Essential Items for Your Maternity Hospital Bag

Having a baby is an exciting time, and you don't want to be unprepared when you head to the hospital. Here are some tips about what you really need to pack so you're comfortable and ready for the big day.

Preparing a hospital bag ahead of delivery can help new moms stay organized and comfortable for the big day. It's a good idea to pack the bag about a month before your due date, so you're ready to go when baby is ready to arrive.

Kathy Donahue, director of Maternal-Child Services at Doylestown Health's VIA Maternity Center, has 30 years experience caring for and teaching new families.

"The most important thing to bring is patience and an open mind. Babies don't come with instruction manuals and every baby is different. The nurses are here to help you. Enjoy every minute of this wonderful experience!" said Kathy.

Kathy shares her list of items to bring for delivery and afterwards.

Essentials include:

For Mom:

• ID card, insurance card, a list of any medications you take and the dosages, and any necessary hospital paperwork
• A couple pairs of warm, non-skid socks or slippers for walking around before and after labor
• A warm robe
• Loose, cotton sleepwear: nightgowns or pants with tops
• Eyeglasses, contacts, cleaning solution, storage case
• Two maternity bras (whether or not you plan to breastfeed, they are more comfortable)
• Personal items: Toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, hair dryer, deodorant, lip balm
• Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people you plan to call
• Camera, battery or charger, extra memory card
• Change of clothes, an outfit to wear home
• 2 pillows from home for mom; 2 pillows from home for your partner
• Snacks
• Cash and change for vending machines (Do not bring lots of money, jewelry or anything you can't part with)
• Music and magazines
• Your personal breast pump and lanolin for breast care
• You may want to bring an extra bag for all the paperwork and baby gifts you'll likely receive

For Baby:

• Car Seat – it is best to have it checked by a Car Seat Safety Technician to confirm proper installation in the car prior to baby's birth
• Outfit to take the baby's picture, and clothes to wear home from the hospital

The VIA Maternity Center provides the following items, so you don't need to pack these:

• Soap
• Towels
• Breast pump for purchase
• Breast pads
• Maternity underpants and sanitary napkins
• Diapers and wipes for baby
• Formula – Similac and Enfamil brands

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