Labor Is Coming – Are You All Packed and Ready to Go?

For months, you have endured everything pregnancy has thrown your way. And now, you’re in the homestretch. Only weeks away from finally holding your little one in your arms (rather than in your uterus), it’s time to start preparing for his or her arrival. While you continue stocking up on all the baby gear you’ll need and readying the nursery, there’s one super-important third trimester to-do to add to your list: packing your hospital bag.

“When you go into labor, there are some essentials you’ll need to bring with you to the hospital, as well as some other items you may want to bring to help make your labor and hospital stay a little more comfortable,” says obstetrician gynecologist Alexis Achey Lewis, DO, with LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology–Fogelsville. “You’re going to want to have these items all set to go before labor begins. So, if you are a woman with a high-risk pregnancy – such as an expectant mom of twins – I’d recommend having your bag(s) packed by 35 weeks. In other cases, I’d recommend having everything together no later than 38 weeks as you’ll want to have that hospital bag ready for whenever baby decides to show up.”

When packing your hospital bag, keep in mind your potential length of stay in the hospital.

“On average, moms who deliver vaginally are looking at one to two days in the hospital, while moms who deliver via C-section are looking at closer to three or four days in the hospital,” Dr. Achey Lewis says.

If you’re planning to deliver at Lehigh Valley Hospital, you’ll be provided a hospital gown and grippy socks as well as a breast pump for in-hospital use during your stay if desired. But here are some other must-haves you’ll want to bring with you:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• Cellphone and charger
• Slippers or flip-flops
• Two or three pairs of warm, nonskid socks (You’ll want these for walking the halls before and after labor.)
• Basic toiletries and personal items, including a hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion (Travel-sized products are your friends.)
• Lip balm or moisturizer
• Eyeglasses or contacts and solution, if needed
• Headband or ponytail holder (Avoid clips, as they may poke you.)
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges (These will keep your mouth moist during labor, whereas candy with sugar will make you thirstier.)
• Maternity bra and/or nursing or pumping bra if you plan to nurse (Make sure they don’t have underwire.)
• Breast pads (Whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak protection.)
• Loose, lightweight clothing and sleepwear
• Comfortable, loose going-home clothes (You’ll want these in six-month maternity sizes and flat shoes – or just wear the clothes you came in as they’ll probably still fit.)
• A few pairs of maternity underwear, preferably options that can get ruined (Several pairs of disposable underwear and large sanitary pads will be provided. If you’re prepping a C-section hospital bag, ensure you have options designed for your incision’s recovery.)

Optional:

• Bathrobe
• Very light reading for early labor (Think light-hearted book, magazines or newspapers.)
• Bluetooth speaker or earbuds
• Bath towel
• Sentimental item from home, such as your favorite pillow or blanket
• Breastfeeding pillow
• Fitness/birth ball (Available at the hospital as well.)

While diapers and wipes will be provided by the hospital, your baby will need a few things, including:

• Approved infant car seat (Make sure you know how to use it and have it installed before arriving to the hospital.)
• A going-home outfit and hat (Bring clothes in different sizes to make sure they fit, such as a newborn size outfit and 0-3 months.)
• Personalized receiving blanket if desired
• Baby nail file
• Pacifier (If you want your newborn to have a pacifier during your hospital stay, you will need to bring one from home. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend pacifiers for breastfeeding newborns until breastfeeding is well established, typically three to four weeks after delivery.)

Don’t forget your partner should pack a bag for themselves, too. Since you’ll both likely be spending a night or two (or more) in the hospital, your partner should gather some overnight essentials, plus a few things to keep them occupied, including:

• Cellphone and charger
• Change of clothes, including sleepwear
• Basic toiletries – including toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens and solution, if needed
• Nonperishable snacks (Bring enough so you don’t run out, and don’t forget change for the vending machines.)
• Mints or chewing gum for fresh breath
• Entertainment (Whether it’s something to read, listen to or watch, they’ll want a way to pass the time.)
• Bathing suit (In case they need to help their partner in the tub or shower during labor.)
• Phone numbers of family and friends