Things to Bring to the Hospital

Things that experienced moms recommend packing in preparation for going to the hospital to have a baby!

For labor

• Your insurance card and any hospital paperwork you need.  If you have received this handout, you have most likely already completed the pre-registration process, so you won’t need these items.  However, be sure to bring the information needed for the birth certificate as outlined in the brochure.
• Your glasses, if you need any. Even if you usually wear contacts, you’ll probably need or want to take them out at some point during your stay.  Don’t forget your contact case and solution!
• Toiletries. Include items you might want during labor and your postpartum stay, such as lip balm, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a brush and comb, and makeup, if it’s important to you. Hospitals will have soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own brands. Don’t forget a hair band and barrettes, if you think you might want them.
• You’ll need to wear a gown instead of pants so that your practitioner can check your cervix. Choose one that’s either sleeveless or has short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily and so you can slip the gown off without difficulty if you want to change or if you have an IV in place.  We provide gowns for you to wear, but you can wear your own clothes if you prefer. Choose something loose and comfortable.
• You might also want to bring your own slippers and robe for walking around during the early stages of labor. If you don’t want to risk soiling your robe, you are more than welcome to use ours.
• Something light to read, if you’re so inclined. (This might be especially helpful if you’re heading to the hospital to be induced and might be there quite a while before you have any serious contractions to deal with.)
• Massage oils or lotions, music, an extra pillow, whatever you need to help you relax. (If you do bring your own pillow, be sure to use a patterned or colorful pillowcase so it doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital’s.) Consider bringing tennis balls, a rolling pin, or a handheld massage tool to help with the discomfort and with relaxation.  These are especially helpful with back labor.
• A picture of someone or something you love, anything you find reassuring.

For your partner/labor coach

• Change for vending machines.
• A few basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
• A change of clothes.
• Some snacks and something to read during the early stages.  You are more than welcome to bring in your computer, DVD player, or i-pod.  These devices can really make the time pass more quickly.
• A camera/video camera with memory card and batteries (or film or tape). Someone has to document the big event!

Postpartum (After you have the baby.)

• A fresh nightgown, if you prefer to wear your own.
• Snacks! After many hours of labor, you’re likely to be pretty hungry, and you don’t want to have to rely on the hospital’s food. So bring your own — crackers, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or whatever you think you’ll enjoy.
• A nursing bra.   We will supply disposable underwear for you so you don’t ruin your own.  We also have nursing pads and lanolin cream to help with breast-feeding.
• Your address book and prepaid phone card or cell phone. After the baby’s born you’ll want to call family and friends to let them know the good news.  
• A going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into (believe it or not, you’ll probably still look 5 or 6 months pregnant ) — along with a pair of flat shoes. The last thing you’ll be worrying about when you go home is whether your outfit is fashionable. 

For your baby

• An infant car seat. You can’t drive your baby home without one!  If you would like to have the seat properly installed ahead of time, you can call Cheyenne County Hospital and we will schedule a time to do this before the baby is born.  When he or she is born, you will be shown how to properly buckle the baby.
• A going-home outfit (one-piece stretchy outfits are easiest) and a snowsuit if it’s very cold. Include a pair of socks or booties if the outfit doesn’t have feet.
• A receiving blanket (a heavy one if the weather’s cold)
• A cap (although they’ll usually give you one at the hospital)

What not to bring

• Jewelry    
• Lots of cash, credit cards, or any other valuables
• Work. Yes, we actually know fast-track types who have sent business e-mails from the hospital room, made work-related phone calls, and reviewed spreadsheets. But we don’t recommend it.
  
  

You may want to pack two small bags for the hospital: one for the items you’ll need during labor and another for items that you won’t need until after you give birth.  We are so looking forward to having you at Cheyenne County Hospital.