Dr. Spock’s Pregnancy Guide

We’ve all had nightmares — or seen movies — where you feel those first labor pains, tell your husband it’s time and rush to the hospital without the all-important “hospital bag.”

We also know that packing a well-organized bag can alleviate a lot of pre-baby stress (and bad dreams).

So we spoke to Cleveland-based OB/GYN Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, author of Dr. Spock’s Pregnancy Guide and The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, to get expert tips on what to pack for your labor (and postpartum) bags.

Now you can check one more item off your labor to-do list — and instead focus on the unforgettable journey to come!

Click below for all the tips!

Labor Bag:

Key Documents
If you’ve written a birth plan make sure you pack a copy, along with your insurance card.

Comfort Items
Items such as massage oil or lip balm can help. Pack both energizing and relaxing styles of music, and check if you need to bring a CD player or MP3 speakers, or if the hospital provides them. You should also pack items such as books, magazines or playing cards in case labor progresses slowly — which it might!

Care Essentials
Bring what you’d want in a normal overnight bag (toothbrush, toiletries, etc.), plus a robe, socks and slippers. And pack some snacks. You and your support team will appreciate them while you wait.

Multimedia
Pack a still and/or video camera with extra batteries (check the hospital’s policies first). Also bring your phone/email list. A calling card may come in handy in case the hospital won’t let you use your cell phones in the room. If your hospital has Internet access for guests, you may want to bring a laptop, too.

Postpartum bag:

Nursing Essentials
If you plan on breastfeeding — which offers benefits such as an immunity boost for baby and protection for mom from breast cancer — remember to pack a few essentials like lanolin and nursing pads to get you off to a good start.

One easy option is the Medela Breast Care Gift Set, which includes Tender Care Hydrogel Pads, Lanolin, bra pads, a Mother’s Minder bracelet to help you remember which side you last fed on and a breastfeeding resource booklet. Also be sure to pack a nursing bra. Not sure what size you need? Check out medela.com.

Post-labor Outfit
This includes a few pairs of clean maternity-size underwear, pajamas, socks and soft, loose-fitting clothes for when you leave.

All Things Baby
 Choose an outfit that covers your baby’s feet (or includes socks). Also pack a baby hat and blankets to keep your child warm. Finally, make sure you have a diaper bag stocked with diapers, wipes and a change of clothes.

And don’t forget the car seat. It’s best to have it already installed and checked by a certified child passenger safety technician before the big day.

— Kate

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