So congratulations, you’re expecting a bouncing baby boy or girl to join your family soon. And after months of seeing your tummy grow and become heavier, and experiencing countless squirming and kicking in your belly, the time for delivery is fast approaching.

Mommies who have given birth previously may have the routine right down pat. But if you are a first-time mom, the weeks and days leading up to the delivery date can both be exciting and anxiety-filled. While you can’t wait to meet your baby and to have it come into the world, you may also be feeling a little panicked about the things you need to prepare.

If you are a constant traveler, you know that one of the most important things to do is to mindfully pack your suitcase in advance. You would do well to adopt the same mindset when it comes to giving birth. While the experience is not exactly a vacation, going to the hospital entails being away from home for a day to around 4 days and possibly even longer. 

But where do you as a first-time mom start?  Well, fret no longer. To help you and other expecting moms with the packing, we made a handy guide! Read through these tips so you can get an idea of how your packing for your hospital trip should go. 

Start packing three weeks before the expected date of birth.

The best time for you, with the help of your partner, to start packing the hospital for you and your baby is around 3 weeks before your expected date of birth. Remember that the actual date of birth can actually be within 7 days from the expected due date. While first-time moms are more likely to give birth later than their due date, having the hospital bags for mom and baby ready is never a bad idea. Better be prepared early than end up scrambling and forgetting things.

Give the hospital a ring to know what items they have on hand for moms and babies.

Make a list of items you feel you need or even want to bring. Once you’re done with the list, check with the hospital if they provide these items or if they are included in your bill. That way, you won’t up overpacking.

Also, check with the hospital the items you want to bring and check if they’re allowed. For example, you want to bring scented candles. Would the hospital allow you to light the candles up? If not, don’t bother bringing them. You’ll end up with more space for items you can actually bring inside. 

Pack with going to the hospital and going home in mind.

Your hospital bag should be packed mainly for going to the hospital. But don’t forget that after several days, you and your baby will also be going home. You aren’t going to stay in the hospital forever, after all! Items in your bags should be for this purpose. Include clothes for you and your baby, as well as baby diapers, tissues, and cotton balls. You might also want to include a baby carrier or stroller. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations on how to transport your newborn safely.

Use spacious and sturdy bags.

You might want to just bring one bag, but remember, your needs and the baby’s needs are different. It would be good to have a separate bag for each of you. It will make it easier for you to know which bag to reach for when you need an item for yourself or for your baby.

Also, it is recommended to bring an extra bag. Family and friends who visit may bring gifts for you and the baby, and it’s better to have that extra bag to accommodate those items. Even the hospital might provide items that you would have to take home.

What are specific items to pack for mothers?

Here are some things that you should definitely include in your bag (or your partner’s bag if they are the ones giving birth):

• A purse or wallet that has your identification cards. Include some loose change as well. The coins will help you when you get the sudden urge to grab a drink or a bite from any of the hospital vending machines.
• Your medications list and medications, vitamins, or any supplements that you take, if any. 
• Your birth plan, if you have one. This will inform the doctor, nurses and hospital staff about your preferences, wishes, and goals for your delivery – before, during, and even after your baby is born.
• Sleepwear, comfortable loose clothes, and underwear to make your hospital stay as comfortable for you as possible.
• Non-skid socks and slippers that can help you move around the hospital room with your feet protected.
• Your cell phone and charger. If you wish, you can create a playlist beforehand for you and for your baby. 
• Your usual toiletry items. These will not be provided by the hospital, so make sure to include them in your bags.
• A good number of nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed your baby.
• Support underwear, compression wrap, and fiber-rich snacks, if you have been advised that you will undergo caesarian delivery.
• Comfort items like your favorite pillow or book.
• Anything else you feel would help you during your hospital stay.

What items should be packed for the baby?

While your baby may not need anything coming into the hospital, he or she will definitely require a few items while you are checked in and after you are both discharged from the hospital, such as:

• A set of baby clothes for your newborn to wear. Bring more than one set, because you never know when your baby will need changing.
• Newborn diapers and non-toxic wipes for easy clean-up when the baby poops.
• A beanie, mittens, and socks or booties to make sure your baby is all covered up and warm.
• A baby blanket, since newborns like to snuggle
• Bottles and formula if you opt not to breastfeed your baby. Bring plenty of formula cans because newborns eat a lot!

 State laws also require newborn babies to be transported in an approved car seat for the baby’s protection. 

Coming home with your newborn: a whole new chapter

Giving birth to your baby signals the end of your pregnancy. It also marks the beginning of a whole new chapter in your life as a mom, as well as the start of your baby’s life in this world. Giving birth is truly life-changing. However, you may also feel overwhelmed with your new baby. Not only is it something you’ve never experienced before, you may also be dealing with postpartum adjustment issues.

If you need help navigating this momentous event in your life once your baby is born, postpartum doulas can provide the support you and your family need once you and your baby come home. Doulas of the Valley offer skilled care and support to your growing family. We are trained to recognize signs of postpartum adjustment issues and to quickly address the concerns for healthy outcomes. 

For doulas who care, check us out at Doulas at the Valley.