What to Pack

Mama

• 2 hospital birthing options incase your get nauseous and throw up if not wearing hospital gown (normal in the transition phase) / if a birthing tub a swim top or nursing bra

• 2 comfy outfits/pj’s and a going home outfit

• comb to squeeze during contractions (pain management)

• heat pad (pain management / DO NOT USE WHILE ON EPIDURAL, CAN CAUSE HEAT BURN DUE TO NUMBNESS)

• gum (can help not focus on contractions)

• something to squeeze or pull like a stress ball during contractions

• small speaker/ ear buds if you desire to play music or have a push playlist to help zone into mental

• birthing ball(hospital may have some limited)

• depending on when you go in, a game or something fun to entertain you (optional)

• long extension cord / chargers

• blanket and pillow

• 2-3 grip socks

• 1-2 nursing or maternity bra

• travel size toiletries BOTH (toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, soap, wash cloth, towel)

    * no strong scents! Fragrance free so baby can smell mom for breastfeeding*

    * Hospital should provide washcloth and towel but if you prefer yours for a soft feel then pack it!*

• shower shoes / slippers if wanted

• Always brand of adult diapers/period panties (hospital provides ice pads, pads, peri bottle but bring your own if yours is angled)

• essential oil diffuser or just an oil that’s relaxing to rub on your wrist (optional)

• breast pump if you’d like to talk to the lactation consultant about pumping and using it right /flange size

• nipple butter/cream (may not use but use for any pain beginning breastfeeding or using nipple shield)

•  prenatal vitamins *you’ll continue taking until not breastfeeding anymore, consult with doctor*

• DON’T FORGET BIRTH PLAN AND LABOR HANDOUTS!!!! * dad can help mom with pain using that as a reference

• insurance cards and id

Baby

• nursing pillow

• 3 outfits and going home outfit and picture/announcement outfit

• socks incase it’s cold

• swaddle (optional/ hospital uses the baby blanket but they aren’t that soft)

• pacifier (optional but would recommend to wait until breastfeeding is established well)

• carseat (if not the infant seat and a all-in-one then leave in the car installed)

• pediatrician info(they’ll just ask who did you select)

• most, if not all, use pampers for diapers and wipes, BUT if you want to use a certain brand then bring

   *if using the ones there, when you discharge, TAKE EVERYTHING OUT THE CART / diapers and wipes and whatever else. They’re in there for you to use.*

Dad

• make sure mama has everything for her and baby!

• 2-3 comfy outfits. If birthing tub swim shorts

• chargers for you and mom

• grip socks if planning on walking around and getting in bed with mama

• blanket and pillow

• same toiletries under mama's list(nothing scented so baby can smell mom and also incase a strong scent irritates mom during and after birth with hormones)

• Fun games to help distract mom until she gets into transition.

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Snacks Options

*these are great and also optional depending on preference*

• -honey sticks for energy boost

• -fruits( bananas,apples, grapes, pouches etc.)

• - body armour and coconut water for electrolytes

• - pretezles/crackers

• -Chips/cookies

• -trail mix

• -granola bars

• -sandwiches/wraps

*mom gets meals automatically from the café if birthing at a hospital but dad doesn’t so frozen meals maybe as well and nurse can show you where to heat it up) *bring enough for 1-2 days incase both are hungry.