Preparing To Give Birth

What's in your birth bag?

When prepping for the hospital, some people tend to pack like they're moving to another country. Other people might only bring along their husbands. Either of those extremes is probably not the best idea, so, with that in mind, here are a couple of checklists you might enjoy. Take a look — there might be something we've thought of that could be useful for your big trip.

So — what do you want in your Birth Bag?

The basics: you've probably already thought of these, but...

Admission forms/papers
Baby name book
Camera and/or video camera
Film and tapes
Cash
Phone/phone card
Charger for your phone (don't forget this one)
Gift for a sibling
Health insurance card
Pregnancy/birth reference book
Birth plan (if you have one)

Additional items to consider for labor:

Birth ball
Facecloth from home (maybe with a distinct color or pattern, so it doesn't wind up in the hospital laundry)
Hot water bottle
Lollipops and hard candy (for dry mouth)
Lotion and/or powder (for massage)
Massage/aromatherapy oils
Tennis balls (for back massage)
Watch or stopwatch (with a second hand for timing contractions)

Additional items to consider for the comforts of home:

Books/magazines
Small cooler with drinks and snacks
CD/audio player
CDs
Extra pillow (maybe with a colored pillowcase, so it doesn't get into hospital laundry)