* Labor Bag

Pack a small extra bag for the labor ward. Include your insurance card, pre-check in info, camera, socks, birth plan, music, list of important numbers, snacks, a change of clothes for your partner, hairbands and a t/shirt or nightie to labor in.

* Nightgowns or PJs

Make them easily accessible for breastfeeding.

* Leisure Wear

Sorry new mommies, the reality is you will still look 20 weeks pregnant, so don't even bother with your pre-pregnancy wear! 2 pairs of loose fitting pants and a couple of nice tees will be perfect.

* Robe and Slippers

Hospitals are generally really warm so a lightweight gown will do. Flip Flops or slippers are perfect for the feet.

* Underpants

Make them white cotton and cheapies.

* Comfortable Bras or Sports Bras

Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, your breast will go through some interesting changes in the days following birth. Sports Bras are great in this respect.

* 1 Box Breast Pads

As far as breastpads go, in our experience disposable are the easiest for the first days. I also really like the silicone type nipple covers, very soothing. It seems that others generally agree, so check them out.

* 3 Packets Maternity/Sanitary Pads

Sanitary pads get better every year. There's no need for big bulky ones.

* Personal Toiletries

A big word of advice: pack anything that will make you look nice, smell nice and feel nice. Even if you are not a big makeup wearer, pack a little just in case. You may surprise yourself and actually have the urge to wear it!

* Pen and Paper

*Hot/Cold Packs for all your sore bits and pieces..ouch.

* Mobile Phone and Charger

Check with the hospital to see if they are allowed first.

* For Baby

Not all hospitals require you to supply clothes for baby, but these days many do so check with individual hospitals first. If you are expecting multiples increase amount by 1/2. And if you are anything like me, I brought a huge wardrobe to play dress up with baby for the visitors
(ok, it was really for me!)

* 6 gowns
* 6 cotton onesies
* 6 light receiving blankets
* 2 pairs mittens, booties and hat
* Baby bath solution
* Don't forget a cute Take-Home outfit, great for photos!




* Newborn Diapers, the Swaddlers with the cut-out for the cord are great. But the hospital should provide these items. Get as many of the free things as possible, you'll be amazed at how much "swag" you get at the hospital!

Please for the sake of your partner or labor coach, pack them a change of clothing, a sweatshirt, slippers and a pillow or blanket. It would be very tough to do this without their support and they are often overlooked!!
I brought my own pillow, for comfort and extra support. I also brought snacks for the labor nurses, you would be amazed at how far a few treats for them will get you. You'll be the favorite room! Rolos and Starburst were big favorites, I also bought Jolly Rancher lollipops, as they allowed me to suck on these, too! I also brought a few up to date magazines and a pack of new playing cards...for you, labor coach, family and friends. It takes the burden of entertaining people off the new mom, since your main job is to get the baby out and rest!

Also, a great idea, is to check if you can register at your hospital for their "preferred patient" group, some hospitals offer this, and if so you are usually awarded with a free private room when you inform them, in advance, of your impending check-in!

Tell us what made your experience a better one! We want to know and so do the Mommies To Be! Share the knowledge...