Preparing for the hospital

Prior to your due date, begin to plan for your trip to the hospital. An early labor could catch you by surprise.

Arrange Your Household

• Arrange care for other children while you are in the hospital.
• Organize the baby's room with necessary furnishings and supplies.
• Organize the house and family for the time you will be away.

Prepare a Childbirth Bag

• Prepared childbirth instructions, notes, class materials or book
• Important phone numbers of relatives and friends
• Include your copy of "You, Your Baby and Covenant"
• Warm socks
• Lotion or cornstarch
• Mouth fresheners (lollipops, mouthwash)
• Lip moisturizer or Vaseline
• Paint roller or rolling pin (for back pressure)
• Quick energy snacks for your childbirth coach and/or change for use in vending machines/cafeteria

Pack Your Suitcase

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, other personal toiletries
• Slippers
• Night gown(s) and robe
• Panties, Bras/Nursing bras and nursing pads
• Going home outfit for your self and baby (season-appropriate)
• Baby blanket
• Sweater, bunting, bonnet for cold weather
• Car Seat - properly installed in car for ride home.
• Please leave cash/credit cards, expensive jewelry at home.