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| health > women > story page |         |
Moms-to-be: What to pack for the hospitalJuly 6, 1999
By Kim Wallace
(WebMD) -- Expectant moms have nine months to pack for the big day, yet some rush to the hospital without giving it much thought. It's a good idea to pack for your hospital stay at least three weeks before your due date. The following guidelines will help ensure you're ready to go when your baby is. Summarize your health information First-time mom Alison Buttenheim of Claremont, California, compiled copies of her hospital forms and health records in a binder for easy reference. "Having that binder was a huge help," she said. "During labor people would ask me questions, and I could just refer them to the binder."
Keep several pillows and blankets in your car to rest on, a hot-water bottle for comfort, a watch with a second hand to time contractions, towels and a bowl in case of nausea and a paper bag to combat hyperventilation. Install the baby's car seat correctly ahead of time, following the manufacturer's directions carefully while strapping it in -- it should be a rear-facing infant seat positioned in the middle of the car's back seat. Never place a child seat in the front seat, especially if your car has a driver's side air bag. A trip to the hospital -- even if it is a joyous occasion -- can be nerve-wracking, so many women find it helpful to bring a little bit of home with them. New mother Jennifer Starkey of McKinleyville, California, recommends bringing sanitary napkins with adhesive, a terry cloth robe (great for when you're leaving the birthing tub), toiletries and pillows from home. "Having your own pillow is definitely comforting," she said. "The hospital pillows are bleached and covered in plastic -- they're good for putting between your knees or under your back, but not ideal for resting your head." "The woman should also bring her own gown to wear -- preferably one that opens in front and is familiar," said Elise Kimmons, a staff midwife at Community Midwifery Services in Eugene, Oregon. (Most hospital gowns open in the back, making it difficult for a laboring mom to leave her bed for fear of backside exposure.) Some women tote along photographs of other children or a favorite pet because these family members often are not allowed in the hospital delivery room. In a birth center the rules are usually more relaxed. Besides the basics, your hospital bag should contain items that will help make your birthing experience calm and pleasant. A hot-water bottle or a rice-filled sock that has been sealed and heated in a microwave can be laid on your abdomen or back to help relieve labor pains. For staying cool and hydrated, lip balm, body lotion and a portable fan work wonders. Other popular relaxation aids include cold packs, music and for massage, scented oil and a tennis ball (to be rolled on your back). "Music that the mother and coach have been listening to and that means a lot to them creates a nurturing environment -- not only for them, but for the hospital staff," said Sarah McMoyler, Women's Health Education Manager at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, California. "The staff then enters this intimate environment, and it's really powerful for everyone involved." If you plan to bring music, find out if the hospital has CD or cassette players on hand. If not, ask if there are electrical outlets or if you'll need to bring batteries. It's also important to ask about a power source if you're considering videotaping the birth. Once you get the green light to leave the hospital or birth center, your new baby will need to be well protected for the trip home. Bring an undershirt, diapers, a receiving blanket to bundle the baby in and a sleeper with legs to ensure a snug fit in the car seat. As for your going-home outfit, it should be something comfortable and very loose-fitting. "I packed a pair of overalls that were baggy on me before I got pregnant," Starkey said. "But I couldn't fit into them yet. Don't make the same mistake!"
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