What to Pack for You & Baby on D-Day?

Well, it turns out that a few people actually wanted to see the list that I used to pack me and my baby's hospital bags for delivery day.  Now this is just one version of probably a thousand that are out there in cyberspace, but it's a good guide that you can add to or take away from.  The list was actually given to my friend, Leah, and I from a friend of hers who recently had a baby here at Fort Bliss.  So anyway...here it is.

For the baby:

• A few diapers (the hospital will have some, but just in case for when you leave the hospital)
• Baby Wipes (I just put a travel size pack in the bag)
• Footie pajamas (at least 3)
• Going home outfit
• Socks/shoes (if outfits don't have feet)
• Cap (to keep head warm)
• Pacifier (if you're planning on giving him/her one)
• Blanket (I packed 2)
• Bibs
• Burp Cloths (I packed 4)
• Lotion & Diaper Ointment (I packed a travel size pack that came all in one set at Babies R Us, complete with lotion, ointment, shampoo, etc.)
• Car Seat

For mama:

• Copy of birth plan (I don't have one; I'm a go-with-the-flow type)
• Blue hospital card (never seen one of these, so I didn't pack one)
• ID Card (now this, I do have!)
• Eyeglasses and solution/container for contacts
• Lip balm (lots--you will be very dry)
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Brush/Comb
• Hair bands/barrettes
• Socks
• Underwear
• Nursing Bra/Breast Pads
• Robe (or something to cover with if you have visitors)
• Pajamas (make sure they're loose fitting)
• Poise Pads (for bladder control; these are better than what the hospital will give so use after you get home too; expect to bleed for about 3 weeks or longer, so make sure to have a good stock of heavy, medium, and light flow pads)
• Tucks Pads with Witch Hazel (for the swelling you may experience, but the hospital can also prescribe proctofoam)
• Pillow (optional)
• Blanket (optional)
• Going home outfit (loose-fitting)

For Support Person:

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Change of clothes
• Socks
• Blanket
• Snacks
• Camera
• Bathing Suit (just in case he/she needs to get in the shower or bath with mama)
• Reading material/something to entertain

And there you have it!  Now for you expectant mothers out there...get ready, get set, PACK!!!