Use this checklist to round up
everything and everyone you'll
need to feel your best
while you're in labor
at the hospital.
Start with what you'll wear.
Pack some soft, stretchy clothes
and comfy slippers.
You might want sandals
for the shower, too.
And even though the hospital
usually gives you gowns
or robes, you might feel comfier
in ones you bring
from your home.
Also, if you're planning on breastfeeding,
pack a nursing tank
top or gown.
Next, take some key tech gear.
You'll need a phone charger
to handle all
those congratulations calls
and texts.
And maybe you'd like some music
to set the mood in the delivery
room --
if so, make a labor playlist!
Also, how about a string
of party lights for a fun,
festive touch?
If you want someone to snap pics
of your baby's arrival, just let
them know whether anything is
off-limits --
like certain body parts!
Next, think of who you'd like
in the delivery room with you.
Do you want your partner
for encouragement and a hand
squeeze?
A doula or birth coach
to motivate and guide you?
It's 100% your choice which VIPs
you include, though there might
be a limit on how many people
can be in the room.
By the way, think about asking
a family member or a friend
to bring you some food --
you might be really, really
hungry after hours of labor.
So even some homemade leftovers
could taste amazing.
Last, round
of any important paperwork
you'll need.
A birth plan tells your hospital
your preferences,
like the environment you want
in the delivery room,
whether you want pain meds
or not,
visitors you're expecting,
and more.
Bring at least one type of ID,
like your driver's license,
and also take your insurance
card.
You might be
able to pre-register
for your hospital stay.
You fill out admissions
and insurance forms ahead
of time --
which lets you focus on powering
through labor
once those contractions start
coming on strong.
Take care of all these things
in advance, and your big day
will go that much more smoothly.