Hospital Preparation
For labor:
- A picture ID (driver's license or other ID), your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need
- Eyeglasses. Even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you're in the hospital.
- Toiletries. Pack a few personal items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.
- Bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor and afterward, but most will allow you to wear your own clothes if you prefer. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that you don't mind getting dirty. It should be either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily. Slippers and robe may come in handy when you're walking around during the early stages of labor.
- Anything relaxing. You might want to bring a book or an iPod.
For your partner:
- A camera with charger, batteries, and memory card
- Toiletries
- Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
- Snacks and something to read
- Money for cafeteria and vending machines
After delivery:
- A fresh nightgown or loose fitting shirt and sweatpants
- A cell phone
- Snacks
- Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras. Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in.
- Gifts for older siblings. Some parents bring gifts for the new baby to "give" to big brothers and sisters.
- A notepad or journal and pen or pencil. Track your baby's feeding sessions, write down questions you have for the nurse, note what the pediatrician tells you, and jot down memories of your baby's first day.
- A going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into (you'll probably still look 5 or 6 months pregnant) and a pair of flat, comfortable shoes.
For your baby:
- An installed infant car seat. You can't drive your baby home without one! Have the seat properly installed ahead of time at PCRMC or the Rolla Fire Department and know how to buckle in your baby correctly.
- A Web Nursery outfit.
- A going-home outfit. Your baby will need an outfit to go home in, including socks or booties if the clothing doesn't have feet, and a soft cap if the air is likely to be cool. Make sure the legs on your baby's clothes are separate so the car seat strap can fit between them.
- A receiving blanket.
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Respiratory: Learn how PCRMC can help you breathe easier.
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