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Giving Birth
 
Honey, it’s Time… What to Pack for the Event

If this is your first baby, you’re probably excited and ready to pack a ton of clothes and accessories for you and your little one. Plus, you have the list from the Lamaze class, and some new pajamas, your favorite jeans and a special outfit or two for the baby…

Sound familiar?

Unfortunately, you’re probably not going to need half of the things you want to pack. Keep in mind you’re going to be at the hospital a day or two if all goes well, longer if you have a c-section. Most hospitals don’t deliver your baby in your hospital room, which means you’ll need to move up to the maternity floor after delivering. Someone (probably your husband or significant other) is going to need to play bellhop and transport your mound of luggage. If you find you’re going to stay longer than expected, someone can go home and get you the items you need. So what should you bring, and what should you leave behind for later



What You Don’t Need
The hospital provides all that you and your baby will need for your stay, so you need much less than you think. Though you might not like the brands, the hospital will provide you with soap, shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, along with sanitary napkins and hospital gowns. You may have overlooked that you’ll experience vaginal bleeding after birth, which means you may want to leave the pretty new pajamas and panties home. You’ll also want to leave your favorite jeans because you’re not going to fit into them for some time yet. The hospital will provide tee shirts and diapers for your baby, along with hospital blankets, and formula and bottles if you decide not to nurse. There’s no need for cute little outfits that could become mixed with hospital laundry and lost forever.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable clothes, or wear your hospital outfit home
  • Old, comfortable pajamas
  • Older underwear or disposable underwear, a couple of nursing bras
  • Your favorite shampoo, conditioner and toothbrush
  • Lip balm, make-up
  • Snacks, like crackers, hard candies
  • Film and camera, disposable cameras are nice. Extra batteries are a must!
  • Calling card if you don’t have a cell phone and you address book
  • Change for the vending machines
  • A book or magazine
  • Going home outfit for baby, complete with socks and hat and a disposable diaper
  • Car seat
PREGNANCY  
General Introduction to Pregnancy
Your Changing Body + Pregnancy
Your Baby’s Development
Potential Pregnancy Complications
Labor and Delivery
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PARENTING  
General Introduction to Parenting
Child Nutrition
Childcare and Education
Sleep in the Early Years
Baby Milestones
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