Delivery

by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed and revised by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
If you're more than 36 weeks pregnant, do yourself a favor: Pack a bag for the hospital before you go into labor. Throwing things into a suitcase is not something you want to do when you're in the midst of strong contractions. Don't fret about what to take with you--we've compiled a handy list of things you might want to remember. (You might even want to print this list so that you can refer to it while packing.) You may not end up using all these items, but better to have them with you during labor than to regret what you left at home.
  • Insurance card or hospital registration papers


  • Favorite pillow


  • Special picture or object that you have chosen as your focal point


  • Bathrobe


  • Slippers (for walking the halls as your labor progresses)


  • Socks


  • Lollipops (to keep your mouth moist)


  • Lip balm. The dry air in the hospital, as well as breathing exercises, can take a toll on your lips.


  • Toothbrush and toothpaste. You'd be surprised how refreshing it is to brush your teeth during labor.


  • CD or tape player and your favorite relaxing music


  • Lotion or oil (for your coach's massages)


  • Tennis ball (for your coach to rub on your lower back as counterpressure)


  • Barrette or hair band


  • Glasses, if you wear them. Some hospitals don't allow patients to wear contact lenses while in labor.


  • Camera with extra rolls of film and extra batteries


  • Video camera


  • Phone list of friends and relatives


  • Long-distance calling card. Making long distance calls from the hospital rarely costs less than making them from a hotel (and might cost more). In the excitement to share your good news, you may not care, but you might feel differently when the hospital bill arrives. A little adcance planning can save you a bundle.


  • Baby book (if you want to make entreis while labor is in progress, or save some momentos).


 RELATED INFORMATION
*  Phases of Labor
*  True vs. False Labor
*  Childbirth Preparation


Created March 07, 2001
Reviewed and revised August 19, 2004
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