This is the fifth in a series of posts about things a birth partner should plan ahead for.
- Plan Ahead – The Drive
- Plan Ahead – Birth Plan
- Plan Ahead – Setting up at Home
- Plan Ahead – Take Birthing Classes
- Plan Ahead – Packing
- Plan Ahead – Know Her Situation
- Plan Ahead – Be Ready to Comfort
- Plan Ahead – Series Wrap-Up
Packing for the hospital is not complicated. It’s also not something that needs to be left until the last minute. Packing should be done in two sets, only one of which can be done ahead of time. You are packing for three people: mom, birth partner, and baby.
Packing – Round One
The first set of packing is straightforward. Pack everything that you’ll need for the hospital stay (typically two days, but check with your hospital to make sure) that you don’t need to have out. You probably don’t want to pack your eyeglasses, for example.
Before you start throwing things into suitcases, find or make a checklist of items to bring. I recommend the one in the book, though there are plenty of them out there. Basically, you’re packing for a two-day hotel stay in which people will be in and out of your room, and mother-to-be will likely be breastfeeding. Some things to remember:
- Toiletries
This can be one of the more difficult things to pack, because you use those daily. It might be worth buying your next set of most things (toothbrush, shampoo, etc) and packing the new stuff. - Eye care (if you, like me, are not blessed with good vision)
- Clothes
For the mother-to-be, comfy pants and tops are highly recommended. Nursing bras and tank tops should also be on your list. Besides the comfy clothes, pack an outfit for going home. - Pajamas suitable for wearing in public
Nurses will be in and out of your room, even when you’re asleep. They may lift up the covers to check on the just-became-a-mother. Don’t be like the guy I heard about in a birthing class who was surprised by the nurse pulling back the covers (to check on the mother) only to discover he preferred no pajamas at all. That’s just awkward all around. - Slippers or heavy socks
- Camera and extra batteries
- Cell phone(s) and charger(s)
- Laptop(s)
- Checkbook
Depending on your state, a check may be required for the birth certificate. Call your local hospital, or ask during one of the birthing classes. - Cash for vending machines (snacks)
- Birth plan, notes from your Comfort Techniques class or other classes, the Field Guide book
- Insurance card
- List of people to call after the birth
Of course, you’ll want a few things for Baby:
- Going-home outfit
- Newborn pictures outfit (optional, and let’s be honest, Baby will be cute in any outfit)
- Nursing pillow
- Blanket
- Car seat
Check with your hospital. Most likely, they will provide sleepers and hats for Baby during your stay. You may bring your own, but you will have to be careful that they don’t get put into the hospital laundry by mistake.
As you go through your packing checklist, write down everything that you can’t pack ahead. This will be your Last Minute Packing Checklist. It should be as short as possible. The fewer things you have to do when you decide it’s definitely time to head to the hospital, the better.
Last Minute Packing
You may not have a lot of time for last-minute packing. Or you may. Because you don’t know, keep your Last Minute Packing Checklist as short as possible (this is why it might be good to buy an extra set of toiletries). Keep it somewhere easy to find (taped to your suitcase?).
Before it’s time for last-minute packing, make sure you know where everything is (laptop: dining room table) and where it will get packed (laptop: computer bag kept in the hall closet).
You don’t have to wait until you’re absolutely sure labor has begun to do your last-minute packing. If you guess wrong, you’ll have to unpack. If you guess right, you’ll be ready ahead of time. Either way, when it’s time for last-minute packing go through your Last Minute Packing Checklist. Pack each item quickly and calmly. Now you’re fully packed, and ready to go have a baby!
Next up in the series: Plan Ahead – Know Her Situation