2. Warm Socks
Both before and after your delivery, you will likely want something on your feet for when you get up to walk around, and slippers or shoes may be too cumbersome. A few pairs of warm socks will do the trick.
3. A Comfortable Pillow
The hospital will provide you with pillows, but they may not be as comfortable as the ones you have at home. If you have a favorite pillow, bring it along with you. After laying on your back for hours during labor, you will be grateful that you did.
4. Toiletries and Essentials
You can never be sure how long your labor will take, so if you need skincare products, dental care products or any other personal care item, it’s important to remember to bring it along. Otherwise, you will probably end up sending your spouse or another family member home to get items for you, which could be a hassle.
5. Entertainment
Labor is usually a waiting game, which can make for hours of boredom. Watching television in your room will probably grow old after a while, and your family members can only do so much to entertain you. Bring along magazines, books, or a laptop computer with your favorite music and movies.
6. Anti-Stress Devices
When the labor pains start growing more intense, it can be good to have an anti-stress device nearby. These devices are usually small toys that you can hold, squeeze or simply focus your energy on.
7. Maternity Underwear
Labor and its aftermath can be a bit messy, so you will want to bring along a few pairs of underwear that you don’t mind getting destroyed.
8. A Nursing Pillow
The more prepared you are to nurse your baby, the easier the process will be. Having a nursing pillow will help you learn to hold your baby in the proper feeding position and guard against excessive gas and burping.
9. Everything You Need For The Ride Home
Bringing home your baby will be one of the most exciting things you ever do, so prepare in advance by getting a quality car seat, blankets and appropriate clothing. Remember that babies are extra sensitive to cold, so if you will be delivering in winter, additional clothing may be needed.
Delivering your baby will go down as one of the most intensely beautiful moments of your life. The better you can prepare, the more of your energy you can focus on meeting your child for the first time.
Melanie Fleury is the mother of four wonderful kids. She has learned that every labor and delivery is unique but having the essentials ready to go is a great way to relieve a little bit of the stress that comes with bringing a new baby into the world. For her, the nursing pillow worked double duty as a comfortable pillow during labor and then as support while breastfeeding. The birth of your child is a glorious occasion, enjoy this time celebrating your little one.