Preparing to welcome a baby is an exciting time! If you plan to give birth in a hospital, you might be wondering what you need to do to prepare for your hospital stay.
Preparing for birth is a two-part process. It requires packing the right physical items, and it’s just as important to have the right conversations and know some logistics before you head to the hospital.
Here are some of the non-physical things you should consider and be prepared with before birth:
Look into classes held in your community or at the hospital that will help you prepare for labor, birth, and postpartum. These can be a great place to get your questions answered by a professional.
Get familiar with the hospital you plan to go to.
Know where to park, what doors to enter, etc. Many labor and delivery units offer tours while you’re pregnant.
Learn about their visitor policies and decide if you’re open to visitors.
Know their photo and video policies.
Know how to properly install your baby’s car seat.
There are free car seat inspection stations around the state where professionals can help you make sure you’re using your car seat correctly.
Decide your birth preferences.
These are the things that are most important to you for your birth, and can include things like your desired pain relief methods, skin to skin with your baby, etc.
If you’ll have support people in the hospital with you, have a conversation with them about your birth preferences so they can know and respect them. They can help advocate for you.
Every birth experience is different and plans can change throughout the labor process, but it can be helpful for care staff to know what’s important to you. Their priority will always be keeping you and your baby safe.
When it comes to packing a hospital bag, you may need to bring less than you think! The hospital will provide a lot of the things you and your baby will need. Here are some of the essentials to consider when packing your hospital bag:
For mom:
Photo ID
Insurance information
Phone charger
Basic toiletries
Contacts or glasses if you wear them
Water bottle
Clothes (dark colored and something that would have fit at 6-7 months pregnant)
Robe/lounge wear
An outfit to go home in
Nursing bra
For baby:
Blanket
A newborn size outfit to go home in
Car seat (leave it in the car)
Depending on your preferences, you may also want to bring things like a book to read, your own pillow or blanket, or specific snacks you like.
If a partner or support person is coming with you, they’ll want to have their own bag with some essentials similar to yours.