If you visit any parenting website or read any parenting book, there will undoubtedly be a list of what to pack in your hospital bag for delivery day. These lists are very nice, very long, and unfortunately, often very unrealistic. Granted some of you will indeed light your relaxing scented candle, turn up the Enya on your Bluetooth speakers and give birth in a gorgeous, brand new birthing gown. But for the rest of us, here’s what you’ll really want to pack for D-day.
Traditional list: Cute birthing gown, slippers, socks.
Reality check! FYI – the birthing process is messy. True, hospital gowns are no chic fashion statement, but they get can easily be moved out of the way, they get job done and you don’t care what gets on them. Most hospital also offer socks if your feet get cold during delivery. Some kind of easy on/off footwear like sandals can be helpful if you’re making laps around the delivery ward trying to get your labor going.
Traditional list: Birth announcement envelopes to address
Reality check! There is a good chance that you may have some downtime while you wait to dilate. But I’m pretty sure that carefully addressing envelopes in between contractions isn’t going to sound like much fun. Instead stash some of your favorite magazines in your bag or keep the TV remote close by. You’ll want something easy, enjoyable and distracting while you wait.
Traditional list: Important papers
Reality check! This one IS important. Be sure to pack your driver’s license, insurance card, hospital forms, and if you’ve made one, a birth plan.
Traditional list: Electronics
Reality check! Cell phones, cameras and video cameras are important for capturing those first moments, but be sure to pack chargers or extra batteries too. Definitely not the time you want to run out of power.
Traditional list: iPod and speakers, tennis balls, massage oil, inspirational object, etc.
Reality check! While it doesn’t hurt to pack these items, there’s a good chance you won’t actually use them. Choose one or two that may have the most impact for you to stash in your bag, but don’t plan on transforming the hospital room into your perfect sanctuary. If the aesthetic of the delivery room is especially important to you, look into giving birth at a delivery center or into home birthing options.
Traditional list: A nursing bra and pads
Reality check! Your milk won’t come in until 3-4 days after delivery so pads are usually unnecessary as leaking won’t be a problem – yet. Also, until your milk comes in you won’t really know the size your boobs will be so buy a cheap, soft, easy to open/close nursing bra to get you through the first few days. Avoid anything with underwire, lace, or complicated clasps. Learning how to breastfeed can be tricky enough without battling your bra each time too.
Traditional list: Toiletries and hair products
Reality check! Giving birth is no spa getaway so leave your full toiletry kit at home. Definitely pack some lip balm, your toothbrush, hair ties and those one or two key beauty products (lip gloss, concealer, etc.) that will help make you feel slightly put together when guests drop by to say hello.
Traditional list: Cute post-delivery coming home outfit
Reality check! Although you’ve just given birth to your baby, you’ll still look pretty pregnant, so leave the skinny jeans at home. Pack a pair of your maternity yoga or sweat pants that are comfy, easy to get on over the post-delivery granny panties you’ll be wearing, and if you’ve had a C-section, can be adjusted to find a comfortable position with your incision.
What did I forget? What were you glad you packed for your delivery day?